Unit 6
Chapter 4
Conditional (pp. 470-471)
The conditional has three forms.
1. future-possible (if+present tense+future tense)
If I go, I will take you along.
2. present-unreal (if+past tense+might/would/could+verb)
If he bought it, we could use it.
3. past-unreal (if+past perfect+might/would/could+have+verb)
If I had gone, I might have learned something.
Note: The order of clauses may be reversed.
If reversed, the comma is dropped.
I. Writing
- Find the conditional statements in the Comprehensive Reading.
- Identify which of the above three types they are.
- Rewrite, reversing the clauses.
- Change into the other two forms.
- Discuss the changes in meaning that occurred when #4 was done.
II. Dialogue
Jim: Where's Jack? Isn't he going mountain climbing with us?
Ted: He said he would go if he finished his work.
Jim: I guess he isn't finished yet.
Ted: If he had started earlier, he would have been done by now.
III. Exchanges
A: Why don't you help me?
B: I would if I could.
A: Why don't you go to Europe?
B: I would if I had the money.
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