Lesson 2 Conditionals - 2
Type 2
We use ‘unreal’ conditionals to talk about unreal or unlikely present or future situations (if + past simple + would + infinitive). The past form doesn’t have a past meaning in sentences like these; it has a hypothetical present or future meaning:
If I had a lot of money, I would travel around the world. (But I don’t have a lot of money.)
If Johnson was in the team, I would feel more confident. (Johnson isn't in the team.)
If I didn’t feel so tired, I would come out with you.
If she really loved you, she wouldn’t be so horrible to you.
We often use – were – instead of – was – after – if - , especially in a more formal style:
If the weather were nice, I would go to the beach.
I would come out for a walk with you if I were not so busy.
We often use – if I were you – to give advice:
If I were you, I would apply for the job.
We can use the modal verbs – could – or – might – instead of – would –in the main clause:
I could repair the car, if I had the right tools.
We do not use would in the if-clause. But we can use would in the if-clause when we make a request:
If you'd like to come this way, the doctor will see you now. (= Please come this way ...)
As well as the past simple we can use the past continuous (e.g. was doing) in the if-clause:
If Rachel was playing her stereo, it wouldn't be so quiet in here.
Type 1 and Type 2 Compare these examples:
Type 1: If you have a lie-down, you will feel better.
Type 2: Ifl had a million pounds, I would probably buy a yacht.
(The present tense (have) refers to a possible future action, something which may or may not happen. The past tense (had) refers to something unreal.)
We can use type 2 conditionals in offers and suggestions:
If you needed a ticket, I could get you one.
If you felt like seeing the sights, we could take a bus tour. (Type 2 is less direct than type 1. The speaker is less sure that you want to see the sights.)
Unreal conditions may also be expressed in the following ways – If it were not for / But for + noun / pronoun:
But for the rain, we would go down to the country. (Если бы не дождь, мы бы поехали за город.)
If it were not for your help, I wouldn’t be able to finish my work in time. (Если бы не ваша помощь…)
As if / As though. We sometimes use –as if + past tense to talk about the present. We use the past because the idea is unreal:
My brother sometimes behaves as if he was my father.
It’s often used – were – instead of – was – after – as if - ,especially in a more formal style. We can use - as though – instead of – as if -:
You look as though you are tired.
Practice
Exercise 1 – ORAL. Comment on these situations. Translate into Russian.
1.He would be very happy if you talked to him for a few minutes. 2. She wouldn’t help them if she were not so sorry for them. 3. Would you come on Saturday if you had no work to do? 4. He would be here if he knew the truth. 5. She would marry him if she were in your place. 6. If he came himself my answer would be the same. 7. If she were alone, she would be able to do it. 8. If I showed there, the old man would set his dogs on me. 9. If I were him, I would do it at once.
Exercise 2 – ORAL. Use the subjunctive mood in the following sentences. Translate the sentences.