English grammar

If clauses & conditional sentences

There are four basic types of conditional sentences in the English language. Each type has two
parts -the main clause and the if clause.

Zero conditional: I take my umbrella if it rains.

First conditional: I'll call you if I work late.
Second conditional: If the bus didn't arrive on time, I would drive you to the airport.
Third conditional: She wouldn't have come if I hadn't invited her.

Zero conditional
The zero conditional describes situations that are always true. If has the same meaning as when
or
whenever.
If I go to school, I get up at seven. (Whenever I go to school I get up at the same time.)
If you park your car on double yellow lines, you pay a fine. (Whenever you park illegally, you pay
afine.)

We use the present simple tense in both the main clause and the if clause.

First conditional
The first conditional refers to the present or future. First conditional sentences are used to
speculateabout possible situations that can really happen.
If he studies hard, he'll pass the exams. If we catch the 10.15 train, we will arrive on time. If you
don'tget the ticket, what will you do?

We use the present tense in the if clause and will + bare infinitive in the main clause.

Second conditional
The second conditional also refers to the present or future. In second conditional sentneces we
speculate about situations that will probably never happen.
If I had more time, I would help you. (But I am not free at the moment. I can't help you).
If I won a million dollars, I would start a business of my own. (But I know that it is not

realistic.)We use the past tense in the if clause and would + bare infinitive in the main

clause.

Note: the verb to be can have a specific form in the if clause.

If I were rich, I wouldn't work. If he were younger, he would marry her.
(But was is also possible: If I was rich, I wouldn't work. If he was younger, he would
marry her.)But: If I were you, I wouldn't do it. (In this expression, were is much more
usual than was.)

The first conditional versus the second conditional

The main difference between the first and second conditional is about probability: the first
conditionalis realistic, the second conditional is unrealistic.
Sometimes we can use either the first or second conditional with the following difference in
meaning.
If I see him, I will tell him. (I suppose I will see him, because we go to the same school.)
If I saw him, I would tell him. (I don't think I will see him, because he is ill.)
If I need your help, I'll call you. (It is probable that I will need your help.)
If I needed your help, I'd call you. (It is not very probable that I will need your help.)
Sometimes we must use either the first or the second conditional, because it is clear that the
situationis real or unreal.
If you get up late, you will miss your bus. (a real situation)

Apart from the basic forms (if + the present simple + will and if + the past simple + would), we can use
language. If you are feeling tired, take a rest.
If he is a good skier, he might make it.
Type 1 If you want to be?

Type 2

If I knew his address, I might go and see him.

If we were on holiday, we would be lying on a beach now.
Why are we watching this film? If we were watching the news, it would be more interesting.

Third conditional
The third conditional sentences always refer to the past. We speculate about situations that
happenedor did not happen in the past.
If I had won a million, I would have started a business of my own. (But I didn't win anything.)
If he had met her, he would have told her. (Unfortunately, he didn't meet her.)
If we hadn't practised, we wouldn't have won the match. (But we practised and won.)

We use the past perfect in the if clause and perfect infinitive (have + past participle) in the main
clau-se.

Other forms

Apart from the basic form of the third conditional sentences, we can use other verb forms in
English.
We didn't save any money. If we had saved some money, we might have bought the house.
She wasn't there and I wasn't sitting next to her. But if she had been there, I would have been
sittingnext to her.
I was looking at the trees when I fell off the bike. If I hadn't been looking at the trees, I wouldn' t
havefallen off the bike.

Mixed conditionals
In the mixed conditional sentences we can combine the second and third conditional.
If he had left immediately, he would be here now. (He didn't leave immediately and isn't here.)
If I had studied hard when I was young, I wouldn't be a porter now. (I didn't study and I am a
porter.) If we hadn't told him the way while he was preparing for his journey, he would get lost
now. (We toldhim and he isn't lost.)

Inverted conditionals
We can also make conditional sentences by changing the word order in the if
clause. Had he booked the hotel room, he wouln't have slept at the camp. (If he
had booked ... )Were I in your position, I would accept it. (If I were ... )
This form is less common, quite formal and is mostly used in writing.

Note

If is the most frequent expression in the if clauses, but other expressions are also possible.
even if, provided (that), unless, on condition (that), in case

You will leave tonight even if you don't want to.

You can have your birthday party provided that you aren't
noisy.We'll sell you the ranch on condition you pay in cash.
You should take a dictionary with you in case you forgot some words.
Unless you do something, she won't come back. (If you don't do anything, ... )
 CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
Las oraciones condicionales están formadas por dos partes:
1. La if-clause (oración condicional)
2. La main clause (oración principal)
Se puede comenzar la oración con la main-clause o por la if-clause. Cuando la oración comienza con IF,
WHEN O UNLESS ponemos una coma entre la if-clause y la main clause. Pero si la oración comienza por la
main clause, no se separan las dos partes de la oración por una coma.
If the temperatura drops to 0ºC, water turns into ice.
Water turns into ice if the temperature drops to 0ºC. (El agua se congela si la temperature baja a
0ºC.)
Existen cuatro tipos de oraciones condicionales.

ZERO CONDITIONAL
IF-CLAUSE MAIN CLAUSE

Present Simple Present Simple

Utilizamos la Zero Conditional para expresar hechos que siempre ocurren de la forma indicada por la if-
clause, como por ejemplo verdades generales o leyes naturales.
If you heat water, it boils. (Si calientas agua, hierve.)
People wear lighter clothes when it is hot. (La gente lleva ropa más ligera cuando hace calor.)
El tiempo verbal utilizado en estas oraciones es el Present Simple tanto para la if-clause y como para la
main clause.
If he comes home early, he sits in the garden. (Si viene a casa pronto, se sienta en el jardín.)
Podemos utilizar WHEN en lugar de IF.
When / If I am tired, I get black circles under my eyes. (Cuando / Si estoy cansado, tengo ojeras.)

FIRST CONDITIONAL
IF-CLAUSE MAIN CLAUSE

Present Simple Future Simple

Imperative

Modal Verb

Utilizamos la First Conditional para expresar algo que es posible o probable que ocurra en el presente o el
futuro.
If we finish early, we will go to the cinema. (Si terminamos pronto, iremos al cine.)
En estas oraciones utilizamos el Present Simple para la if-clause y el Future Simple para la main clause.
If he comes, I’ll go. (Si él viene, yo iré.)
If we hurry, we won’t be late. (Si nos damos prisa, no llegaremos tarde.)
En la main clause también podemos utilizar el imperativo o un verbo modal (may, can, must, have to, etc.)
seguido de infinitivo en lugar del Future Simple.
If you are hungry, make a sandwich. ( Si tienes hambre, haz un bocadillo.)
 If you don’t feel well, you must see a doctor. (Si no te encuentras bien, debes ver a un
médico.)
En la if-clause también podemos utilizar Present Continuous en lugar de Present Simple.
If they are comino for lunch, we’ll have to buy some more food. (Si vienen a comer,
tendremos que comprar más comida.)
En la First Conditional podemos utilizar UNLESS (a menos que) en lugar de IF + oración negativa. UNLESS
nunca puede ir seguido de una oración negativa.
Unless you hurry up, we’ll be late. / If you don’t hurry up, we’ll be late. (A menos que te des
prisa, llegaremos tarde. / Si no te das prisa…)
Las expresiones PROVIDED (THAT), PROVIDING (THAT), AS LONG AS y SO LONG AS se pueden utilizar en la
First Conditional en lugar de IF para enfatizar la condición. Su significado es siempre que, a condición de
que, con tal (de) que.
If you promise to be careful, you can use my computer. (Si prometes tener cuidado, puedes
usar mi ordenador.)
Provided (that) / Providing (that) / As long as / So long as you promise to be careful, you can
use my computer. (Siempre que / A condición de que / con tal de que prometas tener
cuidado, puedes usar mi ordenador.)

SECOND CONDITIONAL
IF-CLAUSE MAIN CLAUSE

Past Simple Conditional Simple

Modal Verb
2

Utilizamos la Second Conditional para:

- Hablar de algo que no se refiere el presente y es bastante imposible que ocurra en el futuro, o
para situaciones imaginarias.
If I were prime Minister, I would make school holidays longer. (Si fuera Primer
Ministro, haría las vacaciones escolares más largas.)
If I had wings, I could fly like Peter Pan. (Si tuviera alas, podría volar como Peter Pan.)
- Hablar de algo que no se refiere al presente pero que puede ocurrir en el futuro.
If I became astronaut, I would travel into space. (Si llegara a ser astronauta, viajaría
al espacio.)
- Dar consejos. En este caso, utilizamos If I were you en la if-clause y would en la main clause.
If I were you, I would study harder for this test. (Si fuera tú / Yo en tu lugar, estudiaría
más para este examen.)
- En estas oraciones utilizamos el Past Simple para la if-clause y el Conditional Simple (would)
para la main clause.
If I had time, I would help you. (Si tuviera tiempo, te ayudaría.)
- En la Second Conditional podemos usar la forma WERE en la if-clause para todas las personas.
Esto es obligatorio cuando se utiliza este tipo de oración para dar consejos.
If he weren’t so lazy, he would find a job. (Si no fuera tan perezoso, encontraría un
trabajo.)
If I were you, I wouldn´t do that. (Yo en tu lugar no haría eso.)
- En la main-clause también podemos utilizar un verbo modal (could, might, should, ought to,
etc.) seguido de infinitvo en lugar del Conditional Simple.
If he had the book, he might lend it to me. (Si tuviera el libro, podría dejármelo.)
- Si queremos expresar un deseo para el presente o para algo que nos hubiera gustado que fuera
diferente, utilizamos el verbo WISH seguido de una oración con el verbo en Past Simple. Si
 queremos utilizar el verbo TO BE en la segunda oración, utilizamos WERE para todas las
personas. En muchos casos detrás de I WISH utilizamos COULD.

I WISH + Past Simple I wish I had more money.

(Desearía tener más dinero.)
I wish I were famous.
I WISH + were (Desearía ser famoso.)
I wish Peter were here.
(Desearía que Peter estuviera aquí.)
I WISH + could I wish we could go to Spain.
(Desearía que pudiéramos ir a España.)

THIRD CONDITIONAL
IF-CLAUSE MAIN CLAUSE

Past Perfect Conditional Perfect

Modal Perfect

Utilizamos la Third Conditonal para:

- Referirnos a algo que podría haber sucedido en el pasado pero no sucedió.
If he had lent me the money, I would have bought that car. (Si me hubiera dejado el
dinero, habría comprado ese coche.)
- Expresar como imaginamos que algo hubiera sido si las cosas hubieran ocurrido de forma
diferente.
If he had left on time, he wouldn’t have missed his flight. (Si hubiera salido a tiempo,
no habría perdido su vuelo.)
I would have gone on holiday if I hadn’t been ill. (Habría ido de vacaciones si no
hubiera estado enfermo.)
- Expresar nuestro pesar por algo que hemos o no hemos hecho o para ser críticos con las
acciones de alguien.
If I had been more careful, I wouldn’t have broken the glass. (Si hubiera tenido más
cuidado, no habría roto el vaso.)
If he had followed the instructions, he wouldn’t have damaged the CD player. (Si
hubiera seguido las instrucciones, no habría estropeado el reproductor de CD.)
- En la main clause también podemos utilizar un verbo modal (could, might, should, ought to,
etc.) + have + participio en lugar del Conditional Perfect.
If I had been more careful, I might not have broken the glass. (Si hubiera tenido más cuidado,
podría no haber roto el vaso.)

MIXED CONDITIONALS
Podemos crear Conditional Sentences utilizando la if-clause de la Third Conditional y la main clause de la
Second Conditional. Este tipo de condicionales se refiere al resultado que una acción que sucedió en el
pasado tiene en el presente.
If I hadn’t been so careless, I wouldn’t be in trouble now. (Si no hubiera sido tan descuidado,
ahora no tendría problemas.)
 IF-CLAUSE MAIN CLAUSE

Zero Conditional (always)

Present Simple Present Simple

First Conditional (present or future time)
Present Simple Future Simple (will + infinitive)
Present Simple Modal verb + infinitive
Present Simple Imperative
Present Continuous Future Simple (will + infinitive)
Second Conditional (present or future time)
Past Simple Conditional Simple (would + infinitive)
Past Simple Modal verb + infinitive
Third Conditional (past time)
Past Perfect (had + past participle) Conditional Perfect (would + have + past participle)
Past Perfect (had + past participle) Modal verb + have + past participle
Mixed Conditional (past action, present result)
Past Perfect (had + past participle) Conditional Simple (would + infinitive)
Past Perfect (had + past participle) Modal verb + infinitive

BIBLIOGRAPHY
- A. J. Thomson and A.V. Martinet, A Practical English Grammar, Oxford University Press, 1986
4 - V. Evans, Round-Up (English Grammar Practice), Longman, 1995
- M. Carling and S. Jervis, Grammar Time 4, Longman, 2003
- S. Jervis, Grammar Time 5, Longman, 2003
- M. Carling, Grammar Time 6, Longman, 2003
 EXERCISES
1. Translate the following sentences into English.
1) Iré a París si tengo dinero.
2) Iría a París si tuviera dinero.
3) Habría ido a París si hubiera tenido dinero.
4) Me casaré contigo si me quieres.
5) Me casaría contigo si me quisieras.
6) Me habría casado contigo si me hubieras querido.
7) Iremos de vacaciones si compramos un coche.
8) Iríamos de vacaciones si compráramos un coche.
9) Habríamos ido de vacaciones si hubiéramos comprado un coche.
10) Si vas a ver esa película, no dormirás.
11) Si fueras a ver esa película, no dormirías.
12) Si hubieras ido a ver esa película, no habrías dormido.
13) Si invito a Luis, tendré que invitar a Carlos.
14) Si invitara a Luis, tendría que invitar a Carlos.
15) Si hubiera invitado a Luis, habría tenido que invitar a Carlos.
16) Si vamos al hospital, le veremos.
17) Si fuéramos al hospital, le veríamos.
 18) Si hubiéramos ido al hospital, le habríamos visto.
19) Si sale, echará la carta.
20) Si saliera, echaría la carta.
21) Si hubiera salido, habría echado la carta.
22) Si dejas la puerta abierta, el perro entrará.
23) Si dejaras la puerta abierta, el perro entraría.
24) Si hubieras dejado la puerta abierta, el perro habría entrado.
25) Si voy a Madrid, te llevaré conmigo.
26) Si fuera a Madrid, te llevaría conmigo.
27) Si hubiera ido a Madrid, te habría llevado conmigo.
28) Si abro la ventana, tendrás frío.
29) Si abriera la ventana, tendrías frío.
30) Si hubiera abierto la ventana, habrías tenido frío.
31) Si preguntas, lo encontrarás.
32) Si preguntaras, lo encontrarías.
33) Si hubieras preguntado, lo habrías encontrado.
34) Si pierdes el dinero, tendrás problemas.
35) Si perdieras el dinero, tendrías problemas.
36) Si hubieras perdido el dinero, habrías tenido problemas.
37) Si pierdo, te daré mi CD.
38) Si perdiera, te daría mi CD.
39) Si hubiera perdido, te habría dado mi CD.
40) Si tengo hambre, comeré contigo.
41) No saldremos esta noche si llueve.
42) Si Peter no hubiera conducido tan deprisa, no habría tenido el accidente.
43) No cogeremos el tren a menos que nos demos prisa.
44) ¿Qué harías si ganaras 10 millones de euros?
45) ¿Dónde habrían ido este verano si hubieran viajado al extranjero?
46) Si tienes hambre, puedes comer fruta.
47) Si no apruebas los exámenes, trabajarás todo el verano.
48) Si te duele la cabeza, toma una aspirina.
49) Si tuviera más dinero, me compraría una bicicleta nueva.
50) Yo en tu lugar no haría nada.
51) No te invitarán a la fiesta a menos que les pidas disculpas.
52) Si te acuestas tarde, estarás cansada por la mañana.
53) Si estuviera más delgado, me sentiría mejor.
54) Si hubiéramos sabido que estabais en casa, os habríamos visitado.
55) No habría salido si hubiera hecho frío.
56) Si Elvis hubiera llevado una vida más saludable, no se hubiera muerto tan joven.
57) Si hubieras estudiado más, no habrías suspendido el examen.

2. Use Zero and First Conditional Clauses to complete the sentences.

1) If he has (have) got a temperature, call (call) the doctor.
2) take (take) your umbrella if it rains (rain).
3) If you heat (heat) water to 100ºC, it boils (boil).
4) take (take) a taxi if you are (be) in a hurry.
5) If it is (be) too late when you get home, wake not (not/wake) me up.
6) If you put (put) butter near the fire, it melts (melt).
 3. Rewrite these sentences using UNLESS.
1) We won’t buy any fish today if it isn’t cheaper than yesterday.
We won’t buy any fish today unless it is cheaper than yesterday.
2) If you don’t go to the party, they’ll be disappointed.

3) I can’t help her if she doesn’t want to talk to me.

4) If it doesn’t stop raining, we’ll stay at home.

5) If he doesn’t go to the post office, he won’t buy the stamps.

6) George won’t come out of hospital if he doesn’t feel better.

4. Complete the following sentences.

1) If we don’t hurry, we will be (be) late.
2) If I see her, I will give (give) her your message.
3) If you’re hungry, I wont come (make) you a sandwich.
4) If he will come (not/come) to the party, I will be very upset.
5) If she will go (go) to Paris, she’ll send me a postcard.
6) If we wont be (not/be) busy, we’ll come with you.
7) If he does that again, dad will be (be) very angry.
8) If he wont finish (not/finish) his homework, he won’t go out.
9) If he will come (come), I’ll talk to him.
10) If she will hurry (hurry), she won’t be late.
11) If it rains, we wont go (not/go) out.
6
12) If they are late, they will miss (miss) the bus.

5. Complete with the First Conditional.

1) If I am not (not/be) busy, I will come (come) with you.
2) If it rain (rain), we will stay (stay) at home.
3) I call (call) you if I will have (have) time.
4) If she dont study (not/study) hard, she wont pass (not/pass) the test.
5) If the weather is (be) nice, we will go (go) to the beach.
6) You get (get) fat if you wont stop (not/stop) eating so much.
7) If I see (see) John, I will tell (tell) him about the party.
wont tidy
8) Mum is (be) very angry if I (not/tidy) my room.
9) If we dont leave (not/leave) now, we will miss (miss) the bus.
10) You dont go (not/go) to the party if you wont (not/do) your
homework.

6. Match and make sentences.

1) wear a coat a) get wet
2) go to bed late b) have an accident
3) touch that hot pan c) not be cold
4) take an aspirin d) be tired tomorrow
5) not take an umbrella with you e) feel better
6) not hurry f) burn yourself
7) drive too fast g) lose it
8) leave your bag here h) be late

1) If you _wear a coat, you aren’t cold.

 2) If you
3) If you
4) If you
5) If you
6) If you
7) If you
8) If you

7. Match and write Zero Conditional sentences.

1) you mix blue and yellow a) it rains
2) clouds meet cold air b) you feel thirsty
3) there is no gravity c) water freezes
4) you do not eat d) objects do not fall
5) a cat falls from a height e) it lands on its feet
6) you do not sleep well f) you get green
7) it is hot g) you lose weight
8) the temperature falls below 0ºC h) you feel tired

1) When you mix blue and yellow, you get green.

2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)

8. Complete the sentences.

1) If Liam doesn’t shave (not/shave) off his beard, Sharon won’t go out with him.
2) Will you take me with you if you (go) to the beach?
3) If Kelly invites me to the party, I (go).
4) The man will hurt himself if he (jump) from that height.
5) If you clear up this mess now, I (not/tell) Mum.
6) (you/look) after my dog if I go away on holiday?
7) If they (not/come) out of the sun, they will get burnt!
8) Rosie will get into trouble is she (not/go) home soon.
9) If Peter (not/like) the sweater, will Mrs Hardy give it to
Tom?
10) He (stay) for lunch if she asks him.

9. Read, choose and complete.

Today it is Jenny’s first day at work. Complete the list of notes her boss has left for her.

COME MAKE NOT HAVE NOT POST GIVE SEE

1) If Mr Barnes comes , tell him I’m in a meeting.

2) If you have time, a hundred copies of this document.
 3) If you don’t need the store room keys, them to Mark.
4) If you the cleaners, ask them to do the windows downstairs.
5) If visitors an appointment, don’t send them to my office.
6) If you finish the letters, them. I want to see them first.

10. Read, choose and complete.

get a small part in a film visit us go to bed

meet Stanley and Peter invite our friends for dinner

need your help make some fresh lemonade see this film

1) If Fiona is lucky, she may get a small part in a film . (may)

2) If you’re tired, you . (should)
3) If we catch a lot of fish, we . (could)
4) If you go to the park now, you . (might)
5) If you are thirsty, I . (can)
6) If you like comedies, you . (must)
7) If Tricia is in our town, she . (may)
8) If the work is difficult, I . (might)

11. Circle the correct answer.

1) If / Unless he apologises, I’ll never speak to him again.
2) If / Unless you are not on time, they’ll leave without you.
8 3) Stanley won’t be able to finish the article if / unless Leslie doesn’t help him.
4) If / Unless she doesn’t tidy her room, her mother will be angry.
5) We’ll go to the beach tomorrow if / unless it rains.
6) If / Unless I finish my homework, I can’t come out with you.
7) We won’t have anything to eat if / unless we don’t go to the supermarket.

12. Rewrite these sentences using the word given.

1) If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late for school. (unless)
Unless we leave now, we’ll be late for school.
2) Unless they stop that noise, I’ll call the police. (if)

3) She won’t find tickets for the concert if she doesn’t book them soon. (unless)

4) If I don’t borrow Patrick’s lawn mower, it will take me ages to cut the grass. (unless)

5) The mirror will fall unless you use a strong nail. (if)

6) Unless it rains, we’ll go to the football match. (if)

7) They’ll stay in a hotel if their relatives don’t have a spare room. (unless)

8) Unless you remind me, I’ll forget to post the letter. (if)

13. Write First Conditional sentences using the prompts.

1) if / we / be / late – we / miss / the beginning of the film
If we are late, we’ll miss the beginning of the film.
 2) if / it / snow – the children / make / a snowman

3) unless / you / work / harder – you / fail / the exam

4) he / not like / the food – if / you / not put / more salt in it.

5) I / come / with you – unless / I / be / busy

6) unless / you / give / the dog / a bone – it / not go / away

7) unless / she / rest – she / become / ill

8) if / I / find / Leslie’s book – I / send / it / to her

14. Form Zero Conditional sentences.

1) Jack / always / bring / flowers / when / he / come / to visit us.
Jack always brings flowers when he comes to visit us.
2) if / you / mix / red and blue / you / get / purple

3) glass / break / when / you / heat / it ?

4) if / you / not eat / you / get / thin

5) when / the weather / be / nice / I / walk / to work

6) your brother / help / you / with your homework / when / he / have / time ?

7) I / usually / read / a good book / when / I / not be / busy

8) if / plants / not get / enough water / they / die

15. Complete the First Conditional sentences.

1) You will feel (feel) better if you take (take) an aspirin.
2) If they (come) with us, we (have) a great
time.
3) If it (rain), I (might / stay) at home.
4) (you / post) this letter for me if you (not /
be ) too busy?
5) You (should / apologise) if it (be) your fault.
6) If David (invite) Janice, I (not / go) to his
party.
7) If you (not / know) the answer, (ask) Mr
Walters.
8) Jack (move) to Scotland if he (find) a good
job there.
9) If the pain (not / stop), I (see) a doctor.
 10) If you (not / like) that dress, (not / wear)
it.
11) What (you / tell) Andrew if he (ask) you?
12) Anne (can / borrow) her brother’s car if she
(ask) him nicely.

16. Rewrite the sentences using the word given.

1) You won’t finish on time if you don’t start now. (unless)
You won’t finish on time unless you start now.
2) Unless you read the instructions, you won’t know what to do. (if)

3) We’ll go to the cinema tonight if I’m not too tired. (unless)

4) Unless you study harder, you’ll fail the test. (if)

5) If the neighbours don’t stop making that awful noise, I’ll call the police. (unless)

6) Mum won’t let him go out if he doesn’t finish his homework first. (unless)

7) The headache won’t go away unless you do something about it. (if)

8) She won’t hear you if you don’t speak louder. (unless)

9) I’ll be back at six unless I have to work late. (if)

10
10) He will never find a job unless he starts looking for one now. (if)

17. Rewrite the sentences using the words given.

1) I’ll let you go to Philip’s house if you tidy your room. (provided)
I’ll let you go to Philip’s house provided you tidy your room.

2) Provided I finish work early tomorrow, I’ll come with you. (if)

3) If you let me wear your sweater, I won’t tell Mum what you did. (as long as)

4) Aunt Josephine will be here at eight as long as her train arrives on time. (providing)

5) You can borrow my car provided you bring it back at four. (as long as)

6) I’ll go to the party as long as you come with me. (so long as)

7) If they offer him enough money, he will accept. (so long as)

8) I’ll tell you all about it as long as you promise to keep it a secret. (providing)
 18. Complete with the Second Conditional.
1) If he (exercise), he would be healthier.
2) If I (be) you, I would call the police.
3) I (buy) a new jacket if I had some money.
4) I (help) him if I were you.
5) I would travel round the world if I (win) the lottery.
6) If she had time, she (go) to the gym.
7) If I (meet) an alien, I wouldn’t be scared.
8) If I (go) to New York, I would visit the Empire State building.

19. Look at Stanley’s answers and form sentences. Use the Second Conditional.

What would you do if…?

1. What would you do if you won £ 1000?
a. spend it 🗸 b. save it
2. What would you do if you met your favourite actor?
a. faint b. ask for an autograph 🗸
3. What would you do if you found a bag full of money on a
bus?
a. give it to the police 🗸 b. keep it
4. What would you do if you saw an alien?
a. take a picture of it 🗸 b. start running
5. What would you do if you were alone on a desert island?
a. go fishing every day 🗸 b. start crying
6. What would you do if you saw a ghost?
a. scream b. say hello 🗸
7. What would you do if you saw a tiger in your garden?
a. keep it as a pet b. not touch it 🗸

1) If he won £1000, he would spend it.

2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

20. Peter is ill in bed. Give him some advice. Begin with “If I were you”.
1. make a cup of tea 5. stay in bed all day
2. call the doctor 6. take an aspirin
3. not go to school tomorrow 7. stay in bed for two days
4. eat some soup 8. drink some orange juice
1) If I were you, I would make a cup of tea.
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
 21. Read and write sentences beginning with “I wish”.
1. not have a headache
2. not be ill
3. Mary not make so much noise
4. Mum be here
5. can go to the park
6. feel better
7. can eat some ice-cream
1) I wish I didn’t have a headache.
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

22. Read and complete.

JANE: Nicola, I can’t come to the cinema with you. If I 1 (not have) so
much to do, I 2 (come).
NICOLA: Why are you so busy?
JANE: I’ve got a History test tomorrow. I wish I 3 (can come) with you.
We 4 (have) a great time.
NICOLA: But, Jane… tomorrow…
JANE: Life 5 (be) much easier if we didn’t have to go to school. We
6
(do) so many things if we 7 _
12
(have) more free time.
NICOLA: Jane! Listen to me ! You don’t have to do any homework for tomorrow! It’s a school holiday.
JANE: Oh…! I wish 8 (not be) so silly.

23. Read and complete.

THE DESERT ISLAND QUESTIONS
This week we’ve got the mayoress with us!
If you had to spend a month alone on a desert island, what would you take with you:
• To help you survive?
• For company
• For entertainment?
“If I had to spend a month on a desert island, I 1 (take) lots of drinking water
with me. Then I 2 (take) a knife, a fishing rod and some matches. If I 3
(catch) any fish, I 4 (light) a fire and cook them.
I love fish!
If there 5 (be) any animals on the island, I 6 (keep) one
as a pet and then I 7
(have) some real company.
If I 8 (take) any books with me, I 9 (choose)
something funny. If I had to spend a month on a desert island, I 10
(carry) a
trombone with me and learn how to play it!”

24. Circle the correct answer.

1) If she would live / lived in London, I wouldn’t see her very often.
2) If you ate / eat more vegetables, your skin would look better.
3) Will / Would they play with us if we asked them?
4) He wouldn’t read / didn’t read that book if he didn’t have to.
5) If they went to the theatre, will / would they invite you?
6) If she knew / knows how to drive, she would buy a car.
 7) If I wouldn’t call / didn’t call, Mum would be very worried.
8) If we had / would have more pocket money, we’d go to the cinema.
9) He won’t be / wouldn’t be such a good athlete if he didn’t train so hard.
10) If he wouldn’t be / weren’t so rude, people would like him.
11) If we didn’t have time, we wouldn’t watch / won’t watch TV.
12) She would get / got the job if she spoke Spanish.

25. Complete the sentences.

1) If I found (find) a wallet in the street, I would give it to the police.
2) If you saw him again, you (not / recognise) him.
3) We would go skiing if it (snow).
4) If he didn’t feed the cat so much, it (not / be) so fat.
5) Would he do me a favour if I (ask) him?
6) If I (have) a million pounds, I would never work again.
7) If she (not / be) a good player, she wouldn’t be in the team.
8) I (invite) all my friends if I lived in a big house.
9) If she (not / like) your present, what would you do?
10) The children would be happy if they (be) on holiday.

26. Rewrite the sentences. Use the Second Conditional.

1) I haven’t got any money, so I won’t buy that CD.
If I had some money, I would buy that CD.
2) Pigs haven’t got wings, so they don’t fly.

3) His marks aren’t good because he doesn’t work hard.

4) I’m busy, so I won’t come with you.

5) They don’t know her, so they won’t invite her to their party.

6) I won’t call him because I haven’t got his phone number.

7) She walks to school because she hasn’t got a bike.

8) It’s cold, so we won’t go to the beach.

9) I won’t join you because I have to stay at home.

10) He won’t lend you his camera because he needs it.

27. Give advice using If I were you. Choose and write.

1) Your friend hasn’t been feeling well lately.

If I were you, I would see a doctor.
2) Your sister wants to lose weight.
 3) It’s a cold afternoon. Your brother is leaving the house in a T-shirt.

4) Your elder sister finishes work at nine o’clock every night and she is always tired.

5) Your friend has a headache.

6) Your fiend has been having nightmares recently.

7) Your brother really likes a new girl in his class but he is too shy to speak to her.

8) Your little sister is bored at the weekends because she has nothing to do.

28. Complete the sentences.

1) If she had followed (follow) my advice, she would have arrived earlier.
2) If I had checked the bill, I (see) the mistake.
3) If we (not / meet) him in the street, we would have got lost.
4) If I had been one hour late, (she / wait) for me?
5) You would have got the job if you (not / behave) so
foolishly.
6) If they had invited you to the party, (you / go)?
7) We would have stayed longer if we (have) time.
8) If he hadn’t panicked, the dog (not / bite) him.
9) She (have) better results if she had trained harder.
14 10) If he (be) in my place, would he have done the same thing?

29. Read and write Third Conditional sentences.

1) Helen forgot to make an appointment at the hairdresser’s. She cut her hair herself. She looked
awful at the party.
If she hadn’t forgotten to make an appointment at the hairdresser’s, she wouldn’t have cut her
hair herself. If she hadn’t cut her hair herself, she wouldn’t have looked awful at the party.
2) Peter ate three bars of chocolate. He had a terrible stomach ache. He couldn’t go to the cinema
with Stanley and Leslie.

3) Mary sat in the sun too long. She was red and sore. She didn’t enjoy herself at the barbecue that
evening.

4) Pauline watched TV until three o’clock in the morning! She was late for the school bus. She missed
the school excursion.

5) Mr Davis tried to lift a heavy suitcase. He hurt his back. He couldn’t play golf.
30. Complete the sentences and decide which type of Conditional Sentence it is.
1) If I had (have) lots of money, I would sail round the world. 2
2) If my sister (see) this puppy, she will love it.
3) If I (pack) the suitcases myself, I wouldn’t have left my swimsuit.
4) We (can / sit) in the garden if the weather were nicer.
5) (Fred / be) bored if you had taken him to the opera?
6) I (wait) for you outside the cinema if I arrive early.
7) Val and Cherie would move if they (can / find) a better house.
8) I (tell) him my name if he had asked.
9) If the children want to go to the zoo, (Dad /take) them?
10) If the job (be) interesting, would you work for this company?
11) They wouldn’t have believed him if he (tell) them the truth.
12) She would be upset if her best friend (not / come) to her wedding.

31. Read and circle the correct answer.

My friend Olivia complains all the time. This morning she called me and in five minutes she
had said the following:
• If my father (1) so old-fashioned, he would let me dye my hair green.
• If my teacher hadn’t given me so much homework, I (2) _ go to a concert with
my brother.
• If my mother (3) my favourite dishes all the time, I wouldn’t be so fat.
(Olivia is skinny!)
• If I (4) all my money on CDs, I would have bought a beautiful white T-shirt!
(She’s got six.)
• If I hadn’t felt ill during the last Maths test, I (5) the best mark in class.
(She usually gets about 50%!)

I told her: “If you (6) all the time, you would be the best friend in the world!”

1) a wasn’t b hadn’t been c isn’t

2) a was able to b had been able to c would have been able to
3) a wouldn’t cook b didn’t cook c hadn’t cooked
4) a hadn’t spent b wouldn’t spend c didn’t spend
5) a had got b would have got c would get
6) a not complain b hadn’t complained c didn’t complain

32. Read, choose and write.

BE HAVE (x3) NOT CRASH NOT MEET PLAY DO

NOT BORROW NOT HAVE NOT RENT NOT BE

1) If my Dad hadn’t had a tooth ache, he wouldn’t have met my Mum. She was his
dentist!
2) If I a sister, she play with me.
Unfortunately, I’ve got an older brother and he is always busy with his computer.
3) If my friend my bike, she it into
a tree! Now, neither of us has got a bike!
4) I love animals. If my sister allergic to cats, I
two cats. At the moment, I’ve only got a goldfish!
5) If my parents’ friends a villa in Spain, we
a boring holiday. But we had a great time!
6) If I an actress, I anything to be
in a film with Brad Pitt. He’s gorgeous!

33. Complete the Third Conditional sentences.

1) If I (hear) the weather forecast, I
(take) an umbrella with me.
2) If you (come) to the party last night, you _
(meet) James.
3) If I (listen) to her, this (not / happen).
4) If I (know) you were at home, I
(call) you.
5) What (you / do) if he (not / lend)
you his car?
6) If you (not / be) so rude, she ( not / get)
so upset.
7) If Raymond (not / miss) the bus, he
( not / be) late for work.
8) If someone (tell) me that there was no milk in the house, I
(go) to the supermarket.
9) She (not / refuse) if you
(ask) her nicely.
10) (you / come) with us if we (tell)
16 you about the concert?

34. Rewrite the sentences. Use the Third Conditional.

1) I didn’t say hello because I didn’t see her.
If I had seen her, I would have said hello.
2) We didn’t go out to dinner because Dad finished work late.

3) She was angry because you didn’t call her.

4) We didn’t hear about the accident because we didn’t watch the news.

5) You dropped the vase because you weren’t careful.

6) He didn’t pass the exam because he was nervous.

7) We didn’t go to the beach because it rained.

8) I had a good time because you were there with me.

9) They didn’t get a taxi because they didn’t have enough money.

10) We were late because our car broke down.

11) She didn’t follow my advice, so she didn’t make a profit.

12) You didn’t put the milk in the fridge, so it went bad.
 35. Rewrite the sentences. Use the Second or Third Conditional.
1) She was ill, so she didn’t go to school.
If she hadn’t been ill, she would have gone to school.
2) I haven’t got a car, so I walk to work every morning.
If I had a car, I wouldn’t walk to work every morning.
3) I didn’t know it was her birthday, so I didn’t buy her a present.

4) You don’t always tell him the truth, so he doesn’t trust you.

5) They don’t work hard, so they do badly at school.

6) The old man gave us clear directions, so we found the address.

7) You don’t get enough sleep, so you feel tired all the time.

8) You forgot to bring a map, so we got lost.

9) You didn’t water the flowers, so they died.

10) She trains hard, so she’s a good player.

11) Ms Dawson loves animals, so she has six cats.

12) We didn’t see them, so we didn’t tell them about it.

13) Max doesn’t know about the subject, so he can’t help.

14) The critic didn’t like the film, so she wrote a bad review.

15) He likes children, so he gets on well with them.

36. Read and complete.

WENDY: Hey, Kate. Are you coming to Rachel’s house tonight?
KATE: Well, I would come if I (1) didn’t have (have) to look after my baby brother. My
parents are going out tonight.
WENDY: Oh. Rachel (2) (be) disappointed if you don’t come. She’d really
like you to be there. It’s her birthday, you know.
KATE: Her birthday? I didn’t know it was her birthday! If I had known, I
(3) (ask) my parents to get a baby sitter. Now they won’t
let me come unless they (4) (can / find) someone else to
look after Bobby.
WENDY: You always look after Bobby when your parents (5) (go)
out. Why don’t you ask your sister to do it tonight?
KATE: Well, I (6) (ask) her if today wasn’t so special for her. You
see, she’s going out with Peter. She’ll be very angry if she (7)
(have to) stay at home.
WENDY: Oh, well. If I (8) (be) you, I’d give a try. Anyway,
(9) (give) me a ring if you change your mind.
 KATE: OK. I will. Bye.

37. Match and write sentences.

1) If you had gone to bed earlier, a) we would eat at a restaurant.
2) If Mum hadn’t cooked dinner, b) she would not be unemployed today.
3) If you had been honest, c) if I hadn’t already promised to go with Yvonne.
4) I would buy this book d) if I hadn’t spent all my money on CDs.
5) You would know what to do e) if we had followed his advice.
6) If Mary had taken that job six months ago, f) I would be rich today.
7) I’d be in London right now g) you wouldn’t be so tired.
8) We wouldn’t be in trouble h) Dad wouldn’t be so angry now.
9) If I had bought that lottery ticket, i) if I hadn’t missed the bus.
10) I would go to the party with Rita j) if you had listened to her instructions.

1) If you had gone to bed earlier, you wouldn’t be so tired.

2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
18
38. Rewrite the sentences using the word given.
1) You should talk to William about this. YOU
If I were you, I would talk to William about this.
2) She’ll be very worried if I don’t call her. UNLESS
She’ll be very worried her.
3) We’ll go fishing tomorrow if the weather is fine. PROVIDING
We’ll go fishing tomorrow fine.
4) You shouldn’t stay up so late. WERE
If , I wouldn’t stay up so late.
5) She forgot to lock the door because she was in a hurry. HAVE
If she hadn’t been in a hurry, she to lock the
door.
6) I’ll make dinner if you promise to wash the dishes. PROVIDED
I’ll make dinner to wash the dishes.
7) I’ll read that article if I have nothing else to do tonight. LONG
I’ll read that article nothing else to do tonight.
8) She won’t come to the party unless John invites her himself. IF
She won’t come to the party her himself.