Conditionals (cond)

The sequence of verb tenses in conditional sentences are still a problem for most students at this level.  To choose the correct verb tense, you must consider both the time referred to and your opinion as to the probability of the result occurring.

Time Probability Examples

always              certainty            If you study, school is easy.

always or          realistic             Students won't learn unless
future               possibility          they are motivated.

present or         unrealistic,         If politicians were honest,
future               imaginary          we would trust them.

past                  unrealistic,         If I had known you were broke,
                        imaginary          I would have helped you.

Notice that:

    1.  "If" is not the only conditional word.
    2.  You have to pay attention to the verb tense in both
         the main clause and the conditional clause.

To study these problems in more detail, go to the following links:

Links:

        Explanation and exercises:  http://www.grammar-quizzes.com/conditionsum.html
"Always conditional":  0cond.htm
Realistic possibility:  1cond.htm
Unrealistic:  2cond.htm
Past conditional:  3cond.htm
Mixed exercise:  allcnd1.htm
Some of your conditionals:  someconditionals.htm

05/04/2009