Chapter 4: Conditionals – I wonder . . . What if?
II. The Four Conditionals: Details and Exercises
1.0 Real or Realistic Actions or Situations
1.1 The 0 Conditional
1.1.1 Real or Possible Situations
The 0 Conditional is for actions or situations that are real or possible. In fact, for the 0 Conditional the cause is almost certain to happen. It is not a matter of if it will happen, but rather when it will happen, though we are not really concerned about when it will happen. It is very predictable—so it is really a fact.
Example
- It is possible that it will rain at some time, and it is highly likely that you get wet—every time it rains.
1.1.2 Predictable Situations
In the 0 Conditional, the cause and its effect are predictable or are very likely to happen because the happens regularly—at almost any time or any place. Sometimes we know that it will happen because we choose to do the ‘cause-action’.
It is usually for activities in general and not a specific situation.
Example
Cause: Freezing temperatures (0o Celsius or 32o Fahrenheit)
We say, “Water Freezes if the temperature is 0o Celsius or 32o Fahrenheit.”
- Here we choose the cause—a temperature of 0o Celsius or 32o Fahrenheit.
1.1.3 What do We Use the 0 Conditional For?
The 0 Conditional is for used for:
- facts or rules, things are always true,
- actions that repeat and can happen anytime or anywhere—or we choose the cause-action,
- actions in general and not specific actions at specific time.
The 0 Conditional is almost like the 1st Conditional, except that we focus on one possible cause only, which we choose to focus on. There is only possible cause, because we choose the cause. The 0 Conditional is used for actions or situations which use the simple tense:
Examples
- It is possible to use ‘when’ or ‘whenever’ with the 0 Conditional because the cause/effect relationship is certain. Every time you do ‘X’, ‘Y’ happens or could happen.
When you push this button, the light goes on.
If you boil water, steam rises.
- Note: This is for a general situation and not a specific situation.
Compare!
General Situation (can happen any time):
- If you boil water, steam rises. (this is the same as ‘whenever you boil water’)
Specific Situation:
- Person A: How can I switch the light on?
Person B: If you push this button, the light will go on.
1.1.4 Verb Tenses with the 0 Conditional
1.1.4.1 Simple Tense
Because the 0 Conditional could be for things that repeat over time, for facts, for things that are always true or are generally true, or situations where we choose to make the cause happen, we use the Simple Present or Simple Past Tense for both the cause and the effect. The cause might happen at any time and so the effect can happen at any time.
Examples
When/if the sun rises, the temperature goes up. (simple present tense)
Whenever it was sunny, I felt happy. (simple past tense)
1.1.4.2 Verb Tenses in the 0 Conditional
Dependent Adverb Clause (Cause): If/When + Simple Present/Simple Past
Independent Main Clause (Effect): Simple Present/Simple Past
Examples
Present
If the sun is out, it gets warmer.
Past
When it was sunny, it always got warmer.
1.1.4.3 Continuous Tense or Perfect Tense
It is possible to use the continuous tense or the perfect tense only in certain cases where a continuous action or a perfect tense happens repeatedly. In this case, ‘if’ could be replaced by ‘when’ or ‘whenever’. Here, while the conditional clause may be in the continuous or perfect tenses, the result or effect clause is in the simple tense, because the action happens repeatedly.
Examples
Whenever I am watching the Northern Lights, I am filled with amazement.
Whenever I have eaten too much (cause/effect), I feel sick.
1.2 The 1st Conditional
1.2.1 Real or Possible Situations
The 1st Conditional is also for actions or situations (causes) that are real or possible. However, just because they are possible does not mean that they WILL happen. They might happen or they might not happen—but they are causes or situations that are possible. There could some variation in the effect, but the cause is possible.
Example
If it rains, you will get wet (or you might get wet) if you forgot your umbrella.
- Here, it is possible for it to rain.
1.2.2 Unpredictable Situations
Unlike 0 Conditional, the 1st Conditional is for unpredictable situations – we don’t know if the cause will happen or not happen.
The 1st Conditional is for cause/effect situation where we don’t know if the cause will happen or not happen. So, we also don’t know if the effect will happen. We might choose what the effect will be, but it will only happen if the cause happens.
Example
- Note: Here we have chosen to buy a new car, but it will only happen if I get a higher paying job.
The 1st Conditional is for specific cases and possibilities (not general possibilities) which have not happened yet, so the effects are in the future. We don’t yet know if the cause will happen, so we don’t know what the effect will be.
Examples
General Situation (can happen any time)
- If you boil water, steam rises. (this is the same as ‘whenever you boil water’)
Specific Situation
- Person A: How can I switch the light on?
Person B: If you push this button, the light will go on.
Here, it is not certain that the person will turn the light on—they have a choice, and right now they may just want to know how to do it. The cause might happen or not happen. There could be two or more possible things that could happen, but only one will result in the effect. But, for the effect to happen, there is a condition—the cause must happen first.
This is usually used for causes that are unpredictable and or uncertain, and the effect may or may not happen in the future. The effect depends on whether or not the cause happens.
1.2.3 What do We Use the 1st Conditional for?
The 1st Conditional is used to talk about our choice or possible choice if something happens OR to make a prediction about what will happen or could happen if a certain cause happens first.
Examples
If she comes late, I will leave without her.
If it rains tomorrow, we will not be able to go to the park.
The effect could be more nuanced.
Examples
If it rains tomorrow, we might not be able to go to the park.
If she comes late, I might leave without her.
We can also use it to express that the predicted or desired affect or action that happens will happen in spite of which potential cause happens. Here, we use ‘whether or not’ instead of ‘if’.
Example
I will be buy a new car whether or not I can really afford it.
- In this case, because we don’t currently know if the cause will happen, the effect must happen in the future, so we use the future tense for the effect.
1.2.4 The Sentence Structure of the 1st Conditional
The Sentence Structure of the 1st Conditional is the same as for the 0 Conditional. Conditionals are formed by creating an dependent adverb clause, using ‘if’ as the Subordinating Conjunction.
- In the 1st Conditional, we do not use ‘when’ because it is not a repeating action. It is a specific action rather than a possible action in general.
This is the clause which expresses the cause. The idea of the dependent clause, with its Subordinating Conjunction, is then completed with an Independent Clause, which expresses the result.
1.2.5 Verb Tenses in the 1st Conditional
With the 1st Conditional we don’t currently know if the cause will happen. Since the cause has not yet happened, the effect must be in the future, so the verb in the effect clause must be in the simple future tense or a future form of the verb (there are several forms).
Dependent Adverb Clause: If + Present Verb Form
Independent Main Clause (Simple Future):
- ‘will’ + base form verb
OR - ‘going to’ + base form verb
OR - ‘going to’ + future form verb (i.e. simple tense used for the future for scheduled events)
Example
Other future verb forms and more nuanced verbs can be used.
1.2.5.1 Present Situation
Examples
If she comes late, we might leave without her. (modal)
If I am still sleeping at 8:00, please wake me up! I need to go to work. (imperative with the simple tense)
If you fail this test tomorrow, it is probably because you didn’t study. (past prediction)
1.2.5.2 Future Situation
If the cause is a possibility in the future, we usually use a present verb form for the future, even if the cause/condition is in the future. The effect clause is usually in the future tense, using ‘will’ or ‘going to’.
Examples
If we can get time off from work, we are going to take a vacation in July.
If my plane comes late tomorrow, I will miss the wedding.
If my plane will come comes late tomorrow, I will miss the wedding.
However, other forms are possible, including the use of modals and imperatives.
Examples
If you want to go for dinner tonight, I might be available.
If you are available for a meeting, please call me.
If you can get this done by 3:00, that would be great!
The result can also be more nuanced (somewhere between 100% and 0%).
Examples
If it rains tomorrow, I might not go to the park.
If you have a fever, you could have the flu.
If we work hard, we are more likely to be successful.
Other verb forms are possible, but they are usually logical and can be figured out.
1.2.6 Special Cases
1.2.6.1 Whether or Not
It is also possible to express that the effect does not depend on the cause. In other words, the effect will be the same if the cause happens OR doesn’t happen.
Here, the Independent Conditional uses ‘whether or not’ as a subordinate clause. It must use ‘or not’ to be used for the same cause/effect function as a conditional. Otherwise, it only expresses the uncertainty of an action or situation.
There are other similar phrases used for this purpose, such as “Ready or not, we need to leave now.”
This is for situations where there are two or more possible causes, but effect doesn’t change—the effect is independent of the cause. It is usually used for cases where we expect certain effects to happen, depending on which cause happens. However, the effect will happen independent of the cause. This is often, though not always because of our choice.
Examples
Whether or not it rains, I am still going hiking. (my choice)
Whether or not it rains, this plant is going to die.
1.2.6.2 Unless
This is used to emphasize that it is possible that the effect will not happen or that the effect may not be possible, because the cause seems uncertain.
Here we use ‘unless’ instead of ‘if’.
Example
Exercises
- Put /slashes/ around the 0 Conditionals in the following paragraph. Underline the Dependent If Clause (the cause) and double underline the Independent Clause (the effect).
The Laws of Nature: Predictable Effects
The results of doing dangerous things are predictable. Yet, some social media influencers are putting their lives at risk to get that incredible picture that will get them thousands of views. They think that they can break the laws of nature, for example, the law of gravity. If an object is 500 feet above the ground, it will fall, unless there is something to keep it from falling.
Yet some social media stars forget this rule and get too close to the edge of a cliff and fall to their deaths. Another example is Einstein’s calculation of E=MC2. This, in simple terms, says that, if something heavy goes very fast, it has a huge impact when it hits something. Yet, some people forget about this rule when they drive their sports cars at 160 kph (100 mph) on a busy highway, while they are paying more attention to their camera than to their driving. Here is a prediction to think about. If you think you can break one of the laws of nature, you have probably failed your physics class.
Answers show/hide
The results of doing dangerous things are predictable. Yet, some social media influencers are putting their lives at risk to get that incredible picture that will get them thousands of views. They think that they can break the laws of nature, for example, the law of gravity. /If an object is 500 feet above the ground, it will fall, unless there is something to keep it from falling/.
Yet some social media stars forget this rule and get too close to the edge of a cliff and fall to their deaths. Another example is Einstein’s calculation of E=MC2. This, in simple terms, says that, /if something heavy goes very fast, it will have a huge impact/ when it hits something. Yet, some people forget about this rule when they drive their sports cars at 160 kph (100 mph) on a busy highway, while they are paying more attention to their camera than to their driving. Here is a prediction to think about. /If you think you can break one of the laws of nature, you have probably failed your physics class/.
- Underline the 1st Conditional verbs in the following paragraph. Put /slashes/ around the Dependent If Clause (the cause) and #pound signs# around the Independent Clause (the effect).
Thinking of the Consequences
Figure 4.2 Carbon emissions If people don’t get serious about reducing carbon emissions, it will have serious consequences in the future. In fact, the consequences seem to be happening much sooner than we expected. However, it will not be an easy path. If we don’t confront our current attitudes towards the production of unnecessary goods, we will continue to dump huge amounts of carbon into our atmosphere. But it will also necessitate the confrontation of those who have a bigger interest in their own profits than in what is good for the planet, which also means what is good for every single person on the planet, including themselves.
The attitude of some of these entities was, “If we produced this harmful products, it didn’t really matter—as long as I can benefit.” Perhaps some of them also thought that if they stuck my head in the sand like an ostrich and pretended that the effects would not really happen, it would somehow all work out in the end—wishful thinking. Or perhaps they thought that bad things only happen to other less powerful people and not to them—they themselves will not be affected by this.
But maybe if we all spend more time making friends and enjoying them, maybe we won’t need the short-term and addictive fix of buying one more thing, traveling to one more place, and spending one more hour building our castles in the sand. And if we quit buying the things we don’t really need, those that sell them will someday be washed away by the waves of the sea.
Answers show/hide
/If people don’t get serious about reducing carbon emissions/, #it will have serious consequences in the future#. In fact, the consequences seem to be happening much sooner than we expected. However, it will not be an easy path. /If we don’t confront our current attitudes towards the production of unnecessary goods/, #we will continue to dump huge amounts of carbon into our atmosphere#. But it will also necessitate the confrontation of those who have a bigger interest in their own profits than in what is good for the planet, which also means what is good for every single person on the planet, including themselves.
The attitudes towards polluting our earth are changing. In the past, the attitude of some of these powerful ‘entities’ was that /if we produced these harmful products/, #it didn’t really matter#—as long as we ourselves benefited.” Perhaps some of them also thought that /if they ignored what was obvious to everyone else/, #the effects would not really happen#. It would somehow all work out in the end#—wishful thinking. Or perhaps they thought that bad things only happen to other less powerful people and not to them—they themselves will not be affected by this.
But maybe if we all spend more time making friends and enjoying them, maybe we won’t need the short-term and addictive fix of buying one more thing, traveling to one more place, and spending one more hour building our castles in the sand. And if we quit buying the things we don’t really need, those that sell them will someday be ‘washed away’ by the waves of the sea.
- Match the following causes with an appropriate effect. First, write the letter of each result clause in the left column next to the dependent conditional clause that it matches. Next indicate whether the conditional is a 0 Conditional or a 1st Conditional in the second column on the left.
Example: 100. zDependent Clause (the Cause) (100) If it rains Independent Clause (the Effect) (z) our flowers grow. Dependent Clause (the Cause) (1) If you study now, (2) If there is a severe drought this year, (3) If we buy a dog, (4) When there is a solar eclipse, (5) Whenever it is sunny out, (6) If she drinks too much coffee, (7) If there is a forest fire, Independent Clause (the Effect) (a) I think about going to a park. (b) people travel from around the world to see it. (c) many animals die. (d) our lives will be busier. (e) she gets a headache. (f) you won’t feel as much stress later. (g) food prices will increase. Answers show/hide
Cause Effect Conditional 1 f 1 2 g 1 3 d 1 4 b 0 5 a 0 6 e 1 7 c 0 - Write your own effect to finish the sentences below.
- If I spend too much time alone, .
- If I don’t get enough time alone, .
- If my friends don’t text me for a while, .
- Whenever I eat foreign food, .
- In the past, if I made my parents angry, .
- In the past, if my parents were angry with me, .
Answers will vary.
- Write the correct form of the verb for either the 0 Conditional or the 1st Conditional in the blank next to the verb in (parenthesis). If there is a auxiliary verb in the past, be sure to use the past auxiliary form. Use the proper past, present, or future form for modals (see “Simple Modals and Verb Tenses” on chapter 6 part II).
Past- If the waves (be) too big, we (go out, not) in our kayak.
- Whenever the bell (ring) on last day of school, we all (rush out) of the classroom and cheered.
- If there (be) an economic recession, small businesses (need, often) to take out a loan to keep their business going.
- If my parents (have) enough time, we (go) to the beach.
- Sometimes when I (have) a birthday, and if my parents (have) enough money, they (plan) a party for me.
Answers show/hide
- were, didn’t go out
- rang, rushed out
- was, often needed
- had, would go
- had, had, would plan
Present- If you (blow up) that balloon too big, it (pop, can).
- We (have, can) lunch together if you (come) to my house at noon.
- If Jorge (charge, not) his phone tonight, he (be able, may not) to call us if he needs help.
- If Karna (increase) sales by 5% this year, he (get) a raise.
- Yuka (be) sure to visit her grandfather if she (travel) home on New Year’s day.
Answers show/hide
- blow up, could pop
- can have, come
- doesn’t charge, might not be able to
- increases, will get
- will be, travels
Future- If Sara’s plane (arrive) late tomorrow, I (be able, not) to pick her up from the airport.
- If Giulia (finish) her presentation tomorrow, she (be able, may) to go camping with us on the weekend.
- If he (go) shopping this afternoon, Adam (want) to buy new shoes.
- Rosa (own) a coffee bean farm. If she (get) a good crop this year, she (buy) a new coffee bean roaster for her processing mill.
- If Elif (get paid) on Friday, she (want) to visit her parents on the weekend.
Answers show/hide
- arrives, will not be able
- finishes, might be able
- goes, wants
- owns, gets, will buy
- gets, wants
- Write sentences which make a future prediction if the following events happen or the following situations arise.
- If you graduate from university, what will your future life be like?
- What is something that you want to happen in the future? What will happen if it does not happen?
- What will happen in the future if robots or computers take over 80% of all jobs? What will we need to do to deal with the effects of that situation?
- What will happen if I get my dream job in the future?
Answers will vary. - If you graduate from university, what will your future life be like?
2.0 Unrealistic or Impossible Situations
2.1 The 2nd Conditional
The 2nd Conditional is for causes or situations that are not possible or not likely to happen. This is an imaginary situation—we are only dreaming.
Examples
If I were to win the lottery, I would buy a huge house.
If I were you (I’m not—not possible), I would go to this concert.
2.1.1 Predictable Situations
The situation or actions of the 2nd Conditional are predictable, but only in a negative sense. We know that they will not happen or are not likely to happen because the situation is unrealistic or impossible.
2.1.2 What do We Use the 2nd Conditional For?
We use the second conditional for situations that are hypothetical – that is, they are unrealistic or not possible. There are several possible uses for this:
2.1.2.1 To Talk about Possible Effects
We can use it to talk about what effects could happen if the situation would be possible or realistic. We usually also use this to talk about our dreams or our wishes.
Examples
- Here, there might be a small possibility that this could happen, and we are making a strategy or plan in case it happens.
If I were to go the concert, I would buy the best seats. (dream or wish)
- In this case, we are probably wishing that we could go but are unlikely to go. Maybe we would really love to go, and we would like the best seats, but we don’t have enough money.
2.1.2.2 To Make Predictions
We also use the 2nd Conditional to make predictions. If a condition happens, another action or situation becomes theoretically possible. However, the condition is not likely to happen or at least at the moment of speaking it is seen as unlikely.
Examples
If we were to buy a new car, my expenses for repairing my old car would go down.
If we were able to compete in the race, I think we could win it.
2.1.2.3 To Give Advice
Another thing that the 2nd Conditional is used for is to give advice. You give advice by imagining that we ourselves (or someone else) are in their situation, and then we tell them what we (or someone else) would do in that situation.
Examples
If I were you (I am not you), I would not trust that employer.
If you were to travel by train, I would take a good book. That trip is quite boring.
2.1.2.4 Other Functions Using an Infinitive in the Main Clause of a 2nd Conditional Sentence
- To express purpose intention or purpose. Here, an infinitive is often used in the main clause.
Example
If I were to own an airplane, I would travel all over the world to visit my relatives. - To express abilities or capabilities. Here also, an infinitive is often used.
Example
If she studied just an hour more a day, she would be able to get an ‘A’. - To give permission or to prohibit an action.
Example
If she were grounded by her parents, she would not be able to see her friends. - To say that something is a necessity or is required.
Example
If my grandfather became disabled, someone would need to take care of him. - To express that the predicted or desired effect or action that happens will happen regardless of which potential cause happens. Here, we use ‘whether or not’ instead of ‘if’.
Example
Whether or not he got up early, he would still always be late.
2.1.3 The Sentence Structure of the 2nd Conditional
The Sentence Structure of the 2nd Conditional is the same as for all Conditionals. Conditionals are formed by creating a dependent adverb clause using ‘if’ as the Subordinating Conjunction. This is the clause that expresses the cause. The idea of the dependent clause, with its Subordinating Conjunction, is then completed with an Independent Clause, which expresses the result.
2.1.4 Verb Tenses in the 2nd Conditional
Dependent Adverb Clause: If + past form of the verb
Independent Main Clause: modal (could/would) + base form of the verb
Examples
If I were an astronaut (I’m not), I would love to travel to Mars.
If I had $1 million (I don’t), I could buy a new car.
A more formal use of a Conditional Verb in the 2nd Conditional Dependent Adverb Clause is constructed using ‘were’ as the conditional verb, followed by an infinitive. It is not as commonly used today because it is quite formal. It also seems to stress that a situation is not likely.
Dependent Adverb Clause: If + were + infinitive
Examples
Examples of Present, Future and 2nd Conditionals (there is no past 2nd Conditional here because we use the 3rd Conditional for past unreal or impossible situations)
Present
- If my friend were here, we would talk about our high school days.
- If I weren’t so tired right now, I could finish cleaning my apartment.
Future
- If I were to get paid by the end of this week, I would buy some new shoes.
- If we were to plan the birthday party for Yousef for this weekend, his parents would be in town, and we could invite them.
Exercises
- Uses of the 2nd Conditional:
- Write ‘ie’ in the blank next to the Conditional Sentence that talks about imaginary effects.
- Write ‘p’ in the blank next to a Conditional sentence which makes a prediction.
- Write ‘a’ in the blank next to a Conditional sentence that gives advice.
- If Guadalupe were here, we would probably get into an argument.
- If Martin had studied engineering instead of literature, he might have had a job by now. But, I don’t think he would be happy as an engineer.
- If the supervisor were here, she would have us get organized before we started working.
- If my mother were you, she would definitely save more money.
- If I were to practice just 60 minutes a day, I could probably learn to dance much better.
- If Marianne were a famous singer, she would buy a huge house and throw huge parties.
- If the weather were sunnier, a lot more people would be coming to this beach.
- If my family were not so loud, we could actually have a better conversation. But that is not likely to happen!
- If I were to practice just 60 minutes a day, I could probably learn to dance much better.
- If I were you, I would apologize to your brother. He’s quite mad at you right now.
Answers show/hide
- p
- a
- p
- a
- p
- ie
- p
- ie
- p
- a
- Underline the 2nd Conditional verbs in the Following Paragraph. Put /slashes/ around the Dependent ‘if’ Clause (the cause) and #pound symbol# around the Independent Clause (the effect). Be careful, some of the verbs are 0 or 1st Conditional Verbs. You don’t do anything with them.
When I was a child, I loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian, a doctor for animals. I imagined that, if I were a veterinarian, I could work with animals all day long—dogs, cats, horses, you name it! I would spend all of my time with animals. But as I got older, the fact hit me, if I spend all of my time with animals, that means less time with people, my new first interest. I wanted a family. If I were a father, I could spend all of my time with children.
Then, I eventually became a father and had a couple of children. However, reality struck again! If you spend all of your time with your children, they will have no food to eat—you need to work, at least quite a bit of the time. So, I imagined myself as some sort of Superdad, with my imaginary wife Lois, building a dream house, being wealthy, and having my children run in our huge house with a dance floor and saying, “Dad, Dad, look at me, I can dance!” If I were to earn just a little more money, I could achieve it all.
But reality strikes again. Here, I am, in my smallish apartment, surrounded by my still smallish but growing kids. By now, my dreams are more realistic. If you want to have it all, it comes at a price—no time for yourself or the people you love. But maybe my kids can live the dream. One of them came up to me the other day and said, “Dad, can we get a pet turtle. I just love animals, and if I had a pet turtle, I would spend all of my time watching it slowly walk across the floor.” At least their dreams are realistic!
Answers show/hide
When I was a child, I loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian, a doctor for animals. I imagined that, /if I were a veterinarian/, #I could work with animals all day long#—dogs, cats, horses, you name it! I would spend all of my time with animals. But as I got older, the fact hit me, if I spend all of my time with animals, that means less time with people, my new first interest. I wanted a family! /If I were a father/, #I could spend all of my time with children#.
Then, I eventually became a father and had a couple of children. However, reality struck again! If you spend all of your time with your children, they will have no food to eat—you need to work, at least quite a bit of the time. So, I imagined myself as some sort of ‘Superdad’, with my imaginary wife Lois, building a dream house, being wealthy, and having my children run in our huge house with a dance floor and saying, “Dad, Dad, look at me, I can dance!” /If I were to earn just a little more money/, #I could achieve it all#.
But reality strikes again. Here, I am, in my smallish apartment, surrounded by my still smallish but growing kids. By now, my dreams are more realistic. If you want to have it all, it comes at a price—no time for yourself or the people that you love. But maybe my kids can live the dream. One of them came up to me the other day, and said, “Dad, can we get a pet turtle. I just love animals, and /if I had a pet turtle/, #I would spend all of my time watching it slowly walk across the floor#.” At least their dreams are realistic!
- In the following sentences, first decide if the clause is the conditional clause (with ‘if’) or the main clause. Then, write the correct form of the 2nd conditional verbs in the blanks below. Remember, in sentences with a dependent adverb clause, the main clause or, on the other hand, the subordinate clause, can come first in the sentence.
- If my mother (are) here, what (do, she)?
- Valentina (be) so happy if she (be) to become a dancer.
- If we (be) to leave at 6:00 a.m., we (be) there at noon.
- I (wear) the blue sweater if I (be) you.
- If Carmen (be) to climb Mount Everest, everyone in my country _ (hear) about it.
- If Emre (be) to call tonight, I (tell) him to get lost. I am so angry.
- My mother (tell, definitely) me to comb my hair, if she (see) me right now.
- If Aoi (complete) her certificate to be a dental hygienist, she (apply) for jobs like this one.
Answers show/hide
- were, would she do
- would be, were
- were, would be
- would wear, were
- were, would hear
- were, would tell
- would definitely tell, saw
- completed, could apply
- Complete the following sentences using your own main clause.
- If I were a restaurant owner, .
- If you were an astronaut, ?
- if my friend were here right now.
- If my mother were here right now .
- if the world had the same gravity as the moon.
- If I were president of my country .
- if my country were as cold as Antarctica.
Answers will vary.
- Complete the following sentences using your own 2nd Conditional clause.
- , she would get really angry.
- Juan could sing at the wedding .
- I would get a job as a pizza delivery driver .
- I would almost ‘live’ at the beach .
- You could save a lot of money .
- , I would learn to play the tuba.
Answers will vary.
- Match the conditional ‘if’ clause with the appropriate effect or result.
Conditional Clause (If Clause) (1) Even if I can finish my assignment on time (2) If I had not come back so late last night (3) If Andrii gets accepted into graduate school (4) If Alejandro finishes work early (5) Even if I work late tonight Independent Clause (Result) (a) he will study architecture. (b) he wants to eat out with us tonight. (c) I will still not get a good grade. (d) I still have to get up at 5:00 to go to work. (e) I wouldn’t be drinking so much coffee today. Answers show/hide
- c
- f
- a
- b
- d
2.2 The 3rd Conditional
2.2.1 Unrealistic or Impossible Situations
The 3rd Conditional is for situations that are not possible. In fact, they are always more than unlikely, because the cause has already happened. The cause happened in the past, and we cannot change the past. As a result, the imagined effect is not possible because the result has likely also already happened.
Examples
If I had been on time for my plane, I would be lying on the beach right not.
If I had bought this car, it would have been a waste of my money.
If you had not come to dinner, we would be so sad right now.
A more nuanced position can be taken for the result:
- If I had studied, I might have passed the exam.
- If you hadn’t come early, you might have missed the plane.
- If we hadn’t bought a ticket to the concert last week, the tickets might have been sold out.
2.2.2 Predictable Situations
Just as in the 2nd Conditional, the situation or actions of the 3rd Conditional are predictable but only in a negative sense. We know that they will not happen or are not likely to happen because the situation is unrealistic or impossible. The cause already happened, and we cannot change the past.
2.2.3 What do We Use the 3rd Conditional For?
We use the third conditional when we . . .
- Wish we would have a different result or effect. Perhaps we made a bad choice in the past or that in hindsight we did something that we wish we hadn’t done (‘hindsight’ means that we have a better understanding of a past situation or the effects of a past action based on the fact that the action or situation has already happened).
- Here, we imagine that the cause did not happen or that a different cause happened.
- We then imagine a different effect.
Example
If I had been more careful, I would not have had an accident.
- Here, I wish I had not had an accident. The condition that would have made this possible (but did not happen) would be if I had been more careful.
- Make a hypothetical prediction (imaginary prediction). Look at what would have or could have happened if the cause would or would not have happened (a hypothetical situation). Whether something happened or didn’t happen might not matter.
Example
If they had not called, we would have left at 6:00 p.m. - To express that the predicted or desired effect or action that happened will happen regardless of which potential cause happens. Here, we use ‘whether or not’ instead of ‘if’.
2.2.4 The Sentence Structure of the 3rd Conditional
The sentence structure of the 3rd Conditional is the same as for all Conditionals. Conditionals are formed by creating a dependent adverb clause using ‘if’ as the Subordinating Conjunction. This is the clause that expresses the cause. The idea of the dependent clause, with its Subordinating Conjunction, is then completed with an Independent Clause, which expresses the result.
2.2.5 Verb Tenses in the 3rd Conditional
Dependent Adverb Clause: If + past perfect tense
If the result would have also happened in the past: would have/could have/might have + past participle in the imaginary independent effect clause
Examples
If I had studied for the test, I could have passed. (I already got my grade—in the past)
If I had not missed my plane, I could have gone to Paris. (past imagined result)
If the imagined result is in the present or future, use would, could, or might.
Examples
If I had not missed my plane, I would be sitting on the beach right now. (present imagined result)
If I had not cut my finger, I could play with my band this coming weekend.
If Josie had not missed the bus, she might already be here.
Exercises
- Identify the key aspects of the following 3rd Conditional Clauses. Underline the 3rd Conditional verbs in the following paragraph. Put /slashes/ around the Dependent ‘if’ Clause (the cause) and #pound symbols# around the Independent Clause (the effect). Underline the verbs in both the Dependent and Independent 3rd Conditional clauses. Be careful, some of the verbs are 0 or 1st Conditional Verbs. You don’t do anything with them.
*Note: In this exercise, not all of the Conditional Clauses are in the same sentence as the result clause. For some, the Conditional Clause is in the form of a sentence that is a question. The result clause is in a separate sentence.
The Benefits of Peace
Figure 4.3 Peace dove What if many of the wars that have happened in the past had not happened? How would the world be different now? For one thing, if these wars had not happened, the world would probably be more prosperous. So much of our human work has been destroyed in wars. If all of these efforts, buildings and infrastructure had not been destroyed, those efforts would not have had to be made again. Instead, all of that energy and time could have been saved for something more productive.
Then, of course the most important thing is that, if so many human lives had not been lost in war, we could have avoided all of the grief and pain that this has caused for family, friends and nation. Maybe people who start wars think that they will gain something. This is an illusion. There are only losers in war. We always underestimate the cost of war. If so many of our world leaders had not lived under an illusion of power or wealth gained through war, they would have actually had a much better, peaceful and stress-free life.
Instead, what if we had used the money and energy that we spent on war to help those we are in conflict with? Maybe the improved relationships between countries would have had economic and political benefits. Certainly, war costs a lot more than peace. In contrast to what world leaders may think or have us believe (for their own benefit), peace results in more prosperity than war. If we had been more creative in solving conflicts, maybe a better solution could have and been thought of.
Maybe it is impossible to stop wars, but wouldn’t it be better to try harder to stop wars and try to solve conflict in a more creative way? Creativity is the opposite of conflict. Peace always starts long before wars ever happen—it compassionately treats the ‘other’ as a human being long before conflict builds into an uncontrollable disaster.
Answers show/hide
What /if many of the wars that have happened in the past had not happened/? #How would the world be different now?# For one thing, /if these wars had not happened/, #the world would probably be more prosperous.# So much of our human work has been destroyed in wars. If all of these efforts, buildings and infrastructure had not been destroyed, those efforts would not have had to be made again. Instead, all of that energy and time could have been saved for something more productive.
Then, of course the most important thing is that, /if so many human lives had not been lost in war/, #we could have avoided all of the grief and pain that this has caused for family, friends and nation#. Maybe people who start wars think that they will gain something. This is an illusion. There are only losers in war. We always underestimate the cost of war. /If so many of our world leaders had not lived under an illusion of power or wealth gained through war/, #they would have actually had a much better, peaceful and stress-free life#.
Instead, what /if we had used the money and energy that we spent on war to help those we are in conflict with/? #Maybe the improved relationships between countries would have had economic and political benefits#. Certainly, war costs a lot more than peace. In contrast to what world leaders may think or have us believe (for their own benefit), peace results in more prosperity than war. /If we had been more creative in solving conflicts/, #maybe a better solution could have been thought of#.
Maybe it is impossible to stop wars, but wouldn’t it be better to try harder to stop wars and try to solve conflict in a more creative way? Creativity is the opposite of conflict. Peace always starts long before wars ever happen—it compassionately treats the ‘other’ as a human being long before conflict builds into an uncontrollable disaster.
- Match the Conditional Clause (cause) with the correct Independent Clause (effect).
Example: 99. zConditional Clause (If Clause) (99) If I apologized earlier Conditional Clause (If Clause) (1) If the moon had formed a little closer to the Earth (2) If people had reduced carbon emissions earlier (3) If I had chosen a career as a tour guide (4) If I hadn’t finished high school (5) If I had studied Japanese instead of English (6) If I had taken up mountain climbing as a hobby (7) If I had practised the drums a lot more Independent Clause (Result) (z) she wouldn’t be mad at me now. Independent Clause (Result) (a) we might not have such severe weather now. (b) I could be playing in a band right now. (c) I might be working at a low-wage job now. (d) I think I might not be alive right now. (e) we would have massive tides. (f) I might be traveling around the world now. (g) I might be living in Japan right now. Answer show/hide
- e
- a
- f
- c
- g
- d
- b
- In the following sentences, first decide if the clause is the conditional clause (with ‘if’) or the main clause. Then, write the correct form of the 3rd Conditional Verbs in the blanks below. Remember, in sentences with a dependent adverb clause, the main clause or, on the other hand, the subordinate clause, can come first in the sentence.
- If I (eat, not) that greasy hamburger, I would be feeling better now.
- Josie (be) here by now if she hadn’t taken the wrong bus.
- If our baseball team (try) a little harder, maybe we would have won the game.
- If Alejandro hadn’t been so stubborn, I might (agree) to working with him.
- If the paramedic (do, not) CPR on the injured man, he might have died.
- If Lee (take, not) a different route to work yesterday, he might have been in that bad accident on the highway.
- I might (pass) yesterday’s engineering test, if I had studied a little harder for it.
- We would have gone to the beach yesterday if it (rain, not).
- That factory might not have needed to shut down if they (have, not) so many problems with the quality of their products.
- What if he hadn’t made that terrible mistake in his singing audition? He might (win) the audition. The rest of his performance was amazing.
Answers show/hide
- had not eaten
OR
hadn’t eaten - would have been
- had tried
- have agreed
- hadn’t done
OR
had not done - had not taken
OR
hadn’t taken - have passed
- hadn’t rained
OR
had not rained - hadn’t had
OR
had not had - have won
- Complete the following sentences using your own main clause or conditional clause.
- If I had been born in a different country, .
- If my parents would have , I .
- If my parents wouldn’t have , I .
- If I hadn’t , I .
- If I had been born ten years earlier, I .
- , I would learn (language)
- .
Answers will vary.
- Are the following situations the 0, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Conditionals? Match the conditional If Clause with the appropriate effect or result.
Conditional Clause (If Clause) (1) Even if I can finish my assignment on time (2) If we had not come back so late last night (3) If Andrii gets accepted into graduate school (4) If Alejandro finishes work early (5) Whether or not I can well sleep tonight Independent Clause (Result) (a) he will study architecture. (b) he wants to eat out with us tonight. (c) I will still not get a good grade. (d) I still have to get up at 5:00 to go to work. (e) we wouldn’t be drinking so much coffee today. Answers show/hide
- c
- e
- a
- b
- d
Media Attributions
- Factory adapted by Firkin is licensed under a CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) license
- dove © jean_victor_balin is licensed under a CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) license
