Practical English – Grammar
Tomasz Czerniak, MA.
The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin
Summer Term 2015
‘0 CONDITIONAL’
 General truths (in the present)
She has eaten a pizza. She’s exercising. She always exercises when she eats a pizza.
‘1ST CONDITIONAL’
 Real (probable) situations
I’m going to the cinema tomorrow. Carol’s going to cinema tomorrow as well. If I see her, I’ll sit next to her.
‘2ND CONDITIONAL’
 Unreal wishes for the present
I’m too short. I can’t play basketball. If I were taller, I could play basketball.
‘3RD CONDITIONAL’
 Unreal wishes for the past
I drank too much last night. I was sick all morning. If I hadn’t drunk too much last night, I wouldn’t have been
sick all morning.
‘MIXED CONDITIONAL’
 Unreal wishes for the past with present results
I got married too young. Now I’m divorced. If I hadn’t got married too young, I wouldn’t be divorced now.
‘2ND CONDITIONAL’
 The condition (the IF clause) is always in the past tense:
If I were a rich man, I wouldn’t have to work hard.
If I had time, I’d help you.
If she were more careful, she wouldn’t make so many mistakes. (the use of WERE)
 The clause order is NOT fixed (except for the comma)
If I were a rich man, I wouldn’t have to work hard. = I wouldn’t have to work hard if I were a rich man.
If I had time, I’d help you. = I’d help you if I had time.
 The result is usually expressed with the modal verbs WOULD and COULD
We could be friends if you weren’t such a smartass.
If you had more money, you could spend your holidays on the Caribbean.
If you were older, you would pass as my father.
She would be angry if knew about our plan.
 In polite requests both clauses the IF clause may contain WOULD
If you would wait a moment...
If you’d just sign here.
If you’d like to come....
If you’d care to join us...
ALTERNATIVES
IF ONLY (wishes)
If only I had a faster car, I would visit you this weekend.
If only she agreed to date me, I’d be the happiest man on earth.
If you were to...
If you were to live abroad, what country would you choose?
If she were to choose between me and him, she’d definitely choose him.
Inversion
Were I smarter, I’d study Mathematics.
Were you to buy a new car, what make would it be?
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Practical English – Grammar
Tomasz Czerniak, MA.
The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin
Summer Term 2015
‘3RD CONDITIONAL’
 The condition (the IF clause) is always in the past perfect tense:
If I had asked him about the details, I wouldn’t have made that mistake.
If she hadn’t left the door open, the cat would have never escaped.
 The result is usually expressed with the modal verbs WOULD + HAVE + Past Participle
We would have finished the project yesterday if you had informed us about the approval.
If she’d got pregnant, she’d never have finished her studies.
If you’d gone there by car, you wouldn’t have had all these problems getting around.
ALTERNATIVES
IF ONLY (wishes)
If only I hadn’t taken this photo, I wouldn’t have had to explain it to my wife.
If only she had agreed to our plan, we wouldn’t have needed to go behind her back.
BUT FOR
But for your help, I wouldn’t have finished the house (It if hadn’t been for...)
But for your stupid questions, the president would have continued the interview.
Inversion
Had I met her earlier, I would have invited her to the party.
Had she not mentioned the problem, we would have overlooked it completely.
Exercise 1 (Matasek 2003: u90) Paraphrase the sentences using the conditional sentence type 2.
1. Mike is ill. He cannot go to see the match with us.
2. We are busy. We don’t have time to play cards.
3. She isn’t happy. She doesn’t smile often.
4. You aren’t rich. You don’t spend much on entertainment.
5. I am tired. I go to sleep early.
6. Jack doesn’t live in the country. He doesn’t know much about farming.
7. We have the key. We are able to open the door.
8. Tom doesn’t learn much. He gets poor marks.
9. Their petrol is expensive. People don’t buy it.
10. Leila doesn’t know Harry. She will not invite him to the party.
11. The book doesn’t interest me. I won’t read it.
12. They aren’t at home. They will not answer the phone.
13. Simon isn’t feeling well. He will have to stay in bed.
14. Your meals contain too much fat. You put on weight quickly.
15. It isn’t cold. We can play outdoors.
Exercise 2 (Matasek 2003: u91) Rewrite the sentences beginning with ‘If subject were to...’ and ‘Were subject
to...’
1. If she ever changed her job, she would certainly regret it.
2. If they intended to stay in our hotel, they would book rooms in advance.
3. If we ever wanted to introduce this technology, we would need huge subsidies.
4. If he ever left his wife, he would have nowhere to go.
5. If I ever intended to make a proposal, I would consider it thoroughly.
Exercise 3 (Matasek 2003: u91) Rewrite the sentences beginning with WERE
1. If he were the first person to be promoted, we would support him.
2. If I were a miner, I would have to work night shifts.
3. If I were in your position, I would object strongly.
4. If I were to sign the contract, I would expect high incomes.
5. If Mark were to change his school, we would have to discuss it with his parents.
6. If she were alone, she would feel terrible.
7. If they were my relatives, I would put them up in my house.
8. If they were to escape punishment, they would have to present an alibi.
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Practical English – Grammar
Tomasz Czerniak, MA.
The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin
Summer Term 2015
9. If we were in a critical condition, we would ask you for assistance.
10. If we were to spend the night in the open, we would need more clothes.
Exercise 4 (Matasek 2003: u92) Paraphrase the sentences using the conditional sentence type 3.
1. The road workers didn’t remove the rubble and that’s why the accident happened.
2. Mary came late and so her boyfriend went mad.
3. The lookout fell asleep. He didn’t notice the iceberg.
4. You weren’t prepared for the exam and so you failed it.
5. The man was driving too fast. He didn’t manage to brake in time.
6. We didn’t sign the deal because we didn’t reach an agreement.
7. You got up too late and that’s why you didn’t see the sunrise.
8. I wasn’t able to understand the speaker as he was speaking too fast.
9. We couldn’t use the TV set because the aerial was missing.
10. The police didn’t recognise the fugitive as he was wearing a false beard.
11. Because he was drunk he couldn’t enter the restaurant.
12. The kids were making a lot of noise so the neighbours complained about them.
13. We couldn’t save his life. He was injured too badly.
14. Ben wasn’t listening to the tutor. He didn’t hear his question, then.
15. I couldn’t invite the girl to dinner because I didn’t have enough money.
Exercise 5 (Matasek 2003: u93) Paraphrase the sentences beginning with HAD
1. If they had invited more friends, their party would have been more enjoyable.
2. We’d have won the game if our best player had taken part in it.
3. If he had read the novel, he wouldn’t have had problems with summarising it.
4. If you hadn’t taken a loan in a bank, you wouldn’t have had to pay interest.
5. Your tent wouldn’t have collapsed if you had put it up correctly.
6. The meeting wouldn’t have been such a success if they hadn’t invited the famous sportsmen.
7. If there had been a bigger interest in the show, it wouldn’t have been cancelled.
8. If Jake hadn’t wasted all his money, he would have returned home by taxi.
9. Her reputation wouldn’t have suffered if she had not acted so improperly.
10. If you had warned us before, we would have known how to react.
11. If I hadn’t been wearing a helmet, I could have been injured more seriously.
12. You would have known everything if you had been listening more carefully.
13. You might have woken everyone up if you had been talking so loudly.
14. If you hadn’t been walking on thin ice, you wouldn’t have fallen into cold water.
15. We could have reached the place on time if we hadn’t been walking so slowly.
Exercise 6 (Matasek 2003: u94) Rewrite the sentences beginning with BUT FOR
1. If you hadn’t offered your help, I’d have never managed to complete the task.
2. If he weren’t so lazy, he would be a better student.
3. If Tom weren’t ill, he would go with you to see the fireworks display.
4. If Mary hadn’t been so hospitable, I wouldn’t have felt so well in their house.
5. If they hadn’t been so obstinate, we’d have reached an agreement much earlier.
Exercise 7 (Matasek 2003: u94) Rewrite the sentences using a conditional sentence type 2 or 3
1. But for Mike’s good humour, the party would have been perfectly boring.
2. But for your wisdom, we’d have never coped with our problems.
3. But for Mr Rask’s assistance, I would have to do everything on my own.
4. But for her own effort, she would never be able to earn so much.
5. But for the detective’s dedication, the case wouldn’t have been solved.
Exercise 7 (Matasek 2003: u94) Rewrite the sentences using inversion
1. If it weren’t for your good humour, we’d all feel bored.
2. If it hadn’t been for your brother’s active participation, the job wouldn’t have been done.
3. If it weren’t for the boy’s wealth, the girl wouldn’t date him.
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Practical English – Grammar
Tomasz Czerniak, MA.
The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin
Summer Term 2015
4. If it hadn’t been for my wariness, we’d all have been in danger.
5. If it weren’t for your influence, he wouldn’t want to co-operate with you.
Exercise 8 (Vince 2003: u8) Put the verbs in brackets into correct form (all conditional sentences)
1. Now we’re lost! If you (write) down Mary’s directions, this (not happen).
2. Why don’t we emigrate? If we (live) in Australia, at least the weather (be) better!
3. I’m afraid Smith’s a hardened criminal. If we (not punish) him this time, he (only commits) more
crimes.
4. Thanks to Dr Jones, I’m still alive! If it (not be) for her, I (be) dead for certain.
5. I’m sorry I can’t lend you any money. You know that if I (have) it, I (lend) it to you.
6. Don’t be afraid. If you (touch) the dog, if (not bite) you.
7. In those days, if you (have) a job, you (be) lucky.
8. It’s always the same! If I (decide) to leave the office early, my boss (call) me after I’ve left.
9. What a terrible thing to happen! Just think, if we (not miss) the plane, we (kill) in the crash.
10. Did you enjoy the meal? If you (finish) eating, I (clear away) the plates.
11. If I were (say) I loved you, what would you do?
12. If it (rain) I would have gone for a walk.
13. If you’d told me that was a surprise party, I (say) anything to Uncle Dave.
14. Thanks for your help with the garden, I (do) otherwise.
15. If only Mick had come to the disco, then we (have) a great time.
16. If (pay) the phone bill today, the phone will be cut off.
17. If I (have) your tools, I wouldn’t have been able to fix the car.
18. Those wires look a bit dangerous, I (touch) it I were you.
19. If (be) the goalkeeper’s heroics, we would have lost the match.
20. If (learn) more before the test, I (not have) so many questions after I’ve taken it.
Exercise 9 (Vince 2003: u8) Fill in the gaps with one suitable word:
Mr Jeffries, I have decided against a prison sentence in your case. You may walk free from this court on
_________ that you report to Chesham police station every Friday for the next six months. Should you fail to
_________ so, you will be given one warning; and if you persist _________ failing to meet this obligation,
you will return to this court for a harsher sentence. _________ you can present good reason why you were
unable to report to the station, you will _________ yourself in severe trouble. If you are _________ to attend
because of illness, please note that a medical certificate must be produced, signed by your doctor, proving
your state of health. You should realise that _________ for your previous good conduct, I would _________
had no hesitation in imposing a prison sentence. And I shall not forget that if your friend had _________
intervened in the fight, you might _________ seriously injured the defendant.
Exercise 10 (Vince 2003: u8) Paraphrase the sentences using conditionals:
1. I didn’t have the money so I didn’t buy a new suit. WOULD
2. If you are in London by any chance, come and see me. HAPPEN
3. If you insist on doing everything yourself, of course you’ll feel tired. WILL
4. Please take a seat, and I’ll inquire for you. WILL
5. If you do shopping, I’ll cook lunch. AND
6. If Pauline hadn’t been interested, the project would have been abandoned. INTEREST
7. The fire was brought under control thanks to the night-watchman. FOR
8. Dick is in prison because a detective recognised him. IF
9. I’m not tall enough to reach the shelf. TALLER
10. But for Helen acting so wonderfully, the play would be a flop. WONDERFUL
11. If won’t make any difference if City score first; United will still win. EVEN
12. Getting up early makes me feel hungry. GET
Exercise 11 (Thomson and Martinet 1996: u145) Put the verbs in brackets into the correct forms
1. I’ve hung out the clothes. I’s lovely and sunny; if it (stay) like this they (be) dry in two hours.
2. French is essential in this job. All the telephonists speak it. If they (not know) French, they (not
understand) half the callers.
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Practical English – Grammar
Tomasz Czerniak, MA.
The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin
Summer Term 2015
3. How did you do in the car rally? ~ We came in last actually; but only because we got lost. If we (not
get) lost we (come) in somewhere in the middle. We certainly (not be) last.
4. I wasn’t really surprised that we got lost because I knew that the navigator couldn’t map-read. ~ But if
you (know) that why you (take) him as navigator?
5. This flat would be all right if the people above us (not be) so noisy.
6. A group of spectators, including myself, let the stand just before the end of the game. When we were
half way down the stairs, a goal was scored and there was a great cheer from the spectators. If there
(not be) a goal, the crown (not cheer).
7. If the crown (not cheer) we (not run) back up the stairs to see what had happened.
8. If we (not run) back we (not crash) into the rest of the spectators on their way down, and there (not be)
this frightful accident.
9. If the pain (return) you’d better take another pill.
10. If you aren’t going to live in the house why you (not sell) it? If I (have) a house I couldn’t use, I (sell)
if at once.
Exercise 12 (Thomson and Martinet 1996: u146) Finish the sentences
1. If you had a carpet on the stairs...
2. If you should see a snake...
3. If I lived in the country...
4. If you want to get to the station in time to catch the 8.10 train...
5. He was sleepwalking. When I saw him going towards the window I stopped him. If I hadn’t stopped
him...
6. She is simply terrified of rats. If she heads the rats running round your attic, she...
7. The milk wouldn’t have turned sour if...
8. They were completely lost and didn’t know which way to turn; but for the dog...
9. If you took a course in computer programming...
10. Jack (trying to phone Peter): I can hear the phone ringing. Peter must be out. If he were in, he...
Alexander, L. G. (1998) Longman English Grammar Practice for Intermediate Students. Harlow: Longman.
Eastwood, John (2002) Oxford Practice Grammar. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Matasek, Maciej (2003) Zdania Angielskie w Parafrazie. Poznań: HandyBooks.
Side, Richard and Guy Wellman (2000) Grammar and Vocabulary for Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency.
Harlow: Longman.
Thomson, A. J. and A. V. Martinet (2009) A Practical English Grammar. Exercises 1. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Thomson, A. J. and A. V. Martinet (1996) A Practical English Grammar. Exercises 2. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Vince, M. (2003) Advanced Language Practice. English Grammar and Vocabulary. Oxford: Macmillan
Education.
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