-- refers to the present time for conditions that are unlikely to happen
-- refers to future time for conditions that are unlikely to happen
Sample sentences
1) If there were no challenges, we would not work hard. (correct)
2) If there were no exams, we would not study hard. (correct)
3) I would be abandoned if my parents were to forsake me. (correct)
4) I would become a billionaire in one month if I were to sell bottlecaps. (correct)
Sentences 1 and 4 described events that are very unlikely to happen.
5) Mother would be unhappy if the vase broke. (correct)
6) Susan would spot the difference if she were more alert. (correct)
Sentences 5 and 6 described events that has not happened and is unlikely to happen at that moment. Therefore the past tense is used.
Refer to sentence 5. Even if the vase broke, Mother may or may not be unhappy.
Refer to sentence 6. Even if Susan was more alert, she may or may not be able to spot the difference.
Learn form the common errors
1) Gary would be heartbroken if his girlfriend breaks off with him. (wrong)
2) Thomas will be promoted if he was given a good report. (wrong)
Refer to sentence 1: When someone breaks off with you, it is natural to feel heartbroken. Therefore, 'is heartbroken' should be used.
Refer to sentence 2: When we use the conditional 'if', it implies that something has not happened. Therefore Thomas 'was given' a good report cannot happen.
Task: Each one of you is supposed to write 2 sentences using 'If' in the past tense.
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3 comments:
1)If I don't eat now, I would die .
2)If I fell into the lake, I could swim very far.
1. If he does not receive the letter by today, he would be frustrated.
2. If I ran very fast, I could catch up with her.
1) If I could earn one thousand dollars a week, I could buy a bunglow.
2) I could have passed my test if only I studied harder.
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