Grammar Practice: Conditionals

JULIA LEVITSKAYA, OLGA POZDNEEVA

№20

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« » « »

20

2008

Юлия Левицкая,

Ольга Позднеева

ГРАММАТИКА НА ПРАКТИКЕ:

УСЛОВНЫЕ ПРЕДЛОЖЕНИЯ

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Types of Conditionals

Conditional sentences can be divided into Conditional 1 (or real condition), Conditionals 2 and 3 (unreal condition).

The rst conditional shows that, from the speaker’s point of view, the situation is quite possible. In the main clause the Future forms or verbs in the Imperative Mood are used; in the clause of condition the present tense forms are used. Example: If the weather is sunny tomorrow (this is quite probable), we’ll go on a hike.

, , , .

, .

The second conditional shows that, from the speaker’s point of view, the situa-tion is improbable, and is unlikely to happen. The second conditional describes the present or future situation as unreal. In the main clause Would + in nitive should be used, in the clause of unreal condition the Past Simple or the Past Continuous should be used, for the verb ‘to be’ were is used for all persons.

Examples: I am impressed with your research papers. Of course, I would be more impressed if I understood them (but this is highly improbable).

. , .

If I were a writer (but I am not a writer, and this condition is unreal), I would in-vent a pen name. , .

, , , . .

would ‘to’, - -, ‘to be’ ‘were’ .The third conditional describes the past situation as unreal. In the main clause

would + perfect in nitive (have done) should be used. In the clause of condition the Past Perfect is used. Example: Mr. Bennet: “If I had known as much this morning (but I didn’t know it), I certainly wouldn’t have called on him (but I have already done it).” « , ».

. would

. .

There are also so called mixed conditionals. In such conditionals one part of the sentence refers to the present (or future), and the other to the past.

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Examples: They are all interesting cases. If I didn’t feel that way (in gen-eral), I would have gone into another specialty (in the past).

. , .

Elizabeth Bennet: “I could easily forgive his pride (at present), if he hadn’t morti ed mine. (in the past)” “ ,

”. ,

( ) , .

Conditionals main clause clause of conditionConditional 1 will do

the ImperativeI (you, they, we) dohe (she, it) does

Conditional 2 would do could (might) do

smb. did smb. were doingsmb. were

Conditional 3 would have donecould (might) have done

smb. had done

Revising the Use of Tenses

in the Clause of Real Condition

Exercise 1. Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verbs: fall, sell, catch, make, pay, get up.

1. If you run after two hares you ______________________ none.2. If you lie down with dogs you _______________________ with eas.3. If the sky ______________ we shall catch larks.4. If you argue to carry the calf, they _______________ you carry the cow.5. If you ______________ not a servant, he will pay himself.6. If you _____________ the cow, you will sell her milk too.

Exercise 2. Open the brackets using the correct form of the verbs.1. If I (not to nd) the man, I never (to have) a rest so long as that fellow

lives.2. Arthur, if you (to go) to Paris, I (to join) you.3. I (to do) all I can to make Arthur happy if he (to take) me with him.4. Mary, Mike never (to nish) the report unless you (to help) him.5. I am sure Mike (to go) with us provided he (to have) free time.6. Unless it (to stop) snowing, we (not to go) to the country.7. I (to attend) school tomorrow, if I (to be) better.

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8. If the plan (to go) wrong, we all (to die).9. They (to lose) unless they (to act).10. If he (to miss) the train, what he (to do)?

Exercise 3. Translate the sentences into English.1. , .2. ,

.3. ,

.4. , .5. , .6. , «

» (a residence permit).7. , .8. , -

.9. , ?10. , ?

Learning to Use Conditional 2

Exercise 4. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete the conditional 2 sentences in the following rhymes.

A. If all the seas (to be) _________one sea,What a great sea that (to be) ____________,And if all the trees (to be) ______________one tree,What a great tree that (to be) ____________,And if all the axes (to be) _____________one axe,What a great axe that (to be) _______________,And if all the men (to be) _____________one man,What a great man that (to be) ________________,And if the great man (to take) ________________the great axe,And (to cut) ____________down the great tree,And (to let) __________it fall into the great sea,What a splish splash that (to be) ________________. (from “Mother Goose Rhymes”)

B. If I (to have) ______________a donkey and he wouldn’t go,Do you think I (to hit) __________________ him?

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No, no, no.I (to put) _______________ him in the stableAnd (to give) ______________ him some straw,And the poor little donkey(Not to work) _________________ any more. (A. A. Milne)

Exercise 5. Read the poem by Emily Dickinson. The fi rst line in each quatrain is a clause of unreal condition, choose the most suitable fi rst line for each quatrain. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete the conditional 2 sentences in the poem.

_____________________________________I (to brush) __________________ the summer byWith half a smile and half a spurn, As housewives do a y.______________________________________I (to wind) ___________________ the months in balls, And (to put) _______________them each in separate drawers,Until their time befalls._______________________________________I (to count) _____________________ them on my hand,Subtracting till my ngers droppedInto Van Diemen’s land.*

The rst lines:If I (can) see you in a yearIf only centuries (to delay)If you (to be coming) in the fall

Exercise 6. Change the following sentences into conditional 2 sentences.Example: I want to visit this exhibition, but I don’t have any free time. If I had some free time, I would visit this exhibition.1. Excuse me, but I am unable to reply to your e-mail message immediately,

as I can’t connect to the Internet.2. I want to go shopping with you, but I am very busy at the moment.3. I am sure you are a very talented student, but you don’t work hard enough

to be top of the class.4. The weather is too nasty to go camping. What a pity!5. I do like this cell phone, but I won’t buy it, it’s too expensive.

* Van Diemen’s land – the former name for Tasmania.

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6. I am willing to give you all the necessary information, but I really don’t know what is going on.

7. This sitcom has become very unpopular. But we are not the producers of this sitcom, consequently we can’t cancel it.

8. You catch colds very frequently because you don’t keep t.9. I am ill with bronchitis, I won’t be able to attend the meeting on Friday.10. I am dreaming of going to Australia, but I am afraid, I can’t afford it.

Exercise 7. Answer the questions.1. What would you change in school if you were the principal?2. What play (or performance) would you stage if you were the director of

the school theatre?3. What famous personality would you interview if you were a journalist?4. What place on our planet would you travel to if you had such an oppor-

tunity?5. What TV program would you take part in if you could choose any program?6. What places of interest would you show your foreign friend if you went on

a sightseeing tour about Moscow?7. What dishes would you cook if you were having a party?8. Who would you turn to for help and support if you got into trouble?

Exercise 8. Translate into English.1. ,

.2. , .

, , ?

3. , .

4. , ?5. ,

.6. , ?7. , ?8. ,

.9. ,

?10. ,

, .

8

11. , , ?12. , -

.

Exercise 9. Match the beginnings of the sentences with the endings. Com-plete the sentences.

1. If he calls a. ...would he come to see us more often?2. If Bob were not tired b. …I’ll tell him to ring back.3. He will visit his aunt in the Crimea c. …if Mike takes part in the music contest.4. If everything goes well d. …if she were here?5. If Kate were more attentive e. …he would necessarily go with us.6. Would you agree f. …if you were asked to help them?7. Will Mary go to the country g. …she would make less mistakes in her tests.8. What would you tell Ann h. …Andrew will nish his work on time.9. It will be very unexpected i. …if it rains tomorrow?10.If Tom had more free time j. …if he has his vacations in June.

Learning to Use Conditional 3

Exercise 10. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete the conditional 3 sentences.

1. None of this (to happen) if you (not to conduct) your work so recklessly and independently.

2. I chose the bed nearest the window, a mistake I (not to make) if I (to know) the policy in Glass House was to turn off the heat at night.

3. She couldn’t stop thinking about what (to happen) if they (to be caught).4. She imagined how different her life (to be) if she (to hang) her shingle

( ) in Paris.5. If he (not take) his eyes off the road, he (not to miss) the fact that the road

was curving to his right.6. If he (to wear) a seat belt, he (may live).7. If she (not to support) me after Elizabeth’s death, I probably (to go) com-

pletely to pieces.8. If I (to explain) some part of what I learnt and his character (to be known),

this (cannot happen).9. “If the caveman (to know) how to laugh, History (to be) different”, said

Lord Henry.10. If I (not to establish) a new school of thought and behaviour while I was

at junior high school, it never (to occur) to me to write about it.11. If I (to take) her word for it, probably nothing (to happen).

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Exercise 11. Change the following sentences into conditional 3 sentences.Example: Jane didn’t follow the doctor’s recommendations as a result she

fell ill again.If Jane had followed the doctor’s recommendations, she wouldn’t have fallen

ill again.1. He was very exhausted, only because of that he didn’t think of resisting.2. I don’t believe Kate really left, she didn’t take her suitcase.3. At the Embassy party Eliza spoke English too perfectly, that’s why the

people took her for a foreign princess.4. He was too nervous at the Art contest, and couldn’t win the rst prize.5. All that happened because Roy didn’t keep his promise.6. Sam didn’t listen to the teacher’s explanation attentively, and made a lot

of mistakes in his work.7. He took part in the election campaign, because he couldn’t predict all the

terrible consequences of it.8. Harker Brayton let his imagination run away with him and as a result died

of horror.9. Canterville Chase was cursed, that’s why it remained uninhabited for a

long time.10. The meteorologists warned the citizens in advance of the coming cyclone

that made it possible to reduce the number of deaths.

Exercise 12. Translate into English. (Conditional 3).1. - , .2. ,

, .3. , , -

.4. , ,

.5. -

, .6. , .

7. , . , : .

8. , .9. ,

.

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10. – « 2»? – , . , .11. , , .12.

, , .

Exercise 13. Match the main clauses and the clauses of condition in the left-hand column and the right-hand column. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form.

1. Even if Lady Brandon hadn’t intro-duced us to each other…2. I couldn’t be happy…3. If Lord Henry had gone to his aunt’s…4. Would you think it awfully rude of me…5. If Lord Henry goes…6. I believe that if one man were to live his life fully and completely…7. If you stay any longer in this glare...8. If it were I who was to be young and the picture that was to grow old…9. If you let anyone have the picture but me, Basil, …10. If any stranger had been prowling round the house…11. If any footmarks had been found on the ower-beds…12. What would you say, Harry, …13. If you knew everything about me…14. If anything happens to our good Duchess…

a) he (to meet) Lord Goodbody there, and the whole conversation (to be) about the feeding of the poor.b) we (to speak) to each other without any introduction.c) I (to go) too.d) for that I (to give) everything.e) we all (to look) on you as being primarily responsible.f) even you (to turn) from me.g) if I (to tell) you that I had murdered Ba-sil?h) he (to be seen) by the servants or the keepers.i) I never (to forgive) you.j) the gardeners (to report) it.k) if I (not to see) him every day. He is abso-lutely necessary to me.l) if I (to ask) you to go away?m) you (be quite spoilt), and Basil never (to paint) you.n) the world (to gain) such a fresh impulse of joy.

(Based on “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde)

Exercise 14. Open the brackets. Use conditional 2 or conditional 3.1. And now (to be) too much to ask you if I (to say) I’d like coffee?2. Oh, Tommy, if you (to come) earlier, she (to be) happy to see you, I am

sure.3. What you (to say), Wesley, if I (to invite) you to lunch?4. I know, if she (to be) my mother, I (to do) everything I could for her.

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5. Billy said to Wesley, “ If you (to start) playing tennis at least a year before, you already (to win) a lot of tournaments.”

6. Maybe it (to be) a good idea if they (to show) their new picture in Cannes next year.

7. What I (to tell) your mother if she (to come) to Cannes?8. Monica said to one of her friends when they were sitting in the café, “If I

(to be going) to date anyone, it (to be) that young man at the pool.”9. Billy said bitterly, “If they (to show) that “Restoration Comedy” at the

Cannes Festival, they (to win) the rst prize. Why didn’t they do it?”10. If I (be) you I (not to ask) any questions.11. The doctor was grave. The eye was in danger. Billy knew it was his fault.

If the night before he (not to be) so upset, he never (to hit) the ball at the girl so hard and at such a distance.

12. Billy was red. He understood that if that accident (not to happen) the previous night the manager (not to dismiss) him.

13. I am scared. It (to be) better if you (to know) where to nd him.14. Wesley nodded his head slowly, “If I (to meet) the man, who had killed

my father, earlier I (to kill) him. But he is lucky: he has been taken to the police station.”

15. Don’t be angry. You must understand: the girl’s father never (to forgive) me if I (not to dismiss) you. You see the girl is in the hospital.

16. If you really (not to want) to get mixed up in this, you (to do) everything to avoid going there. But now I can’t help you.

17. I also (to appreciate) it if you (not to take) any notes either now or after I have left.

18. Oh, my God! What has he done! If he (to call) me at least yesterday I (to be able) to help him. It’s too late now.

19. If Wesley (to show) up earlier, Billy (to manage) to solve that problem.20. Don’t speak about your father in such a way! You didn’t know the man. If

you (to know) your father better and (to see) him more often, you (to understand) his way of life.

Exercise 15. Translate into English, using conditional 2 or conditional 3.1. , (to be presumptuous),

, . , . ,

.2. , ?3. ,

.

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4. , , .

5. , .

6. , .7. . ,

. , , .8. . ,

.9. , .10.

, .11. - ,

.12. ,

(Miss Pinkerton’s boarding school).13. ,

.14. - ,

.15. , -.

Learning to Use Mixed Conditionals

Exercise 16. Change the following sentences into mixed conditionals.Example: Jane is very upset. You have hurt her feelings. You should care more

about other people’s feelings.If you cared more about other people’s feelings, you wouldn’t have hurt Jane’s

feelings.1. You aren’t punctual, that’s why you haven’t done the work you should

have done long ago.2. He has always maintained his car well as a result it is still in excellent

condition.3. I think you left your post because you are very irresponsible.4. Now you can’t answer the questions because you haven’t read the article.5. I didn’t invite you to the concert because I know that you are not fond of

pop music. 6. The old lady died, and now her wonderful garden is in a condition of total

neglect.7. You failed the exam because you don’t work regularly.

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8. We can’t go to the cinema now because you haven’t done your homework yet.

9. The plane didn’t arrive on time that’s why we aren’t in the of ce now.10. Mike went to bed very late yesterday and as a result now he is unable to

concentrate on his work.11. Nina didn’t turn for professional help on time as a result her condition is

very serious now.12. It has been snowing for two days, and now roads are hazardous.

Exercise 17. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete the conditional 2, 3 or mixed sentences.

1. You think me foolish to call instruction a torment…but if you ever (to see) how stupid little children can be for a whole morning together, you (to allow) that ‘to torment’ and ‘to instruct’ might sometimes be used as synonymous words.

2. If reading (not to be taught), Mrs. Radcliffe* (to write) in vain – or perhaps (may not write) at all.

3. That gentleman (to put) me out of patience, if he (to stay) with you half a minute longer.

4. “I didn’t expect you.” “Not expect me! That’s a good one! And what a dust you (to make) if I (not

to come)!”5. “But you shouldn’t persuade me that I think so much about Mr. Tilney, for

perhaps I may never see him again.”“Not see him again! My dearest creature, do not talk of it. I am sure you (to

be) miserable if you (to think) so.”6. Oh! I am delighted with the book! I should like to spend my whole life

reading it. I assure you, if it (not to be) to meet you, I (not to come away) from it for all the world.

7. If I (to be) to hear anybody speak slightingly of you, I (to re up) in a moment.8. What a delightful Bath place is…and how pleasant it (to be) if we (to have)

any acquaintance here.9. If we (to know) anybody here we (to join) them directly…Are you sure

there is nobody you know in this multitude of people?10. “My letter was from my brother at Oxford” and then speaking through the

tears, she added, “I do not think I shall ever wish for a letter again!”“I am sorry, if I (to suspect) the letter of containing anything unwelcome, I

(to give) it with very different feelings.(Based on “Northanger Abbey” by Jane Austen)

*Ann Radcliffe (1764–1823) – an English novelist.

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Exercise 18. Translate into English. Use conditional 2, conditional 3 and mixed conditional.

1. , . , .2. .3. ,

. .4. , .5. , .6. , ,

.7. ,

.8.

, .9. 300 ,

.10. , .11. ,

.12. , - .13. ,

.14. ,

.15. , ?16. , , ? 17. .18. ,

?19. ? , .20. , .

, .

TEST 1

I. Choose the correct variant.1. The situation is dangerous. I (a. would be, b. would have been, c. will be)

careful if I (a. had been, b. was, c. were) you.

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2. They can’t disclose this information. It (a. will be, b. would be, c. would have been) illegal if they (a. would disclose, b. had disclosed, c. disclosed) this information without their clients’ consent.

3. I knew that if I (a. would buy, b. bought, c. had bought) any place in the city, it (a. had been, b. would have been, c. would be) easier to maintain than the house we were living in then.

4. I was in despair when Laura showed up. I still don’t know what (a. would happen, b. happened, c. would have happened) if she (a. wouldn’t. b. didn’t, c. hadn’t).

5. If I (a. wouldn’t see, b. hadn’t seen, c. didn’t see) Christine in August professionally, we (a. wouldn’t be talking, b. wouldn’t have talked, c. wouldn’t have been talking) right now.

II. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete the conditional 2, 3 or mixed sentences.

1. She has a talent, but she is very lazy. I am sure she (can easily achieve) a considerable competence if she (to be) willing to work a little.

2. You (to mind) if I (to ask) you a question just between you and me?3. I couldn’t explain why I was still staying in the village. If I (to move) into

Burlington, it (to save) more than an hour of driving each day.4. You are my true friend. I (to go) to you, not to Harry, if I (to be) in trouble.5. Mrs. Higgins: I don’t remember asking this girl to come.Higgins: You didn’t. I asked her. If you (to know) her, you (not to ask) her.

III. Translate into English. (Conditionals 2, 3 and mixed.)1. ,

.2. , (to take for)

(at the Embassy party). 3. ,

.4. , -

.5. . , .

TEST 2

I. Choose the correct variant.1. “I recon that if there (a. was, b. were, c. would be) such a thing as a

ghost in Europe, we (a. had, b. would have, c. would have had) it at home

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in a very short time in one of our public museums or on the road as a show.” (O. Wilde)

2. Truthfully I don’t know anything damaging about Reed, but even if I(a. knew, b. had known, c. would have known), it’s doubtful I (a. were able, b. would be able, c. would have been able) to share this information with anyone.

3. At that tragic moment I was absolutely unable to make any decision. If Laura (a. wouldn’t come, b. didn’t come, c. hadn’t come) to my rescue, I (a. had never made, b. would never make, c. would never have made) a decision.

4. Fortunately we left the city ve years ago. If we (a. had stayed, b. stayed, c. would have stayed) in the city long enough, we (a. may end, b. might end, c. might have ended) up joining a Kiwanis Club.

5. – Of course, it was an accident. – But if Geoffrey (a. would do, b. did, c. had done) the thing on purpose, how interesting he (a. would be, b. was,c. were).

II. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete the conditional 2, 3 or mixed sentences.

1. The irony is they must think we know more than we do. If I (to be) they and (to know) how little we know, I (not to bother) with us.

2. I understand your skepticism. If I (to be) in your position, I (to want) to be sure, too.

3. We live in the countryside far from any society. I (not to be) able to count my dates on one hand now if we (to move) to the city last year.

4. Once I wanted to tell you the truth. But if I ever (to let) you know anything about it, you (not to understand) it.

5. Your father was a rich gentleman. If he (not to die), he (to make) provision for us.

III. Translate into English. (Conditionals 2, 3 and mixed.)1. , (to

keep to a strict diet).2.

, .3. (to master)

, (to pass as) .

4. , .

5. , .

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TEST 3

I. Choose the correct variant.1. I didn’t try and answer the question then; there hadn’t been a need. After

all, she hadn’t expected an answer – and if she (a. were, b. did, c. had), I most certainly (a. would lie, b. would have lied, c. would have lain).

2. “I certainly won’t leave you so long as you are in mourning ( )… If I (a. would be, b. were, c. was) in mourning you (a. would stay, b. stayed,c. would have stayed) with me, I suppose. I should think it very unkind if you (a. wouldn’t, b. hadn’t, c. didn’t).” (O. Wilde)

3. Eliza: Oh, if only I (a. had known, b. knew, c. would know) what a dreadful thing it is to be clean, I (a. wouldn’t never have come, b. would never have come, c. had never come). I didn’t know when I was well off. (B. Shaw)

4. – The boat was found burning two miles at sea. – Could the boat have drifted? – Impossible. If there (a. was, b. were, c. had been) engine trouble, Philip (a. would have used, b. would use, c. had used) the radio.

5. Mitch, if you (a. wasn’t b. weren’t, c. wouldn’t be) so stubborn, you(a. would retire, b. retired, c. would have retired) long ago.

II. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete the conditional 2, 3 or mixed sentences.

1. There was a time when locals threw rocks at the doctor’s windows. If one of those rocks (to crash) through the window of his study and (to kill) him, he still (to leave) behind a library of notebooks and test results.

2. “But you don’t really mean to say that you (cannot love) me if my name (not to be) Earnest.” (O. Wilde)

3. “I keep a diary in order to enter the wonderful secrets of my life. If I (not to write) them down, I probably (to forget) all about them.” (O. Wilde)

4. Algernon: But why on earth did you break the engagement off ( )? What had I done?

Cecily: It hardly (to be) a really serious engagement if it (not to break) off at least once. (O. Wilde)

5. – If I (to ask) you a favour, you (to help) me? – Sure. What do you want?

III. Translate into English. (Conditionals 2, 3 and mixed.)1. ,

.2. (to be vaccinated) , .

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3. . - (the alarm to go off), . 4. -

, .5. , ?

TEST 4

I. Choose the correct variant.1. “Cecily, you have lifted a load from my mind. I was growing almost

anxious. It (a. would be, b. were, c. would have been) terrible if any cloud(a. came, b. had come, c. would come) across a friendship like ours, (a. wouldn’t it,b. would it, c. weren’t it)?” (O. Wilde)

2. “Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatso-ever. If it (a. did, b. were, c. had), it (a. proved, b. would prove, c. would have proved) a serious danger to the upper classes.” (O. Wilde)

3. “If you (a. let, b. would let, c. had let) us be engaged last year, there(a. would never have been, b. had never been, c. would never be) all this trouble.” (O. Wilde)

4. Jennifer asked me that question. And if I (a. told, b. had told, c. would have told) her what I honestly believed, I (a. would tell, b. would have told,c. had told) her about the Law of Similars.

5. “But, my dear child, do you mean to say you (a. cannot love, b. couldn’t have loved, c. couldn’t love) me if I (a. had, b. would have, c. has) some other name?” (O. Wilde)

II. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete the conditional 2, 3 or mixed sentences.

1. “It (to distress) me more than I can tell you, dear Gwendolen, if it (to cause) you any mental or physical anguish, but I feel bound to point out that since Earnest proposed to you he clearly has changed up his mind”. (O. Wilde)

2. Jack: Well, that is no business of yours.Algernon: If it (to be) my business, I (not to talk) about it. It is very vulgar to

talk about one’s business. (O. Wilde)3. You know, we’ll be opening the San Francisco store in June. If you (to

agree) to head the store, we (to be) very grateful.4. If my wife and I (to come) next spring for our vacation, you (to be) our

diving instructor?5. If Gerald (not to invite) Richard to work for his company a year ago, he

(to live) in a small apartment in Chicago at present.

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III. Translate into English (Conditionals 2, 3 and mixed).1. , .2. ,

.3. , .

, .4. .

, .5. -

(Peking duck). , (to treat smb. to smth.).

TEST 5

I. Choose the correct variant.1. I will not hear of such thoughtless actions. Your uncle (a. would be highly

displeased, b. would have been highly displeased, c. were highly displeased) if he (a. would learn, b. learned, c. had learned) that fact.

2. You didn’t care for me. If you (a. were, b. did, c. had), you (a. would never tell, b. would never have told, c. had never told) me all these lies.

3. The next move will depend on her reaction. If she (a. was, b. were, c. had been) cool and (a. showed, b. had shown, c. would show) a trace of com-passion, he (a. told, b. would have told, c. would tell) her the truth. If she (a. felt, b. fell, c. would fall) to pieces, he (a. would beg, b. would have begged,c. begged) for forgiveness.

4. – Was it an accident? – If it (a. wasn’t, b. weren’t, c. hadn’t been) an ac-cident, what (a. would it be, b. would have it been, c. would it have been)?

5. It’s a secret. If it (a. wasn’t, b. weren’t, c. hadn’t been) one, I (a. would tell, c. had told, c. would have told) you long ago.

II. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete the conditional 2, 3 or mixed sentences.

1. – How many hours are you working a week? – Between eighty- ve and ninety. But I (can work) seventy- ve if I (to want).

2. She shook her head. “No, not Philip. He never did anything illegal. If he (to break) the law, I (to know) about it long ago.”

3. Sometimes I speculate what (to happen) if I (not to invite) Clarissa to my house last Christmas Eve. If I (not to do) it, she (not to drive) in a blizzard then, and (may still be) alive.

4. There is no doubt that if public transport (to be) free and more reliable, many people (to leave) their cars at home and (to travel) by bus or train.

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5. “If there (not to be) a Nether eld ball to prepare for and talk of, the younger Miss Bennets (to be) in a pitiable state at this time, for from the day of the invita-tion, to the day of the ball, there was such a succession of rain as prevented their walking to Meryton once.” (Jane Austen)

III. Translate into English. (Conditionals 2, 3 and mixed.)1. , .2. , ,

.3. ,

.4. ,

.5. – .– ,

.

The Expression ‘If Only’

This expression is used to express a wish. After this expression the Past Simple or the Past Continuous are used to describe things in the future or present which are unreal. The Past Perfect or the Past Perfect Continuous are used to describe unreal or imagined things in the past.

presentfuture

weredidwere doingcould/might do

If only we didn’t have to worry what tomorrow will bring.If only you spent more time with the kids now.

past had donehad been doingcould/might have done

She must have come in while I was sleeping. If only I had awakened then.

Exercise 1. Open the brackets. Use the verbs in brackets in the Past Simple or the Past Perfect.

1. If only I (not to have) to take the underground to get to work every day.2. If only he (to have) her address then to write her a letter!3. If only Barbara (not to steal) the diamond ring from the shop!4. If only Mike (to be) more careful!5. If only drivers (to follow) the traf c rules!6. If only Ansley (not to promise) to do it yesterday!7. If only Mary (to listen) to what I tell her to do!8. If only we (not to miss) the train!

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9. If only my friend (not to ask) that silly question at the last History lesson!10. If only Mrs. Brown (to be) less strict to her pupils! They don’t respect

her.11. If only she (to understand) now how he was suffering in his childhood!12. If only his friends (not to bother) him now!13. If only you (to see) him act in that play!14. If only they (to help) Kate with her work! She failed to do it.15. If only you (to make) the scenery! The performance would have been

more exciting.

Exercise 2. Complete the situations. Express your wish or regret using the expression “If only…”.

Example: Ann is playing her music very loudly. If only she__________________ If only she turned it down!1. Yesterday we saw an expensive volume of Shakespeare’s poems at the book

store. But unfortunately we didn’t have enough money.If only we___________________________________________________2. Ann has a ne brain. She can be top of the class, but she is very lazy.If only she___________________________________________________3. Last night my brother came home very late. He woke me up.If only my brother_____________________________________________4. I am very sleepy today. Last night I went to bed very late.If only I_____________________________________________________5. We have troublesome neighbours. They have noisy parties every week-

end.If only our neighbours _________________________________________6. Jane forgot to send the telegram yesterday, so our friends were not met at

the station.If only Jane __________________________________________________7. Mike was very rude yesterday and he didn’t apologize for his behaviour.If only Mike _________________________________________________8. My sister and her husband want to buy a new at, but they don’t have

money.If only they __________________________________________________9. We wanted to spend our holidays at the seaside, but instead we spent the

holidays in the country.If only we ____________________________________________________10. The weather is nasty. It is pouring with rain.If only it _____________________________________________________

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Exercise 3. Translate into English using the expression “If only…”.1. !2. !3. !4. !5. !6. , !7. !8. , !9. !10. !11. !12. !13. !14.

!15. !

The Expression ‘But For’

Sometimes the unreal condition is expressed in the sentence by means of ‘but for’.

Time unreal condition main clausepresent, future

If it were not for = But for would docould/might do

past If it hadn’t been for =But for would have donecould/might have done

Examples: If it were not for the rain (But for the rain), we would go on a hike today. , .

If it hadn’t been for your help (But for your help), I would have never done that work. , .

Exercise 4. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete the sentences.

1. It’s pouring with rain. But for the rain, we (to go) on a picnic.2. It was well below freezing last week. But for the hard frost, the pipes (not

to burst).3. The police arrived in time. But for the interference of the police, violence

(to break out).

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4. But for the opposition from the local farmers, a new airport (to build) long ago.5. Much later the man understood that but for his dog’s devotion, he never

(to survive) during the earthquake.6. But for Jane’s illness, we (can go) on a coach tour next weekend.7. After the performance everybody thanked Kate. But for her enthusiasm,

the play never (to perform).8. The committee made a lot of good recommendations. But for the recom-

mendations of the committee, safety standards (not to improve).9. But for her ignorance, she never (to make) such a mistake.10. But for the emergency, we (to sit) near the replace in our warm and cozy

sitting room.

Exercise 5. a) Complete the table. Consult the dictionary if necessary.

verb, adjective nounenthusiasticto encourageto supportpersuasiveenergeticto rainto inventto regulateto interveneto form

b) Match the sentences in the right-hand column and the sentences in the left-hand column and rewrite them as single sentences beginning But for…

1. Jane was very enthusiastic about the project.2. His Art teacher encouraged him.3. The committee nancially supported the local theatre.4. The chairman was very persuasive.5. The reporter was very energetic.6. It is raining heavily.7. The computer was invented.8. The government had to regulate prices.9. The police had to intervene.10. The Computer Services Division has been formed.

a. We (to go) sightseeing.b. There (may be) acts of violence against the new immigrants.c. The decision probably never (to arrive at).d. The truth (may never become known).e. The company (not to operate) effectively now.f. The prices (may still rise).g. He never (to become) a painter.h. The project never (to do).i. The theatre (to close) long ago.j. The world (to be) quite different now.

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Exercise 6. For each of the sentences, write a new sentence similar in meaning to the original one. Begin each sentence with the expression ‘But for…’.

1. Jane expected that day to become the happiest day in her life, but during the wedding ceremony she discovered that Mr. Rochester was married.

2. The wind was so violent that only Peter’s help made it possible for us to put up a tent.

3. I hadn’t seen Roger for ages and met him quite unexpectedly in the theatre. I recognized him only when he smiled.

4. Annabel came down with the u, that’s why she didn’t attend the lecture.5. The Canterville Ghost could nd peace only because Virginia had forgiven

him.6. Eliza spoke such perfect English that the people at the Embassy party took

her for a foreign princess.7. Theodore admitted that he feared for Adeline’s safety, and only because of

it he told her about his suspicions.8. Only when Franklin was appointed as chairman of the Council he agreed

to give an interview.9. Wayne didn’t feel offended when she turned down his invitation only

because she did it so tactfully.10. Lord Henry in uenced Dorian to wish to stay young and beautiful for

ever.11. These data were necessary for the computer to authorize breaking the

code.12. Unfortunately, these forecasts are very uncertain, and because of this they

can’t become a basis for decision making.

Exercise 7. Translate into English using the expression ‘but for…’.1. ,

.2. ,

.3. ,

.4. . ,

.5. ,

.6. , .

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7. , .

8. , .

9. . , .

10. , .

11. , .

12. , .

Exercise 8. Correct the mistakes.1. It’s so dif cult to explain it to you. If only I could found the right words,

the right tone.2. “George fancied that, if it were not for the restraining in uence of the sweet

woman at his side, the young man may have given way to violent language”(J. K. Jerome).

3. “Harry! If you only had known what Dorian Gray is to me!” (O. Wilde)4. “But this picture will always remain young… If it was only the other

way! If the picture could have changed, and I could always be what I am now!”(O. Wilde)

5. “It was his beauty that had ruined him, his beauty and the youth that he had prayed for. Except those two things, his life might be free from stain.”(O. Wilde)

6. “I look around and all I seeIs your happiness embracing me.Oh, Lord, I had been lost.But for the grace of God,Oh, Lord, I had been lost” (Keith Urban)7. John Enders cultivated the poliovirus in the laboratory in 1948. But for this

breakthrough, vaccines against polio wouldn’t have developed.8. But for the development of polio vaccine in 1955, this disease would not

be eradicated from most of the countries.9. I have fallen out with Laura, and now we are not on speaking terms. If only

I could turned back the clock and made things right with her!10. Harry is still in hospital but he is recovering. But for the timely injection

of the antidote, he died of a bite from the snake.

26

11. But for the government has intervened, the local currency would still be falling.

12. Janet dances so beautifully. If only I can dance so well!

TEST 6

I. Choose the correct variant.1. If it (a. hadn’t been for me, b. had been me, c. wasn’t for me), Scott

Kincaid (a. would assign you b. will have assigned c. would have assigned) you to the Buenos Aires of ce ages ago.

2. If only you (a. had come up, b. could come up, c. would come up) with an explanation that makes sense!

3. Unfortunately, I don’t know Steward well enough. If only he (a. could rely on, b. could have been relied on, c. could be relied on).

4. But for the complications, the child (a. wouldn’t hospitalize, b. wouldn’t have been hospitalized, c. would be hospitalized).

5. But for this side effect, more extensive clinical testing (a. could be done, b. were done, c. could have been done) by now.

II. For each of the sentences, write a new sentence similar in meaning to the original one. Begin each sentence with the expressions But for… or If only…

1. The meeting was to have nished an hour ago, but because of the interrup-tions it hasn’t nished yet.

2. From 1347 to 1351, the Black Death (the plague) swept through Europe, Asia and Africa, it reduced the world’s population from 450 million to 350 million.

3. By the seventeenth century the rates of the infection had fallen due to the efforts to improve public health and sanitation.

4. Unfortunately, you were out when we phoned you.5. Unfortunately, I don’t have a cell phone now, and can’t send Jim an

SMS.

III. Translate into English using the expressions ‘but for…’ and ‘if only’…

1. (fuel)!

2. , .

3. !

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4. , .

5. . !

TEST 7

I. Choose the correct variant.1. Tara was bored. But for her mother’s request to visit Billy, she (a. would

never come, b. would have never come, c. hadn’t come) to the party.2. I look so unhappy because I have fallen out with Jack. But for our quarrel,

I (a. would look, b. would have looked, c. were looking) much happier.3. Why were we so careless? If only we (a. spotted, b. would have spotted,

c. had spotted) the trouble then!4. Laura thought that having met Roger complicated things. If only she

(a. had met, b. hadn’t met, c. wouldn’t have met) him in the canteen.5. Lisa looked at the smiling face of an attractive man standing next to her

friend. But for his white coat he (a. could have taken, b. could be taken,c. could have been taken) for a sailor or someone who had spent a good deal of time in the sun.

II. For each of the sentences, write a new sentence similar in meaning to the original one. Begin each sentence with the expressions But for… or If only…

1. I regret dropping out of school very young.2. Two more nuclear power stations were not built only because a lot of people

all over the country opposed it.3. Unfortunately, we ran out of petrol right in the middle of the road and

blocked traf c.4. Sorry, I won’t have dinner with you tonight, I have some urgent work to do.5. Unfortunately, I can’t sleep a little more.

III. Translate into English using the expressions ‘but for…’ and ‘if only’…

1. , . .

2. – ? – , .

3. , .4.

(to process) !5. , !

!

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FINAL TEST

Choose the correct variant.1. On top of the column perches the small but very famous dog, Greyfriars

Bobby. And, if he (a. could, b. can, c. was able), he (a. told, b. would tell,c. would have told) you the story of his life.

2. “They sat thus night after night recalling that fatal Friday…“If only I (a. would not accept, b. didn’t accept, c. had not accepted) that

invitation to dine at 27,” Mrs. Darling said.“If only I (a. had not poured, b. didn’t pour, c. wouldn’t have poured) my

medicine into Nana’s bowl,” said Mr. Darling.“If only I (a. had pretended, b. didn’t pretend, c. wouldn’t pretend) to like

the medicine,” was what Nana’s wet eyes said. (J. M. Barrie)3. “This medicine is much nastier…I (a. took, b. would take, c. would have

taken) it now as an example to you, Michael, if I (a. didn’t lose, b. wouldn’t have lost, c. hadn’t lost) the bottle.” But he hadn’t exactly lost but hidden it. (J. M. Barrie)

4. “They had crowded round Wendy, and as they looked a terrible silence fell upon the wood. If Wendy’s heart (a. had been beating, b. was beating,c. would be beating) they (a. would all hear, b. had heard, c. would all have heard) it.” (J. M. Barrie)

5. “I’m frightfully anxious.” “If you (a. knew, b. had known, c. would know) how great is mother’s love…you (a. wouldn’t have no fear, b. would have no fear, c. had no fear).” (J. M. Barrie)

6. “Good-bye”, said Peter to Wendy. “If only I (a. would be able, b. could have gone, c. could go) with you,” Wendy sighed. (J. M. Barrie)

7. She expects too much of this meeting. If she (a. can only clear, b. would only be able to clear, c. could only clear) her mind of expectations.

8. If all the world (a. was, b. were, c. would be) of the same way of thinking, then it (a. would be, b. would have been, c. were) easier. (A. Conan Doyle)

9. If you (a. was asked, b. had been asked, c. were asked) to meet a friend at the Shaftesbury Memorial, you (a. might wonder, b. may wonder, c. might have wondered) where it was – not realizing that this is the of cial title of the world-famous statue of Eros in the centre of Piccadilly Circus.

10. “If only I (a. can nd, b. could nd, c. could found) somebody,Someone who will understand…” (Amy Studt)11. Okay, ne. You are right. This is not the place for a serious conversation.

If you (a. gave, b. had given, c. would give) me a half hour or so, I (a. met,b. could meet, c. can meet) you upstairs in the of ce.

29

12. Laurie was shocked. It was really awful. But for the four similar death cases she (a. had never thought, b. would never think, c. would have never thought) of a serial killer.

13. Mary agreed to have dinner with Michael at weekend. But for her quar-rel with Jack she (a. would never have agreed, b. had never agreed, c. would never agree).

14. She realizes that she is deep in love with Roger, but she also understands that her love is hopeless. If only Roger (a. was not married, b. were not mar-ried, c. did not marry)!

15. I try to imagine how I (a. felt, b. would feel, c. would have felt) now if I (a. had been told, b. had told, c. were told) yesterday that I had a marker gene that was associated with cancer.

16. If I (a. was asked, b. were asked, c. would be asked) who I would con-sider the most likely suspect in the community, I (a. had, b. would have had,c. would have) to say someone with access to top secret information.

17. Jane wondered what (a. would happen, b. would have happened, c. had happened) if Kate Chapman (a. had gone, b. went, c. would have gone) to the nursing supervisor that morning instead of walking to her car.

18. By force of will she tries to calm herself. She imagines lying on a beach in the sun. If she (a. tries, b. would try, c. tried), she (a. could almost hear, b. can almost hear, c. heard) the waves lapping against the shore.

19. She was sitting in the waiting area of the laboratory. But for Jack’s request she most likely (a. had put off, b. would put off, c. would have put off) doing the test inde nitely.

20. – How are your children? – But for the agony of adolescence everything (a. would be, b. would have been, c. were) hunky-dory ( ).

21. I tried to get together with her a number of nights in a row. If she(a. didn’t blow me off, b. hadn’t blown me off, c. wouldn’t have blown me off), we (a. would have restored, b. had restored, c. would restore) our rela-tions long ago.

22. Laurie felt relief that she was still employed. If she (a. were put, b. would be put, c. had been put) on leave for some real or imaginary reason, she wasn’t sure she (a. could have handled, b. could handle, c. would handle) it.

23. I think I will be able to nd this information, and (a. will it be, b. would it be, c. it would be) interesting if it really (a. would come, b. came, c. comes) to something?

24. What I am hoping is that we (a. had, b. would have had, c. would have) dinner tonight, possibly at Elios, if we (a. could manage, b. managed, c. can manage) somehow a reservation.

30

Keys to the Tests

TEST 1

I. 1. a, c; 2. b, c; 3. c, b; 4. c, c; 5. b, aII. 1. she could easily achieve…if she were willing2. Would you mind…if I asked3. I had moved…it would have saved4. I would go…if I were5. If you had known, you wouldn’t have askedIII. 1. If you spent more time outdoors, you would feel much better.2. If Eliza hadn’t spoken such proper English, she wouldn’t have been taken for a

foreign princess at the Embassy party.3. If Captain Scott’s expedition had been better equipped, Captain Scott and his

men might have been the rst to reach the South Pole.4. If I were you, I would pay more attention to pronunciation.5. Yesterday Mom gave us wise advice. If we had followed her advice, we wouldn’t

be in such an unpleasant situation now.

TEST 2

I. 1. b, b; 2. a, b; 3. c, c; 4. a, c; 5. c, a.II. 1. If I were they and knew…I wouldn’t bother…2. If I were…I would want…3. I wouldn’t be able…if we had moved…4. If I had ever let you know…you wouldn’t have understood5. If he hadn’t died, he would have made provision…III. 1. If I were you, I would keep to a strict diet.2. If the meteorologists had given advance warning about the coming blizzard,

everybody would be in a safe place now.3. If Eliza hadn’t mastered the manners and pronunciation of a real lady, Professor

Higgins couldn’t have passed her as a duchess at the Embassy Party.4. If you had kept (had been keeping) records lately, you would have all the neces-

sary data now.5. If it were not pouring with rain today, we could go to the park.

TEST 3

I. 1. c, b; 2. b, a, c; 3. a, b; 4. c, a; 5. b, c.II. 1. if one of those rocks had crashed…and (had) killed…, he would still have

left behind…2. you couldn’t love me if my name weren’t Earnest?3. If I didn’t write, I probably would forget…4. It would hardly have been…, if it hadn’t been broken off…5. If I asked…, would you help...?

31

III. 1. If I were you, I would publish these recipes in a cookery book.2. If Ann hadn’t been vaccinated before the expedition, she would be in hospital

now among the infected.3. Yesterday the famous ruby was stolen. If the alarm had gone off, the police would

have arrived in time, and the robbers couldn’t have committed that crime.4. If meteorologists were not constantly collecting data from weather stations,

people would suffer from natural disasters much more.5. If I invited you to the concert, would you go with me?

TEST 4

I. 1. c, b; a; 2. a, b; 3. c, a; 4. b, b; 5. c, aII. 1. It would distress…if it caused…2. If it were…I wouldn’t talk3. If you agreed…we would be…4. If my wife and I came…would you be our driving instructor?5. If Gerald hadn’t invited…he would live (be living)…III. 1. If I were you, I would tell honestly about everything.2. If we had bought turkey yesterday, we could roast it in the oven now3. Unfortunately, Richard is not disciplined. If he were more disciplined, he would

have made progress in sports long ago.4. Yesterday Sam took part in a game show. If he hadn’t been so nervous, he would

have won the rst prize.5. Yesterday we had a party and wanted to cook Peking duck. If we had found the

recipe, we could have treated our guests to that dish.

TEST 5

I. 1. a, b; 2. c, b; 3. b, a, c, b, a; 4. c, c; 5. b, c.II. 1. I could work…if I wanted.2. If he had broken…, I would have known…3. What would have happened if I hadn’t invited… If I hadn’t done it, she wouldn’t

have driven…might still be alive.4. If public transport were free…, many people would leave... and travel…5. If there hadn’t been…the young Miss Bennets would have been…III. 1. If I were you, I would add some spices to this dish.2. If Becky’s father hadn’t died when the girl was eighteen, she wouldn’t have

had to drop out of college.3. If Laika hadn’t awakened her master before the earthquake, he would have

died.4. If Richard had paid his debts on time, he wouldn’t be in such a dif cult posi-

tion now.5. Let’s bake lemon cake. If we had all the necessary ingredients, we could bake

this cake.

32

TEST 6

I. 1. a, c; 2. b; 3. c; 4. b; 5.c.II. 1. But for the interruptions, the meeting would have nished an hour ago.2. But for the Black Death that swept through Europe, Asia and Africa from 1347

to 1351, the world’s population wouldn’t have been reduced from 450 million to 350 million.

3. But for the efforts to improve public health and sanitation, the rates of the infec-tion wouldn’t have fallen by the seventeenth century.

4. If only you hadn’t been out when we phoned you.5. If only I had a cell phone now and could send Jim an SMS.III. 1. If only Captain Scott and his men hadn’t run out of food and fuel.2. But for the heat, Christine wouldn’t have passed out on her way home.3. If only I were free now and could go to the concert with you.4. But for the con ict of interests, Ann wouldn’t have backed out of the contract

at the last minute.5. I’m looking for a job. If only I were offered a job in a fashion magazine.

TEST 7

I. 1. b; 2. a; 3.c; 4. b; 5. c.II. 1. If only I hadn’t dropped out of school very young.2. But for the widespread opposition, two more nuclear power stations would

have been built.3. If only we hadn’t run out of petrol right in the middle of the road and hadn’t

blocked traf c.4. But for the urgent work, I would have dinner with you.5. If only I could sleep a little more.III. 1. But for the colourful illustrations, it would be impossible to read this book.

It’s so boring.2. – Why doesn’t she eat anything sweet? – But for the health problems, she

wouldn’t have cut out sugar of her diet.3. But for the detailed map, we would have got lost long ago.4. If only we had a computer now and could process all the data.5. Look, the house is burning. If only the re were put out as soon as possible!

FINAL TEST

1. a, b; 2. c, a, a; 3. b, c; 4. a, c; 5. a, b; 6. c; 7. c; 8. b, a; 9. c, a 10. b; 11. a, b;12. c; 13. a; 14. b; 15. b, a; 16. b, c; 17. b, a; 18. c, a; 19. c; 20. a; 21. b, a; 22. c, a; 23. b, b, 24. c, a

2

372.880.20 74.268.1

36

ISBN 978-5-9667-0402-5 © « », 2008

36 .

: / , - . – . : , 2008. – 32 . – ( «

», « ». . 20). – ., . – .: Julia Levitskaya, Olga Pozdneeva. Grammar Practice: Conditionals.

ISBN 978-5-9667-0402-5 -

, . .

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