3. Sentences and clauses of implied condition
Often the if-clause is implied, not stated. It may be suggested either by an adverbial part of the sentence, or else by the context — from the preceding or following sentence.
Conditional verbs (would do and would have done or modals) are still used in the main clause.
He committed the crime, otherwise he wouldn't have been arrested. (=If he hadn't committed the crime, he wouldn't have been arrested.)
I would have stayed longer, but he didn't ask me to. (=I would have stayed longer if he had asked me to.)
— What would you do if you had money?
— Oh, I would do many things! (= If I had money, I would do many things.)
Exercise 45. Analyse the form of the verb in the following sentences. Translate the sentences into Ukrainian
I would like to go to the disco tonight, but my Mom won’t let me.
I would have joined you long ago, but they held me up typing some stupid letters.
I don’t want to quarrel, but I could say a lot.
I didn’t want to quarrel, or I could have said a lot. I could have been talking for hours.
Joseph thought he would have left the party long ago — should have left, actually. But he was supposed to wait for Martha.
I’d have told you everything without your pressing me. But you never bothered to explain the true reason.
Just a year ago I’d have given anything for that house — but now I’m not interested any more.
The story might have been more arresting, actually. He omitted most details, that’s why everyone was so bored.
He would have made friends anywhere. He knew how to influence people, to carry them away.
She had been educated very expensively. Some of it would have stuck — but she had not been a very diligent student.
«Look at that picture. Where would you place that man?» «I'd say he’s a scholar... or maybe a composer.» «You would?» «Of course. Why? Wouldn't you?»
I would never have recognized him. He has changed a lot.
I didn’t want to interfere, but otherwise he would still be talking, so I had to.
«I must go, or they’ll find out I’ve been talking to you.»
«That would be the end of the world.»
«That would be the end of me.»
«Would you be unbearably surprised to hear that the Larkins broke up?» — «No, I wouldn’t.»
«Are you coming?» The question was not one which would accept any answer but yes.
Exercise 46. Choose the right option.
I would (have brought/bring) the book, but you did not tell me you needed it.
It would (be/have been) wise of you to consult a dentist twice a year.
I think nobody would (object/have objected) to having a party tomorrow.
I did not know that it was so important for you. I would (do/have done) it long ago.
In your place I wouldn't (argue/have argued) with her yesterday. She is your boss.
Last year he wouldn't (say/have said) so of John.
I wouldn't (worry/have worried) about it now. Everything will clear up soon.
We would (stay/have stayed) for an hour, but it is rather late.
We did not know that we would come to the lake. We would (take/ have taken) our rods.
I would (go/have gone) to sea, but my father wanted me to be a lawyer.
Exercise 47. Use the correct form of the infinitives in brackets
Example: Why didn't you tell me? I (close) the window long ago. — I would have closed the window long ago.
In your place I ………. (arrange) everything yesterday.
At that time he ………. (take) the necessary steps.
Why did you wash up? I ………. (do) it myself.
She ………. (buy) the dress, but she had no money.
He ………. (advise) them what to do, but he couldn't get in touch with them.
We ………. (go) to the country rain or shine, but he was busy last weekend.
I ………. (come) to see him last week, but I got ill and had to stay in bed.
It………. (be) important then but not now.
They ………. (take) a taxi, but there was none.
Why didn't you ask them to discuss your problem then? They ………. (not postpone) it.
SENTENCE PATTERNS WITH AN IMPLIED CONDITION