Conditionals, wishes and regrets (1) RECYCLING ADVANCED ENGLISH UNIT 8

RECYCLING ADVANCED ENGLISH

UNIT 8

Conditionals, wishes and regrets (1)

The main linking words for conditional clauses are if and unless, but even if, as/so long as, supposing, whether... or, however (+ adjective/determiner), whoever, wherever, whenever, etc., providing/provided (that), no matter who/how/when etc. can also be used: • If they're short of money, they don't eat out. (zero conditional) • You'll have a tussle with the management if you go ahead with that plan. (first conditional, possible future action) Note that if you should go ahead... or should you go ahead... are more formal. • If they had a bigger garden, they could grow their own vegetables. (second conditional, hypothetical but possible) Similarly: • If you were to join the committee, we'd be very pleased. Note that Were you to join... is more formal. • If you hadn't been late, you would have understood the lecture. (third conditional, referring to a past situation) There are also mixed conditionals: • If you hadn't been late, you'd know what we're talking about now. and a more formal version of the third conditional: • Had you arrived on time, you would have understood the lecture. A Complete the sentences with the correct tense of the verbs in brackets. 1 If you (make) a run for it, you’ll catch the train. 2 If Laura (not eat) so much, she wouldn’t have put on weight. 3 If they (have) their car serviced regularly, it never lets them down. 4 The earthquake would have caused less damage if the houses (be) of stronger construction. 5 If there (be) a good breeze on Sunday, we’ll go hang-gliding. 6 You can get there more quickly if you (take) the short cut across the playing field. 7 If you (leave) the milk out of the fridge in this weather, it’ll go off. 8 Would you contribute to the fund if I (ask) you? 9 If I (drop) Eve’s vase, she’d have been furious. 10 If you (be) really my friend, you’d lend me the money. 11 Had the councillors been re-elected, your proposal (be) accepted. 12 Productivity will improve if manufacturing procedures (be) streamlined. 13 (Be) you to take out the relevant insurance policy, you would be completely covered. 14 No matter what (happen), I’ll always stand by him! 15 Supposing the computer (break down), what would you do? 16 You can invite whoever you (like) to the barbecue.

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