Conditional - IF Flashcards
Conditionals, we use a present tense in the IF CLAUSE.
In conversation: we can use be going to instead of the present tense.
When we make offers, give instructions or advice, we use the IMPERATIVE in the main clause.
We can use an IF clause, meaning WHEN with present tense.
If you leave now, you’ll be able to catch the 5 o’clock train.
If I’m going to catch the train, I’ll have to leave now.
We’ll need more chairs if we’re going to invite more people to the performance.
Take another sandwich if you’re hungry.
If you have a mobile phone, check that it is turned off.
The video pauses if you click on this button.
We can talk about possible future events using Present Perfect in the IF clause, and Future form in the main clause (will, present continuous, be going to). In this case, Present Perfect is similar to Present Simple.
I’ll lend the book if I’ve finished it before vacation. (or if I finish it…)
If you haven’t paid the bill by Friday, we’re taking the carpets back.
When we use Present Perfect, we are focusing on a future consequence of a past event.
If I’ve failed my exam again, I’ll give up the course. (I have taken the exam)
If I fail my exam again, I’ll give up the course. (I may or may not taken the exam).
Unreal conditional:
IF clause + Past tense.
We can use in the IF clause the structure WERE+TO INFINITIVE.
We don’t use this pattern with: belong, doubt, enjoy, know, like, remember, understand.
This pattern can be used to be more polite.
If the technology were to become available, I would expand the business.
If I knew they were honest, I would lend them money.
Would it be too early for you if we were to meet at 5:30hs?
Informal, we can use if it was not for, or if it were not for or if it had not been for + noun phrase.
In formal, we can say: Were it not for, or Had it not been for.
We can use BUT FOR+NOUN with similar meaning.
If it wasn’t/weren’t for Nina, the conference wouldn’t be going ahead.
If it hadn’t been for Dad, I wouldn’t have gone to school.
Were it not for Nina,…
Had it not been for Dad, ….
The school would have been closed years ago but for the teachers and parents to keep it open.
