SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice

dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

CONDITIONALS1
TYPE IF-CLAUSE MAIN CLAUSE USE
Type 0 Conditional If + present simple present simple scientific facts
If metal gets hot, it expands. general truths
If you stand in the rain, you get wet. laws of nature
Type 1 Conditional If + present tense future real situation (likely to happen in the
(or imperative (instruction, advice) present or future)
should + bare infinitive: more doubtful or polite) ought to (advice)
had better (advice) + infinitive
should, must
may, can
If it rains, we'll stay at home.
If you should see him, give him my message.
Type 2 Conditional If + past tense would advice or imaginary situation in the
could present or future (unreal or unlikely to
happen)
should + infinitive
might
If I were you, I would tell her the truth. (advice)
If he were here, he could help me. (imaginary situation)
Type 3 Conditional If + past perfect would imaginary situation in the past (regrets,
could (ability/ + have + past participle unfulfilled plans, wishes impossible to
fulfil, criticism)
permission
should (advice)
might (possibility)
If he had worked harder, he would have been promoted.

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The part of the handout devoted to conditionals is based on Evans, 2006, unit 7.

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 SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice
dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

Notes If the Mayor comes, we'll hold a meeting. (He may come or he may not.)
When the Mayor comes, we'll hold a meeting. (He will definitely come.)
• Future tense (will/would) with a future meaning is never used in if-clauses.
However, will/would can be used to express polite requests or insistence. Even if the Mayor doesn't come, we'll hold a meeting. (Whether he comes or not
doesn't affect the result).
If you will wait for a moment, I'll wrap it for you. (request)
If you will go on chatting, I'll send you out of the classroom. (insistence) Provided (that)
Providing (that) the Mayor comes, we'll hold a meeting; (We'll only
• The if-clause can either precede or follow the main clause. When the if-clause
As long as hold a meeting if he comes.)
precedes the main clause, we put a comma after it. When the main clause
comes first, no comma is used to separate the two clauses. Unless the Mayor comes, we won't hold a meeting. (We'll only hold a meeting if
he comes.)
If he is still in Paris, he may visit us. (He may visit us if he is still in Paris.)
Suppose the Mayor comes, we'll hold a meeting (It is unlikely that he
• unless (= except if) is used in first conditional sentences. Supposing will come, but if he does, we'll hold a meeting.)
Unless he gets a promotion, he'll resign. Since the Mayor can't come, we won't hold a meeting, (the fact that
• When referring to imaginary or unreal situations, suppose can be followed As he can't come means that we can't hold a meeting.)
either by Simple Past or Past Perfect for present or past situations, In case the Mayor comes, we'll prepare for a meeting. (It is unlikely that he will
respectively. Suppose, however, can be followed by Simple Present to express come, but we'd better be ready for the event as it's not impossible that he will.)
a situation which may happen in the future, or to introduce suggestions.
INVERSION IN IF-CLAUSES
Suppose she had married the film star, do you think she'd be happy?
Suppose she is on holiday, how shall we contact her? When there is should, were or had in the if-clause, the subject and the auxiliary
verb can be inverted and if is omitted.
• In reported speech, the verb tenses of first conditional sentences change in If he should ring, tell him to come at 7.00.
the usual way, whereas those of second and third conditional do not follow Should he ring, tell him to come at 7.00.
the usual changes with the verb tenses remaining unchanged. If I were you, I wouldn't say that.
"If I am back early, we'll go out for dinner," he said. Were I you, I wouldn't say that.
He said that if he were/was back early, we would go out for dinner. If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have done such a thing.
"If I were you, I wouldn't say that," he said. Had I known earlier, I wouldn't have done such a thing.
He said that if he were me, he wouldn't say that. MIXED CONDITIONALS
"If he had been ill, he wouldn't have come to work, "she said.
She said that if he had been ill, he wouldn't have come/gone to work. A mixed conditional sentence makes use of one type of if-clause and a different
type of main clause.
• Other expressions used in place of if are the following: on condition that,
even if, even though, when, provided (that), providing (that), as long as, IF-CLAUSE MAIN CLAUSE
suppose, supposing, since, as, unless (if not), but for + gerund/noun, in case Type 2 If she knew the truth, she would have told me Type 3
+ Present (for the present) or Past (for the past). Type 3 If she had accepted his proposal, she would be married now Type 2

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 SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice
dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

Ex. 1 Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense. 6 They can't have caught the ferry. Otherwise they would be here by now.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
1 If ………………….. (be) you, I ………………….. (not/listen) to his lies. 7 He must eat meat. He asked for a steak.
2 If he ………………….. (not/eat) that sandwich, he would not have suffered …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
from food poisoning.
8 She isn't reliable. She would never have let you down.
3 Father Christmas won't bring you any presents unless you …………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(be) a good girl.
9 They didn't ban hunting. The tiger is endangered.
4 As long as you …………………..(do) your best, no one will criticise you.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
5 He put the answerphone on in case anyone ………………….. (want) to leave
him a message. 10 Aren't you sure? Why did you agree to it then?
6 Supposing we …………….. (be/stop) by the police, what ……………….. (we/say)? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
7 If you ………………….. (tell) me you were cold, I ………………….. (put) the fire on. 11 My father loves Shirley Bassey. He bought all her records.
8 What ………………….. (we/do) if John hadn't helped us? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
9 If she were rich, she ………………….. (not/have) to work. 12 He is a pessimist. He always looks on the black side.
10 Go and see a doctor in case you ………………….. (have) a serious illness. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
11 You won't understand this unless you ………………….. (pay) attention. Ex. 3 Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first
12 What ………………….. (you/give) me if I ………………….. (keep) your secret?. sentence using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use
13 Even if he ………………….. (beg) me I would not help him. between three and eight words, including the word given.
14 If this case ………………….. (go) to trial, it will cause a national outcry. 1. If I were him, I would not be late for the interview. better
15 Supposing no one ………………….. (invent) the silicon chip, ………………….. He …………………………………………………………………………………………………the interview.
(things/be) different now? 2. You won't be punished provided you admit it was your mistake. long
Ex. 2 Write the correct conditional for the following sentences. You won’t be …………………………………………………………………………………………..to your mistake.
3. Since he is an only child, his parents have spoiled him. not
1 He hasn't got a free weekend. He would have visited us, then.
If …………………………………………………………………his parents wouldn’t have spoilt him.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
4. If I had been you, I would have punished him. shoes
2 He has made a lot of friends. He isn't lonely now.
If …………………………………………………………………………………………….have punished him.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
5. If you revise all your notes, you'll pass the exam. provided
3 You are soaked. Why didn't you bring an umbrella with you?
You’ll pass……………………………………………………………………………………….all your notes.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
6. If it wasn't for the good pay, I wouldn't stay in this job. but
4 He can't be in trouble. He would have called by now.
I wouldn’t ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..pay.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
7. If you don't get to work on time, you'll be given the sack. punctual
5 He has lost his security pass. He won't be allowed to enter the building.
Unless ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. the sack.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

8. As you've got a high temperature, you'd better go to the doctor's. were A were we C we had been
If …………………………………………………………………………… about your high temperature. B we were D had we been
9. As I couldn't answer any of the questions, I walked out of the Maths exam. so 7 If he ….. as honest as you believe, he wouldn't have done that.
I couldn't ………………………………………………………………………… out of the Maths exam. A were C would have been
10. But for his help, I wouldn't be in my current job. got B would be D have been
If it hadn't ……………………………….……………………………………………………my current job. 8 "What would you do in my place?" "Were ….. treated like that, I'd complain
11. If Mary were feeling well, she would have come to Tom's party. since to the manager."
A I to be C I have been
Mary must …………………………………………………………………………………… to Tom's party.
B I to had been D to I be
12. If someone gave you a free airline ticket, where would you travel to? to
9 What would you do if you ….. rich?
If you ……………………………………………………………………… where would you travel to?
A have been C would be
Ex. 4 Choose the correct item. B were D would have been
1 "Should I eat that?" "If I ….. you, I wouldn't." 10 What would you buy, provided ….. the money?
A would have been C were A had you C have you
B would be D had been B you had D you would have
2 "Thank God we came across that policeman! "Oh, yes! What ….. done if you 11 ….. you go on talking, he'll ask you to leave.
hadn't?"
A Unless C When
A would you have C had you B If D Suppose
B were you to have D will you have
12 "Why are you screaming?" "If you burn yourself, it….. you know!"
3 "So, are you going to buy it or not?" "If it ….. so expensive, I would."
A would have hurt C have hurt
A were C hadn't been B hurts D hurt
B weren't D isn't
13 ….. I been informed, I'd have attended the meeting.
4 "Why do you have to get a taxi to work?" "Well, if I didn't live so far away, I
A Should C Had
….. to."
B Were D Would
A wouldn't have C wouldn't have had
14 "….. you were ill, we wouldn't have come." "Don't be silly! I always enjoy
B hadn't had D didn't have
your company."
5 ….. pay attention in class, you won't pass the test.
A Were we to know C Should we have known
A If you didn't C If you don't B Had we known D Had we to know
B Unless you don't D Unless you wouldn't
15 Suppose they ….. at home, what shall we do?
6 "Why don't we ask Martin to chair the meeting?" "Well, suppose ….. to ask
A aren't C hadn't been
him, do you think he would accept?"
B weren't D won't be

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 SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice
dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

WISHES AND UNREAL PAST2

Form Use
I wish (If only) + past simple regret about a present situation which is unreal, impossible or unlikely
I wish he were/was here now.
I wish (If only) + past perfect regret about a past situation
If only he had behaved himself at the party last night.
I wish (If only) + subject + would + present infinitive complaint/regret about the present; willingness, request; wish about sth not likely
We never say: I wish I would to happen; unwillingness; insistence
I wish he would stop lying. (I'm fed up with his lies.)
I wish you would help me. (Please, help me.)
I wish (If only) + subject + could + present infinitive regret about present or future situation caused by lack of ability
I wish I could speak French.
I wish (If only) + inanimate subject + would + present infinitive a wish for a change in the future which is not likely to happen
If only it would stop raining.
Remember that after wish or if only we go one tense back. This means that we use Simple Past to refer to the present and Past Perfect to refer to the past.

Notes
• Wish expresses a hypothetical desire, if only expresses regret or strong desire. Both wish and if only can be used interchangeably, but wish is used for something that
may happen, whereas if only is used to express that what is wished does not exist.
I wish she wasn't/weren't always late.
If only I knew what to do!
• Wish + infinitive = want to (formal).
I wish to be informed of all the details. (I want to be informed of all the details.)
• Wish + personal object + object is used in some fixed expressions of good wishes.
I wish you all the best.
• We use hope instead of wish for wishes about things that are likely to happen.
I hope you get the job. (NOT: I wish you would get the job).

2
The part of the handout devoted to unreal past is based on Evans, 2006, unit 8.

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 SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice
dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Ex. 5 Write a wish for each of the following sentences.
14 You and your next door neighbour had an argument and now he won't speak
1 You want to go on holiday this summer, but you haven't got any leave left. to you.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2 You neglected to have your clothes dry-cleaned. 15 Adrienne saw a beautiful winter coat but it cost one month's pay.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3 Louise realised she left her lecture notes at home.
Ex. 6 Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use
4 Tim didn't have enough time to go to the bank during his lunch hour. between three and eight words, including the word given.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1. Please, stop talking because I can't concentrate on the film. quiet
5 It was unusually cold, so we couldn't go to the beach. I ……………………………………………………………………………I can't concentrate on the film.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2. Why don't you show me your stamp collection? let
6 Mathilda wanted to be auditioned for the National Ballet I ………………………………………………………………………………………… your stamp collection.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3. You look tired. Why don't you go to bed early tonight? better
7 You didn't put the ice cream in the fridge and now it is spoilt. You …………………………………………………………..…………………………………… you look tired.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4. Zoe has a job which makes her feel very stressed. less
8 You didn't do mathematics in high school and now you regret it. Zoe……………………………………………………………………………………………….…..…………. job.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5. Meg wants to be left alone because she's upset. rather
9 It didn't occur to you to take wet weather gear on your walking tour in Meg ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. she's upset.
Scotland and now you're drenched
6. I regret having committed myself to so many private lessons in the evenings.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… not
10 Your best friend won't lend you her white silk dress because last time you If ……………………………………………………………………….. private lessons in the evenings
spilt coffee on it.
7. He regrets not taking her threats of leaving him seriously wishes
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
He …………………………………………………………………………………. of leaving him seriously.
11 Theresa's dog keeps the neighbours awake because it barks all night.
8. I would love to go on a round-the-world trip. able
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I …………………………………………………………………………………………. round-the-world trip.
12 You have lost your reference from one of your previous jobs and now you
need it for an interview. Ex. 6 Choose the correct item.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 0. If only I ….. then what I know now!
13 Dina gets cross because there is a lot of traffic in the street where she lives. A had known C could know
B knew D was known

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 SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice
dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

1 "It's time you ….. in bed. It's almost midnight, isn't it?" "You're right."
9. "You're looking tired." "I'm exhausted. I wish my neighbours ….. loud music
A are C had been when I'm trying to sleep."
B have been D were
A haven't played C won't play
2 "That trip was a nightmare." "Yes, I wish we ….. " B wouldn't play D hadn't played
A went C hadn't gone
B have gone D go UNREAL PAST

3 "I overslept and was late for work again!" "You'd ….. that clock fixed; it We can use the past simple to talk about imaginary, unreal or improbable
hasn't worked for over a week now." situations in the present, and past perfect when we refer to imaginary, unreal or
A rather have C better have improbable situations in the past. This use of the past tenses is called unreal past.
B better to have D rather had
Past Simple Past Perfect
4 "You missed an exciting start to the football match." "Yes, it's a pity I ….. on
time." • conditional type 2 • conditional type 3
If I were you, I would resign. If I had been told earlier, I wouldn't
A am not C wasn't have acted this way.
B haven't been D hadn't been • wishes (present)
I wish I were in London. • wishes (past)
5. If only I ….. the bill; we wouldn't have been cut off. If only you hadn't ruined my dress!
• I'd rather/sooner sb ... (for present
A paid C had been paid situations) • I'd rather/sooner sb ... (for past
B have paid D had paid I'd sooner you answered me now. situations)
6. "I shouldn't have missed Mary's party." "It's a pity you …..; we had a lovely • suppose/supposing I'd rather he hadn't behaved like that
time." Suppose you were fired, what last night.
A haven't come C weren't coming would you do? • suppose/supposing
B didn't come D hadn't come • as if/as though Suppose you had lost all your money?
He behaves as if he owned the • as if/as though (when the action of
7. He regrets ….. enough time to finish the exercises.
place! the as if clause has happened
A not to have C not having earlier than the action of the main
• It’s (about/high) time...
B not have had D to not have clause)
It's time we left.
8. "Do you mind if I tell Mary about your trip?" "Well, I'd rather you ….. anyone He looked as if he had won the pools!
else about it."
Notes
A wouldn't tell C not to tell
B didn't tell D haven't told • Suppose can be followed by a verb in the present tense to express a situation
which may happen in the future or to introduce suggestions.
Suppose he isn't at work, where shall we find him?
"We haven't got any Coke." "Suppose we drink lemonade instead,"

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 SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice
dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

• As if/as though can also be used with perfect tenses to express a real Ex. 7 Choose the correct item.
comparison.
1 "It's a pity Sarah is still unemployed." "Yes, if only she ….. university."
The cottage looks as if it has been renovated. (It probably has).
A would have finished C would finish
WOULD RATHER = I’D PREFER B had finished D finishes
• when the subject of would rather is also the subject of the following verb 2 I wish I ….. their help when it was offered.
I’d rather + present bare infinitive (present/future reference) A would accept C had accepted
perfect bare infinitive (past reference) B have accepted D accepted
I'd rather have fish for lunch. I like it a lot. 3 Suppose she ….. that outrageous story circulating around the office; she'd be
I'd rather have told him before. He wouldn't have been angry with me. furious!
• when the subject of would rather is different from the subject of the A has heard C were heard
following verb B would hear D had heard

I’d rather + past simple (present/future reference) 4 "Susan looks ready to cry". "It looks as if Peter….. her birthday again!"
past perfect (past reference) A had been forgetting C has been forgetting
B had forgotten D has forgotten
I'd rather you left before the guests arrive. They'll be here soon.
I'd rather they had left earlier. They wouldn't have missed their flight. 5 "Why are you glaring at me?" "You treat me as if I ….. your slave."
HAD BETTER =SHOULD A were C have been
B was being D had been
• I had better + present bare infinitive (present/future)
We had better cut down on fats. (=We should cut down on fats.) 6 I'd rather you ….. the deal in writing by the end of next week.
• It would have been better if + Past Perfect (past) A confirmed C had confirmed
It would have been better if you hadn't behaved impolitely. B have confirmed D confirm

Notes 7 "You're looking rather pleased with yourself." "Suppose your boss …..
you a big bonus, you would too."
• prefer + gerund/noun + to + gerund/noun (general)
A had offered C would offer
I prefer orange juice to tomato juice.
B has been offering D had been offered
I prefer swimming to climbing.
• prefer + full infinitive + rather than + bare infinitive (general) 8 It's time you ….. about your future.
I prefer to travel by car rather than (travel) by coach. A to think C thought
B had thought D think
• would prefer + full infinitive + rather than + bare infinitive (specific)
I'd prefer to have apple pie rather than have spinach pie. 9 If only she ….. to her principles, she wouldn't have been led astray.
• would rather + bare infinitive + than + bare infinitive (general or specific) A sticks C had stuck
I'd rather sleep than watch TV. B stuck D have stuck

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 SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice
dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

10 "I can't think of a good excuse for being late." "You ….. e honest and tell 3 I'd rather you ….. a noise last night; I couldn't get to sleep.
the truth." A wouldn't make C didn't make
A had better C would have been better B hadn't made D haven't made
B would better D had better to
4 If only we ….. more people, then we wouldn't be feeling so lonely.
Ex. 8 Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first A had known C have know
sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use B knew D were known
between three and eight words, including the word given.
5 It's high time you ….. the balcony. It's covered in leaves and dust.
1. Why didn't you take the day off work? better A cleaned C had cleaned
It ………………………………………………………………………………………….the day off work. B to be cleaned D to have cleaned
2 "You'd better tidy your desk" he said. to
He ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… desk. 6 "My washing machine is about to break down." "If I were you, ….. a new
one."
3 He'd rather eat with friends than eat alone. prefers
He ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… alone. A I'd bought C I'll buy
B I bought D I'd buy
4 If we don't leave now, we won't catch the train. or
We'd ……………………………………………………………………………………... catch the train. 7 If only they ….. their tickets; I've got two spare ones.
5 It's time you started learning French. for A didn't buy C wouldn't buy
It's ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… lessons. B hadn't bought D haven't bought
6 I prefer to go by car rather than go by coach. sooner 8 If John ….. the train instead of driving, he wouldn't have been late for work.
I ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… by coach.
A would catch C caught
7 You really should learn to drive. high B should catch D had caught
It's ……………………………………………………………………………………………….….. to drive.
8 I'd prefer you to do the washing-up now. rather 9 Suppose the stock market ….. how much money would we have lost?
I'd …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… now A had crashed C has crashed
B crash D would crash
Ex. 8 Choose the correct item.
10 Sally would prefer to pursue her studies ….. to look for a job.
1 She's such a snob; she behaves ….. the Queen.
A rather than start C rather than starting
A as if she has been C as if she were B to starting D than to start
B like she were D like she was
2 "Have I done something wrong?" "I wish you ….. more tactful; you're always
offending people."
A were C were being
B have been D had been being

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 SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice
dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

ADDITIONAL EXERCISES3
III. Complete each of the following sentences in such a way that it is as similar in
meaning as possible to the sentence before it.
a It's lucky I know you or I'd be deeply offended.
I. For each of the following pairs of sentences, decide a) if both are correct or
If …………………………………………………………….……………. I'd be deeply offended.
only one, and b) if they are both correct, do they mean the same?
b Fortunately, they're on e-mail, otherwise they'd never have received the news
EXAMPLE: If he had agreed, we'd start now. in time.
If he were to agree, we'd start now.
Were ……………………………………..………………. they'd never have received the
Both correct; different meaning (one past reference, news in time,
one future reference)
c Could you hold my briefcase so I can move this table?
1. a) Police are demanding that all cars are searched. If you would be ……………………………………………………………. move this table.
b) Police are demanding that all cars be searched.
d They may change their minds, in which case they'll let us know.
2. a) Come what may, we'll still go out tonight. Should ………………………………………………………………………. they'll let us know.
b) Be that as it may, we'll still go out tonight.
e I don't think we will, but if we did sell this flat, how much do you think we'd
3. a) I'd rather you didn't speak to him like that. get?
b) I'd rather you hadn't spoken to him like that. Were …………………………………………..………. how much do you think we'd get?
4. a) Had I got on that plane, I would have been killed. IV. Fill each of the gaps with a suitable word or phrase.
b) If I got on that plane, I would have been killed.
a. Even if you ………………….. help you, I don't think I would have been able to.
5. a) It's getting late: it's time I wasn't here.
b. I ………………….. up so early this morning if I'd known you weren't coming
b) It's getting late, it's time I left.
until after lunch.
II. In each of the following sentences fill the three gaps with one of the words c. If you'd known then what you know now, …………………..done?
given. You can use some words more than once. Some words you do not need
d. Had ………………….. your timely intervention, they'd have given nearly all
at all.
their money to that con man.
long forgotten had will get weren't better e. If only ………………….. to my father's advice, I'd be a successful lawyer by now.
provided drive have are run must
V. Which sentence does not contain a Present or Past subjunctive, or Unreal
a As …………… as we …………… there early enough, we …………… get good seats. Past tense?
b If we …………… leaving, I'd …………… my coat.
1 I propose that this street be closed to cars.
c …………… we don't…………… into heavy traffic, we…………… see you at seven.
2 If I was in his shoes, I'd give up.
d If those…………… Marion's keys, she…………… have …………… them.
3 I'm suggesting that he reconsider my proposals.
e If you …………… so fast it's not surprising you …………… an accident.
4 Imagine you are going to fall asleep.
3 5 You talk as if you really meant it.
The part of the handout devoted to additional exercises is based on Side and Wellman, 2002, unit 5.

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dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

VI. Add one of these common phrases to each of the sentences. VIII. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first
sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. Use between
come what may suffice it to say be that as it may
God forbid so be it far be it from me
three and eight words, including the word given.

1 If, ……………………………………………………… , you were to die, who'd run the Example: The management want to suspend you without pay. preference
business?
The management's preference is that you be suspended without pay.
2 I don't want to explain. , ……………………………………………………… Aunt Sarah is
coming to stay after all. 1 Our neighbour talks as if he owned half the county, doesn't he? think
3 If you really want to drop out of college, then, ……………………………………………
To hear our neighbor ……………………………………………….. county, wouldn't you?
4 , ……………………………………………………… , I'm determined to finish decorating my
room this weekend. 2 What would you do if you couldn't look after yourself? incapable
5 , ……………………………………………………… to tell you what to do, but you'd be mad Suppose you ……………………………………………….. yourself, what would you do?
to marry him. 3 It is essential that you tell us everything. importance
6 'This medicine tastes horrible!' ', ……………………………, it will cure your cough.'
It is of the ……………………………………………….. be kept fully informed.
VII. Fill each of the gaps with one suitable word. (In this exercise, words such as 4 If they reject her appeal, she'll lose all her insurance claims. down
didn't and weren't count as one word.)
Should her appeal ……………………………………………….. lose all her insurance claims.
Example: Imagine we hadn't met all those years ago! 5 Are you saying you don't want me here? sooner
1 I can't tell you how much I wish the architect ………….. here to see the results Are you saying ……………………………………………….. here?
of his work. IX. In each of the following sentences, cross out any of the underlined verb
2 It's time you ………….. able to take full responsibility for your own forms that we cannot use.
actions. 1 If you leave / will leave your things lying around, you shouldn't be surprised if
3 If he ………….. so self-righteous, he'd realise he was wrong. you lose / will lose them.
4 Imagine you ………….. completely blind: how would it affect your life? 2 If you wait / will wait here a moment, I'll tell Mr Brown you're here - assuming
5 He looked for all the world as though he ………….. been sleeping in his clothes. he’s / will be in.
6 I really wish I………….. always in so much of a hurry these days. 3 If you trust / will trust me, I take / will take the money to him, providing you
7 If only she ………….. so impossibly beautiful! have / will have it with you now.
8 I'd rather you ………….. talk so loudly, if you don't mind. 4 If the unit fits / will fit in the corner there, I think it is / will be the best place,
unless you can / will think of anywhere else.
5 If you help / will help me work out whether we need to make another order at
the moment, I spend / will spend some time tomorrow helping you with your
statistics, if you like / will like.

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 SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice
dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

X. Either two or all three of the main clauses (a-c) can complete the sentences 2 Supposing we do go ahead with the building, it can't be before June.
(1-6). Put a cross (X) next to those that cannot. If we are ……………………………………………………………………………………… will/earliest
1. Do that again and a I'm leaving. 3 Should anything happen to make you change your mind, let me know.
b I can't help you. If by ……………………………………………………………………………..,………… chance/might
c you would be sorry.
4 Supposing the world was going to end tomorrow, what would you do tonight?
2. Assuming you're going to see him, a. tell him about the meeting. Were the world ……………………………………………………………………………… about/spend
b. will you give him a message from
5 I think not having school on Mondays sounds like quite a good idea.
me?
c. he can't be a complete recluse. I think it …………………………………………………………………………………… might/better
6 Nico's useless at maths so he can't become an accountant.
3. If the boss is feeling relaxed, a. we all feel the same way
b. the inspection will go all right. Were ………………………………………………………………………………………… better/able
c. it would be a bad sign. XII. Match the beginnings (1-8) with the second halves (a-h) to
4. If Paul's been to Australia, a. he'll probably have acquired an make complete sentences.
accent.
1. If you've seen it, a) it can't be as bad as that.
b. I think you should go there.
c. he would certainly go to New 2. If you enjoyed it so much, b) how come you know how it ends
Zealand.
3. If you don't want to see it, c) why were you asleep at the end?
5. If you're still not sure, a. you hadn't been following.
4. If you haven't seen it, d) I'm not sure I would.
b. you can't have been concentrating.
c. it's clear you weren't listening. 5. If it was that bad e) why don't you remember who's in
it?
6. If you will gossip about other people, a. you've got to expect people to
gossip about you. 6. If it won all those awards, f) you must have heard something
b. people are gossiping about you. bad about it.
c. you can't expect others not to
7. If you like slapstick comedy, g) why didn't you walk out?
gossip about you.
8. Even if you enjoyed it, h) this is the film for you.
XI. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first
sentence, using the new beginning and the two other prompt words. Do not
change the given words.
Example: I don't know if we're late because I don't have a watch.
If I had a watch, I'd know whether we were late. had/whether
1 I think you should formally complain to the manager.
If ……………………………………………………………………………………… were / complaint

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 SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice
dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

XIII. Write sentences that are a part of a chain, as in the examples. XIV. Match a sentence from the left (1-8) with a response on the right (a-h).
Examples: I cheated from him in the entry test. We finished up in the same class.
1 Would you mind if they came along? a) If only he would
If I hadn't cheated from him in the entry test, we wouldn't have finished up in the
same class. 2 Would you like me to give you a hand? b) I suppose it is
We used to do our homework together.
3 Do you feel it might be best if I said yes? c) Of course I will.
If we hadn't finished up in the same class, we wouldn't have done our homework
together. 4 Could you let me know if you change your mind? d) I'd rather they didn't
1 We started to find out quite a lot about each other. (Begin: If we 5 You'd feel better if you got some fresh air. e) I think it would
………………………... homework together, ...........................................)
6 Don't you think it's time we were leaving? f) I'm sure you would.
2 We discovered that we had a lot in common.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Do you reckon he'll leave? g) Perhaps I would.
3 He invited me to go to the National Gallery. 8 I would if I could, you know. h) Oh, if you would.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
XV. Fill each of the numbered blanks with one suitable word
4 We saw the most incredible paintings.
In accordance with your recent request, we are pleased to supply the following
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
reference. Miss Baiocci (1) ……………, I am sure, be a real asset to your
5 I'm a true art-lover now.
organisation, knowing as she does a great deal about the way a company such as
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… yours operates. There are very few duties here that I could (2) ……………,
6 I went to the National Gallery again yesterday. confidently entrust her with, and if she were (3) ……………, join you, you (4)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………, soon come to (5) ……………, her organisational and interpersonal skills. If
7 I met another art-lover there. it (6) ……………, not clear that she (7) ……………, determined to move away from
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… this area, we would (8) ……………,everything we (9) ……………, to keep her here.
8 I'm going out to dinner tonight. Assuming we (10) ……………, to lose her, I (11) ……………, be happy to know that
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… she (12) ……………, being taken on by a company with a reputation such as you
9 I didn't phone you. enjoy. (13) ……………, any further information be (14) ……………, I (15) ……………, be
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… happy to supply it.
10 You haven't warned me yet about going out with art-lovers.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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 SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Grammar Practice
dr Ewa Nowik-Dziewicka Handout 4 – Conditionals

XVI. For each of the following sentences, say whether a or b, or both, can
complete the sentence. Tick any that we can use, put a cross (X) for any that we
cannot use.
a we'd have spent more time sailing,
1 If it hadn't been for the awful
b we would go there again.
weather
a I wouldn't be so angry,
2 If I'd realised you weren't
b I can do something.
coming,
a you -wouldn't have done what you did
3 If he had told you the truth,
b you wouldn't be in this predicament.
a I'd easily have got permission,
4 If it wasn't for the endless
b I'd try again.
bureaucracy
a they're stupid,
5 Had they explained their
b you'd understand.
reasons,
XVII. Fill each of the blanks with a suitable word or phrase.
Example: If you had been in my shoes, what would you have done?
1 If …………………………………………….. for the postal strike, the cheque would have
arrived today.
2 In those days you would have been breaking ……………………………………………..
ID card on you at all times.
3 Had we …………………………………………….. misinformed about the bus times, we
wouldn't have been late.
4 In retrospect you might …………………………………………….. advised to get a
lawyer.
5 If loannis stayed that long at the party, …………………………………………….. been
having a good time.
6 But …………………………………………….. fire alarm alerting us, the building would
have gone up in flames.

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