CONTENTS

20-1 Overview of basic verb forms used in 20-6 Using "mixed time" in
conditional sentences conditional sentences
20-2 True in the present or future 20-7 Omitting if
20-3 Untrue (contrary to fact) in the present 20-8 Implied conditions
or future 20-9 Using as if/as though
20-4 Untrue (contrary to fact) in the past 20-10 Verb forms following wish
20-5 Using progressive verb forms in 20-11 Using would to make wishes
conditional sentences about the future

A conditional sentence typically consists of an if-clause (which presents a condition) and a

result clause.* Example: If it rains, the streets get wet.
*See Charts 17-1 (p. 359) and 17-5 (p. 367) for the basic structure of adverb clauses of condition.

D EXERCISE 1. Preview: conditional sentences. (Charts 20-1 -> 20-4)

Directions: Answer the questions with "yes" or "no."
1. If the weather had been good yesterday, our picnic would not have been canceled.
a. Was the picnic canceled? yes
b. Was the weather good? ~o

2. If I had an envelope and a stamp, I would mail this letter right now.
a. Do I have an envelope and a stamp right now? _ _ __
b. Do I want to mail this letter right now? _ _ __
c. Am I going to mail this letter right now? _ _ __

3. Ann would have made it to class on time this morning if the bus hadn't been late.
a. Did Ann try to make it to class on time? _ _ __
b. Did Ann make it to class on time? _ _ __
c. Was the bus late? _ _ __

4. If the hotel had been built to withstand an earthquake, it would not have collapsed.
a. Was the hotel built to withstand an earthquake? _ _ __
b. Did the hotel collapse? _ _ __

412
 5. If I were a carpenter, I would build my own house.
a. Do I want to build my own house? _ _ __
b. Am I going to build my own house? _ _ __
c. Am I a carpenter? _ _ __

6. If I didn't have any friends, I would be lonely.

a. Am I lonely? _ _ __
b. Do I have friends? _ _ __

7. If Bob had asked me to keep the news a secret, I wouldn't have told anybody.
a. Did I tell anybody the news? _ _ __
b. Did Bob ask me to keep it a secret? _ _ __

8. If Ann and Jan, who are twins, dressed alike and had the same hairstyle, I wouldn't be able to
tell them apart.
a. Do Ann and Jan dress alike? _ _ __
b. Do they have the same hairstyle? _ _ __
c. Can I tell them apart? _ _ __

20-1 OVERVIEW OF BASIC VERB FORMS USED IN

CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
SITUATION IF-CLAUSE RESULT CLAUSE EXAMPLES
True in the simple present simple present If I have enough time, I watch TV
present/future every evening.
will + simple form If I have enough time, I will watch
·, TV later on tonight.

Untrue in the simple past would + simple form If I had enough time, I would watch
present/future TV now or later on.

Untrue in the past past perfect would have + past participle If I had had enough time, I would
have watched TV yesterday.

D EXERCISE 2. Basic verb forms in conditional sentences. (Chart 20-1)

Directions: Complete the sentences with the verbs in parentheses.
1. SITUATION: I usually write my parents a letter every week. That is a true fact. In other
words:
If I (have) -~l....~~~Y~e~- enough time, I (write) -~w~vi.~+-~e~- my parents a letter
every week.

Conditional Sentences and Wishes 413

 2. SITUATION: I may have enough time to write my parents a letter later tonight. I want to write
them a letter tonight. Both of those things are true. In other words:
If I (have) _ _ _ _ _ _ enough time, I (write) _____________ my
parents a letter later tonight.

3. SITUATION: I don 't have enough time right now, so I won't write my parents a letter. I'll try
to do it later. I want to write them, but the truth is that I just don't have enough time right
now. In other words:
If I (have) _ _ _ _ _ _ enough time right now, I (write) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
my parents a letter.

4 . SITUATION: I won 't have enough time tonight, so I won't write my parents a letter. I'll try to
do it tomorrow. I want to write them, but the truth is that I just won't have enough time. In
other words:
If I (have) _ _ _ _ _ _ enough time later tonight, I (write)
my parents a letter.

5. SITUATION: I wanted to write my parents a letter last night, but I didn't have enough time.
In other words:
If I (have) _______ enough time, I (write) ________________
my parents a letter last night.

20-2 TRUE IN THE PRESENT OR FUTURE

(a) If I don 't eat breakfast, I always get hungry during class. In conditional sentences that express true, factual
ideas in the present/future, the simple present (not the
(b) Water freezes OR will freeze if the temperature simple future) is used in the if-clause.
reaches 32°F/0°C. The result clause has various possible verb forms . A
result clause verb can be:
( c) If I don't eat breakfast tomorrow morning, I 1. the simple present, to express a habitual activity or
will get hungry during class. situation, as in (a) .
2. either the simple present or the simple future, to
(d) If it rains, we should stay home. express an established, predictable fact or general
If it rains, I might decide to stay home. truth, as in (b).
If it rains, we can't go. 3. the simple future, to express a particular activity or
If it rains, we're going to stay home. situation in the future, as in ( c) .
4. modals and phrasal modals such as should, might,
(e) If anyone calls, please take a message. can, be going to, as in (d).*
5. an imperative verb, as in (e) .

(f) If anyone should call, please take a message. Sometimes should is used in an if-clause. It indicates
a little more uncertainty than the use of the simple
present, but basically the meaning of examples ( e)
and (f) is the same .

*See Chart 9-1 , p. 151, for a list ofmodals and phrasal modals.

414 CHAPTER 20
D EXERCISE 3. True in the present or future. (Chart 20-2)
Directions: Answer the questions. Pay special attention to the verb forms in the result
clauses. Work in pairs, in groups, or as a class.
1. If it rains, what always happens?*
2. If it rains tomorrow, what will happen?
3. If it should rain tomorrow, what will you do or not do? ·
4. If it's cold tomorrow, what are you going to wear to class?
5. Fish can't live out of water. If you take a fish out of water, what will happen? I If you
take a fish out of water, what happens?
6. If I want to learn English faster, what should I do?
7. If you run up a hill, what does/will your heart do?**
8. Tell me what to do, where to go, and what to expect if! visit your hometown as a tourist.

20-3 UNTRUE (CONTRARY TO FACT} IN THE PRESENT

OR FUTURE
(a) If I taught this class, I wouldn't give tests. In (a): In truth, I don't teach this class.
(b) If he were here right now, he would help us. In (b): In truth, he is not here right now.
( c) If I were you, I would accept their invitation. In (c): In truth, I am not you.
Note: Were is used for both singular and plural subjects.
Was (with I, he, she, it) is sometimes used in informal
speech: If I was you, I'd accept their invitation.

COMPARE In (d): The speaker wants a car, but doesn't have enough
(d) If I had enough money, I would buy a car. money. Would expresses desired or predictable results.
(e) If I had enough money, I could buy a car. In (e):The speaker is expressing one possible result. Could=
would be able to. Could expresses possible options.

D EXERCISE 4. Present or future conditional sentences. (Charts 20-2 and 20-3)

Directions: Complete the sentences with the verbs in parentheses.

1. If I have enough apples, I (bake) _ _ _w

~i.l_l~"~"'~~~e~-- an apple pie this afternoon.

2. If I had enough apples, I (bake) _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ an apple pie this afternoon.

3. I will fix your bicycle if I (have) _ _ _ _ _ _ __ a screwdriver of the proper size.

4. I would fix your bicycle if I (have) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ a screwdriver of the proper size.

5. Sally always answers the phone if she (be) _ __ _ _ _ _ _ in her office.

6. Sally would answer the phone if she (be) _ _ _ ______ in her office right now.

*In true conditional sentences that express a habitual activity or general truth, if is very close in meaning to
when or whenever. These sentences have essentially the same meaning:
If it rains, the sireeets get wet.
JVhen it rains, 1he streets get wet.
JVhenever it rains, 1he streets gel we1.
**In this sentence, you is an impersonal pronoun. Begin the response to this question with "If you run ...."

Conditional Sentences and Wishes 415

 7. I (be, not) _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ a student in this class if English (be) _ _ _ __
my native language.

8. Most people know that oil floats on water. If you pour oil on water, it (float)

9. If there (be) _ __ _ _ _ _ _ no oxygen on earth, life as we know it (exist, not)

10. My evening newspaper has been late every day this week. If the paper (arrive, not)
_ _ _ _ _________ on time today, I'm going to cancel my subscription.

11. If I (be) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ a bird, I (want, not)

_ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ to live my whole
life in a cage.

12. How old (human beings, live) _ _ _ _ __

_______________ to be
if all diseases in the world (be) _ _ _ _ _ __
completely eradicated?

13. If you boil water, it (disappear) _ _ _ _ _ __

_ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ into the
atmosphere as vapor.

14. If people (have) _ _ __ _ _ _ _ paws instead of hands with fingers and

opposable thumbs, the machines we use in everyday life (have to) _ _ _ _ _ _ __
_________ be constructed very differently. We (be, not) _ _ _ _ _ __
_ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ able to turn knobs, push small buttons, or hold tools and
utensils securely.

D EXERCISE 5. Activity: present or future untrue conditions. (Chart 20-3)

Directions: In small groups or as a class, discuss the questions.
Under what conditions, if any, would you . ..
1. exceed the speed limit while driving?
2. lie to your best friend?
3. disobey an order from your boss?
4. steal food?
5. carry a friend on your back for a long distance?
6. not pay your rent?
7. (Make up other conditions for your classmates to discuss.)

416 CHAPTER 20
D EXERCISE 6. Activity: present conditionals. (Chart 20-3)
Directions: Use the statistics in PART I to answer the question in PART II. Work in pairs, in
groups, or as a class.

PART I. POPULATION STATISTICS

1. 51 % of the world's population is female,
2. 57% of the people in the world are from Asia, the Middle East, and the South Pacific.
3. 21 % are Europeans.
4. 14% are from the Western Hemisphere.
5. 8% are from Africa.
6. 50% of the world's population suffers from malnutrition.
7. 30% of the world's population is illiterate. 60% of the people who are illiterate are
women.
8. 1% of the world's population has a college education.
9. 6% of the people in the world own half of the world's wealth.
10. One person in three is below 15 years of age. One person in ten is over 65 years old.

PART II. QUESTION

If there were only one village on earth and it had exactly 100 people, who would it
consist of? Assuming that the village would reflect global population statistics, describe
the people in this imaginary village. Use the illustration to point out the number of people
who fit each description you make.
-> If there were only one village on earth and it had exactly 100 people, 51 of them would be
women and 49 of them would be men. More than half of the people in the village (57 of
them) would ... (continue describing the village).

A village of l 00 people

Conditional Sentences and Wishes 417

 20-4 UNTRUE (CONTRARY TO FACT) IN THE PAST
(a) If you had told me about the problem, I would In (a): In truth, you did not tell me about it.
have helped you. In (b): In truth, they did not study. Therefore, they failed
(b) If they had studied, they would have passed the exam.
the exam. In (c): In truth, I slipped on the stairs. I broke my arm.
(c) If I hadn't slipped on the stairs, I wouldn't
Note: The auxiliary verbs are almost always contracted in
have broken my arm.
speech. "If you'd told me, I would've helped you (OR
l'd've helped you)."*

COMPARE In (d) : would expresses a desired or predictable result.

(d) Ifl had had enough money, I would have bought In (e): could expresses a possible option; could have
a car. bought = would have been able to buy.
(e) If I had had enough money, I could have boughc
a car.

*In casual, informal speech, some native speakers sometimes use would have in an if-clause: If you would've told me
about the problem, I would've helped you. This verb form usage is generally considered not to be grammatically correct
standard English, but it occurs fairly commonly.

D EXERCISE 7. Conditional sentences. (Charts 20-1 -~ 20-4)

Directions: Complete the sentences with the verbs in parentheses.

1. If I (have) _________ enough money, I will go with you.

2. If I (have) _________ enough money, I would go with you.

3. If I (have) - - - - - - - - - enough money, I would have gone with you.

4. If the weather is nice tomorrow, we (go) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to the zoo.

5. If the weather were nice today, we (go) - - - - - - - - - - - to the zoo.

6. If the weather had been nice yesterday, we (go) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to the

zoo.

7. If Sally (be) _ _ _ _ _ _ at home tomorrow, I am going to visit her.

8. Jim isn't home right now. If he (be) _ _ _ _ _ _ at home right now, I (visit)
___________ him.

9. Linda wasn't at home yesterday. If she (be) at home yesterday, I

(visit) her.

10. A: Shh! Your father is taking a nap. Uh-oh. You woke him up.
B: Gee, I'm sorry, Mom. If I (realize) he was sleeping, I
(make, not) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ so much noise when I came in. But
how was I supposed to know?

418 CHAPTER 20
 11. Last night Alex ruined his sweater when he washed it. If he (read)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the label, he (wash, not)
_ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ it in hot water.

12. A: Ever since I broke my foot, I haven't been

able to get down to the basement to wash
my clothes.
B: Why didn't you say something? I (come)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ over and
(wash) _ _ __ _ _ _ _ them for you
if you (tell) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ me.

A: I know you (come) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

right away if I (call) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ you. I guess
I didn't want to bother you.
B: Nonsense! What are good neighbors for?

D EXERCISE 8. Untrue in the past. (Chart 20-4)

Directions: Work in pairs.
Speaker A: Your book is open. Give the cue.
Speaker B: Your book is closed. Begin your response with "But if I had known ...."
Example:
SPEAKER A (book open): There was a test yesterday. You didn't know that, so you didn't
study.
SPEAKER B (book closed): But if I had known (that there was a test yesterday), I would have
studied.
1. Your friend was in the hospital. You didn't know that, so you didn't visit her.
2. I've never met your friend. You didn't know that, so you didn't introduce me.
3. There was a meeting last night. You didn't know that, so you didn't go.
4. Your friend's parents are in town. You didn't know that, so you didn't invite them to
dinner.
Switch roles.
5. I wanted to go to the soccer game. You didn't know that, so you didn't buy a ticket for
me.
6. I was at home last night. You didn't know that, so you didn't visit me.
7. Your sister wanted a gold necklace for her birthday. You didn't know that, so you
didn't buy her one.
8. I had a problem. You didn't know that, so you didn't offer to help.

Conditional Sentences and Wishes 419

0 EXERCISE 9. Untrue conditionals. (Charts 20-3 and 20-4)
Directions: Change the statements into conditional sentences.
I. Roberto came, so I wasn't disappointed. But ....
-> But if he hadn't come, I would have been disappointed.
/l

2. There are so many bugs in the room because there . <lb- '
' - ~
isn't a screen on the window. But ... . /
-- - /
(
'
,.1 --... I
I',.. I \ \
<J> \ 6
3. I didn't buy a bicycle because I didn't have / I ' - /

enough money. But ....

4. I won't buy a bicycle because I don't have

enough money. But ....

5. You got into so much trouble because you ' ~

didn't listen to me. But ....

6. The woman didn't die because she received

immediate medical attention. But ....

7. Nadia didn't pass the entrance examination, so

she wasn't admitted to the university. But ....

8. We ran out of gas because we didn't stop at the

service station. But ...

0 EXERCISE 10. Untrue conditional sentences. (Charts 20-3 and 20-4)

Directions: Make an zf-clause from the given information and then supply a result clause
using your own words.
Examples: I wasn't late to work yesterday.
-> If I had been late to work yesterday, I would have missed the regular morning
meeting.
Tom asked my permission before he took my bicycle.
-> If Tom hadn't asked my permission before he took my bicycle, I would have been
angry.

I. I wasn't absent from class yesterday.

2. I don't have enough energy today.

3. Ocean water is salty.

4. Our teacher likes his/her job.

5. People don't have wings.

6. You didn't ask for my opinion.

7. Water is heavier than air.

8. Most nations support world trade agreements.

420 CHAPTER 20
D EXERCISE 11. Review: conditional sentences. (Charts 20-1 --> 20-4)
Directions: Complete the sentences with the verbs in parentheses.
1. You should tell your father exactly what happened. If I (be) _ _ _ _ _ _ you, I
(tell) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ him the truth as soon as possible.

2. If I (have) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ my camera with me yesterday, I (take) _ _ _ __

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ a picture of Alex standing on his head.

3. I'm almost ready to plant my garden. I have a lot of seeds. Maybe I have more than I
need. If I (have) _ _ _ _ _ _ more seeds than I need, I (give) _ _ _ _ _ __
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ some to my neighbor.

4. George has only two pairs of socks. If he (have) _ _ _ _ _ _ more than two pairs
of socks, he (have to, not) wash his socks so
often.

5. The cowboy pulled his gun to shoot at the rattlesnake, but he was
too late. If he (be) _ _ _ _ _ _ __
quicker to pull the trigger, the snake (bite, not)
_______________ him on
the foot. It's a good thing he was wearing
heavy leather boots.
6. What (we, use) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
to look at ourselves when we comb our hair
if we (have, not) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
mirrors?

7. It's been a long drought. It hasn't rained for over a month. If it (rain, not)
_____________ soon, a lot of crops (die) - - - - - - - - · If the
crops (die) _ _ _ _ _ _ , many people (go) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ hungry this
coming winter.

8. According to one scientific theory, an asteroid collided with the earth millions of years
ago, causing great changes in the earth's climate. Some scientists believe that if this
asteroid (collide, not) _____________ with the earth, the dinosaurs
(become, not) extinct. Can you imagine what the
world (be) like today if dinosaurs (exist, still) _ _ _ __
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ? Do you think it (be) ___________ possible for
dinosaurs and human beings to coexist on the same planet?

Conditional Sentences and Wishes 421

D EXERCISE 12. Untrue conditionals. (Charts 20-3 and 20-4)
Directions: Make a true statement about the given topic. Then make a contrary-to-fact
conditional sentence about that statement. Work in pairs, in groups, or as a class.
Examples: yourself
-> I am twenty years old. If I were seventy years old, I would already have lived most
of my life.
ice
-> Ice doesn't sink. If the polar ice caps sank, the level of the oceans would rise and
flood coastal cities.
Topics:
1. yourself 5. peace 9. a famous person
2. fire 6. your activities right now 10. your activities last night
3. space travel 7. air 11. dinosaurs
4 . vegetables 8. a member of this class 12. a member of your family

D EXERCISE 13. Conditional sentences. (Charts 20-1 -> 20-4)

Directions: Complete each sentence with an appropriate auxiliary verb.

1. I don't have a pen, but if I --~~-i.~~---> I would lend it to you.

1
2. He is busy right now, but if he weve\\ +- , he would help us.
3. I didn't vote in the last election, but if I ___\.\~"'-~~~--' I would have voted for
Senator Anderson.

4. I don't have enough money, but if I , I would buy that book.

5. The weather is cold today, but if it , I would go swimming.

6. She didn't come, but if she , she would have met my brother.

7. I'm not a good cook, but if I , I would make all of my own meals.

8. I have to go to class this afternoon, but if I , I would go downtown

with you.

9. He didn't go to a doctor, but ifhe _ _ _ _ _ _ ,the cut on his hand wouldn't have
gotten infected.

10. I always pay my bills. If I _ _ _ _ _ _ , I would get in a lot of trouble.

11. Helium is lighter than air. If it _ _ _ _ _ _ , a helium-filled balloon wouldn't float

upward.

12. I called my husband to tell him I would be late. If I _ _ _ _ _ _ , he would have

gotten worried about me.

422 CHAPTER 20
D EXERCISE 14. Conditional sentences. (Charts 20-1 -> 20-4)
Directions: Work in pairs.
Speaker A: Your book is open. Ask the questions.
Speaker B: Your book is closed. Begin your answers with "No, but ...."
Example:
SPEAKER A (book open) : Do you have a dollar?
SPEAKER B (book closed): No, but ifl did (No, but ifl had a dollar), I would lend it to you.

Switch roles.
1. Are you rich? 10. Are you tired?
2. Do you have a car? 11. Are you at home right now?
3. Are you a bird? 12. Are you married/single?
4. Are you in (student 's country/ 13. Do you speak (another language)?
hometown)? 14. Is the weather hot/cold today?
5. Do you live in a hotel? 15. Are you hungry?
6. Are you the teacher of this class? 16. Do you live in (a different city)?
7. Do you have your own airplane? 17. Did we eat dinner together last
8. Did you watch TV last night? night?
9. Did you grow up in (another 18. Did you forget to bring your
country)? grammar book to class today?

20-5 USING PROGRESSIVE VERB FORMS IN

CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
Notice the use of progressive verb forms in these examples. Even in conditional sentences, progressive verb forms
are used in progressive situations. (See Chart 1-2, p. 3, for a discussion of progressive verbs.)

(a) TRUE: It is raining right now, so I will not go for a walk.

(b) CONDITIONAL: If it were not raining right now, I would go for a walk.

(c) TRUE: I am not living in Chile. I am not working at a bank.

(d) CONDITIONAL: If I were living in Chile, I would be working at a bank.

(e) TRUE: It was raining yesterday afternoon, so I did not go for a walk.
(f) CONDITIONAL: If it had not been raining, I would have gone for a walk.

(g) TRUE: I was not living in Chile last year. I was not working at a bank.
(h) CONDITIONAL: If I had been living in Chile last year, I would have been working at a bank.

D EXERCISE 15. Using progressive verb forms in conditional sentences . (Chart 20-5)
Directions: Change the statements into conditional sentences.
1. It is snowing, so I won't go with you. But ....
-> But if it weren't snowing, I would go with you.

2. The child is crying because his mother isn't here. But ....
3. You weren't listening, so you didn't understand the directions. But ....
4 . Joe got a ticket because he was driving too fast. But ....

Conditional Sentences and Wishes 423

 5. I was listening to the radio, so I heard the news bulletin. But ... .
6. Grandpa is not wearing his hearing aid because it's broken. But ... .
7. You were sleeping, so I didn't tell you the news as soon as I heard it. But ....
8. I'm enjoying myself, so I won't leave. But ....

20-6 USING "MIXED TIME" IN CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

Frequently the time in the if-clause and the time in the result clause are different: one clause may be in the present
and the other in the past. Notice that past and present times are mixed in these sentences.

(a) TRUE: I did not eat breakfast several hours ago, so I ani hungry now.
(b) CONDITIONAL: If I had eaten breakfast several hours ago, I would not be hungry now.
(past) (present)

(c) TRUE: He is not a good student. He did not study for the test yesterday.
(d) CONDITIONAL: If he were a good student, he would have studied for the test yesterday.
(present) (past)

D EXERCISE 16. Using "mixed time" in conditional sentences. (Chart 20-6)

Directions: Change the statements into conditional sentences.
1. I'm hungry now because I didn't eat dinner. But . . ..
---> But if I'd eaten dinner, I wouldn't be hungry now.
2. The room is full of flies because you left the door open. But ....
3. You are tired this morning because you didn't go to bed at a reasonable hour last
night. But ....
4. I didn't finish my report yesterday, so I can't begin a new project today. But ....
5. Anita is sick because she didn't follow the doctor's orders. But ....
6. I'm not you, so I didn't tell him the truth. But ....
7. I don't know anything about plumbing, so I didn't fix the leak in the sink myself.
But . ...
8. I received a good job offer from the oil company, so I won't seriously consider taking
the job with the electronics firm . But .. ..

20-7 OMITTING IF
(a) Were I you, I wouldn't do that. With were, had (past perfect), and should, sometimes if is
(b) Had I known, I would have told you. omitted and the subject and verb are inverted.
(c) Should anyone call, please take a message. In (a): Were I you= if I were you.
In (b) : Had I known= if I had known.
In ( c) : Should anyone call = if anyone should call.

424 CHAPTER 20
D EXERCISE 17. Omitting IF. (Chart 20-7)
Directions: Create sentences with the same meaning by omitting if.
1. If you should need more money, go to the bank before six o'clock.
-• Should you need more money, go to the bank before six o'clock.
2. If I were you, I wouldn't do that.
3. If they had realized the danger, they would have done it differently.
4. If I were your teacher, I would insist you do better work.
5. If you should change your mind, please let me know immediately.
6. She would have gotten the job if she had been better prepared.
7. Your boss sounds like a real tyrant. If I were you, I would look for another job.
8. I'll be out of the country until June 12. If you should need to reach me, I'll be at the
Hilton Hotel in Seoul.
9. The artists and creative thinkers throughout the history of the world have changed all
of our lives. If they had not dared to be different, the history of civilization would have
to be rewritten.
10. If there should be a global nuclear war, life on earth as we know it would end forever.

20-8 IMPLIED CONDITIONS

(a) I would have gone with you, but I had to study. Often the if-clause is implied, not stated. Conditional
(b) I never would have succeeded without your help. verbs are still used in the result clause.
In (a): the implied condition= if I hadn't had to study.
In (b): the implied condition= if you hadn't helped me.

(c) She ran; otherwise, she would have missed her bus. Conditional verbs are frequently used following otherwise.
In (c), the implied if-clause= if she had not run.

D EXERCISE 18. Implied conditions. (Chart 20-8)

Directions: Identify the implied conditions by creating sentences using if-clauses.
1. I would have visited you, but I didn't know that you were at home.
-> I would have visited you if I had known you were at home.
2. It wouldn't have been a good meeting without Rosa.
-> It wouldn't have been a good meeting if Rosa hadn't been there.

3. I would have answered the phone, but I didn't hear it ring.

4. I couldn't have finished the work without your help.
5. I like to travel. I would have gone to Nepal last summer, but I didn't have enough
money.
6. I stepped on the brakes. Otherwise, I would have hit the child on the bicycle.
7. Olga turned down the volume on the tape player. Otherwise, the neighbors probably
would have called to complain about the noise.
8. Tarek would have finished his education, but he had to quit school and find a job in
order to support his family.

Conditional Sentences and Wishes 425

D EXERCISE 19. Implied conditions. (Chart 20-8)
Directions: Complete the sentences with your own words.

1. I would have ... , but I didn't have enough time.

2. I couldn't have . . . without my parents' help.
3. I would ... , but I don't have enough money.
4. I ran out of time. Otherwise, I would have ....
5. I could ... , but I don't want to.
6. I would have . .. , but I didn't know about it.
7. Without water, all life on earth would ....
8. I set my alarm for six every day. Otherwise, I would ....
9. I set my alarm for six this morning. Otherwise, I would have . .. .
10. I would have . .. , but I didn't ....

D EXERCISE 20. Review: conditional sentences. (Charts 20-1 -• 20-8)

Directions: Complete the sentences with the verbs in parentheses. Some of the verbs are
passive.

1. If I could speak Japanese, I (spend) - - - - - -- - -- - - - - next year

studying in Japan.

2. Had I known Mr. Jung was in the hospital, I (send) - - - - - - - - - - - -

him a note and some flowers.

3. We will move into our new house next month if it (complete) _ _ _ _ __ _ __

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ by then.

4. It's too bad that it's snowing. If it (snow, not) _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ , we

could go for a drive.

5. I was very tired. Otherwise, I (go) - - - - - - - - - - - - to the party with

you last night.

6. I'm glad I have so many friends and such a wonderful family. Life without friends or
family (be) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ lonely for me.

7. My grandfather is no longer alive, but if he (be) _ _ _ _ _ _ , I'm sure he (be)

- -- - - - - - - - proud of me.
8. If you (sleep, not) _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ last night when we arrived, I would
have asked you to go with us, but I didn't want to wake you up.

9. Bill has such a bad memory that he (forget) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ his head if

it (be, not) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ attached to his body.

426 CHAPTER 20
 10. According to one report, the average hen lays 247 eggs a year, and the average person
eats 255 eggs a year. If hens (outnumber, not) _____________ people,
the average person (eat, not) _____________ 255 eggs a year.

11 . A: What would you be doing right now if you (be, not) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in class?
B: I (sleep) - - - - - - - - - - -
12. A: Boy, is it ever hot today!
B: You said it! If there (be) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ only a breeze, it (be, not)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ quite so unbearable.

13. A: Why isn't Peggy Anderson in class today?

B: I don't know, but I'm sure she (be, not) ___________ absent unless *
she (have) _ _ _ _ _ _ a good reason.

14. A: Hi. Sorry I'm late.

B: That's okay.
A: I (be) _____________ here sooner, but I had car trouble.

15. A: Want to ride on the roller coaster?

B: No way! I (ride, not) _ _ _ _ _ _ __
on the roller coaster even if you paid
me a million dollars!

16. A: Hi, Pat. Come on in.

B: Oh, I didn't know you had company.

I (come,noV - - - -- - - - - -
if (I, know) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
someone was here.
A: That's okay. Come in and let me
introduce you to my friends.

17. A: Are you coming to the party?

B: I don't think so, but if I change my mind, I (tell) ___________ you.

D EXERCISE 21. Review: conditional sentences. (Charts 20-1 __. 20-8)

Directions: Complete the sentences. Add commas where necessary.
l. If it hadn't rained ... .
2. If it weren't raining ... .
3. You would have passed the test had ....

*unless= if not (See Chart 17-8, p. 370.)

Conditional Sentences and Wishes 427

 4. It's a good thing we took a map with us. Otherwise ....
5. Without electricity modern life ....
6. If you hadn't reminded me about the meeting tonight . . . .
7. Should you need any help . ...
8. If I could choose any profession I wanted ....
9. If I were at home right now .. . .
10. Without your help yesterday ... .
11. Were I you ....
12. What would you do if ....
13. If I had the chance to live my childhood over again ....
14. Had I known ....
15. Can you imagine what life would be like if ... .

D EXERCISE 22. Activity: conditional sentences. (Charts 20-1 -~ 20-8)

Directions: Explain what you would do in these situations. Work in pairs, in groups, or as a
class.
Example:
SPEAKER A (book open): Suppose the student sitting next to you drops her pen. What
would you do?
SPEAKER B (book closed): I would pick it up for her.

1. Suppose (pretend) there is a fire in this building right now. What would you do?
2. Suppose there is a fire in your room or apartment or house. You have time to save
only one thing. What would you save?
3. Suppose you go to the bank to cash a check for (twenty dollars). The bank teller
cashes your check and you leave, but when you count the money, you find she gave
you (thirty dollars) instead of (twenty). What would you do?
4. Same situation, but she gave you only (fifteen dollars) instead of (twenty).
5. John was cheating during an examination. Suppose you were the teacher and you saw
him. What would you have done?
6. You are at a party. A man starts talking to you, but he is speaking so fast that you
can't catch what he is saying. What would you do?
7. Late at night you're driving your car down a deserted street. You're all alone. In an
attempt to avoid a dog in the road, you swerve and hit a parked car. You know that no
one saw you. What would you do?
8. ( ... ) goes to a friend's house for dinner. Her/His friend serves a dish that ( ... )
can't stand, doesn't like at all. What if you were ( ... )?
9. My friend borrowed (ten dollars) from me and told me he would repay it in a couple
of days, but it's been three weeks. I think he has forgotten about it. I really need the
money, but I don't want to ask him for it. Give me some advice.
10. John was driving over the speed limit. A police car began to chase him, with lights
flashing. John stepped on the accelerator and tried to escape the police car. Put
yourself in his position.
11. Suppose you are walking down the street at night all by yourself. A man suddenly
appears in front of you. He has a gun. He says, "Give me your money!" Would you
try to take his gun away?

428 CHAPTER 20
 12. Suppose you go to (Chicago) to visit a friend. You have never been there before. Your
friend said he would meet you at the airport, but he's not there. You wait a long time,
but he never shows up. You try to call him, but nobody answers the phone. Now what?

D EXERCISE 23. Activity: conditional sentences. (Charts 20-1 -• 20-8)

Directions: Discuss the situations. Use the given informatio~ to make conditional
sentences.
Example:
Jan is working for a law firm, but she has been trying to find a different job for a long
time. She doesn't like her job at the law firm. Recently she was offered a job with a
computer company closer to her home. She wanted to accept it, but the salary was too low.
4 If Jan liked her job at the law firm, she wouldn't be trying to find a different job.
4 Jan would have accepted the job at the computer company if the salary hadn't been too low.
->Etc.
1. Jim: Why don't we go to the ball game after work tonight?
Ron: I'd like to, but I can't.
Jim: Why not?
Ron: I have a dinner meeting with a client.
Jim: Well, maybe some other time.
2. Tommy had a pet mouse. He took it to school. His friend Jimmy put the mouse in
the teacher's desk drawer. When the teacher found the mouse, she jumped in surprise
and tried to kill it with a book. Tommy ran to the front of the room and saved his pet
mouse. Tommy and Jimmy got into a lot of trouble with their teacher.

3. Ivan's axe was broken, and he wanted to borrow his neighbor Dan's axe so that he
could chop some wood. Then Ivan remembered that he had already borrowed Dan's
saw and had never returned it. He has since lost the saw, and he's too embarrassed to
tell Dan. Because of that, Ivan decided not to ask Dan for his axe.

Conditional Sentences and Wishes 429

D EXERCISE 24. Activity: conditional sentences. (Charts 20-1 ~ 20-8)
Directions: Discuss and/or write about one or more of the topics.

1. If, beginning tomorrow, you had a two-week holiday and unlimited funds, what would
you do? Why?
2. If you had to teach your language to a persop who knew nothing at all about your
language, how would you begin? What would you do so tl:i.at this person could learn
your language as quickly and easily as possible?
3. If you were Philosopher-King of the world, how would you govern? What would you
do? What changes would you make? (A "Philosopher-King" may be defined as a
person who has ideal wisdom and unlimited power to shape the world as s/he wishes.)
4. Suppose you had only one year to live. What would you do?
5. Describe your activities if you were in some other place (in this country or in the
world) at present. Describe your probable activities today, yesterday, and tomorrow.
Include the activities of other people you would be with if you were in that place.

20-9 USING AS IF/AS THOUGH

(a) It looks like rain. Notice in (a): like is followed by a noun object.
(b) It looks as if ii is going to rain. Notice in (b) and (c): as if and as though are followed by a clause.
( c) It looks as though it is going lO rain. Notice in (d): like is followed by a clause. This use of like is
(d) It looks like it is going lO rain. (informal) common in informal English, but is not generally considered
appropriate in formal English; as if or as though is preferred.
(a), (b), (c), and (d) all have the same meaning.

"TRUE" STATEMENT (FACT) I VERB FORM AFTER AS IFIAS THOUGH Usually the idea following
as if/as though is
(e) He is not a child. She talked to him as if he were a child. "untrue." In this case,
(f) She did not take a shower When she came in from the rainstorm, she looked verb usage is similar to
with her clothes on. as if she had taken a shower with her clothes on. that in conditional
(g) He has met her. He acted as though he had never met her. sentences.
(h) She will be here. She spoke as if she wouldn't be here.

D EXERCISE 25. Using AS IF/ AS THOUGH. (Chart 20-9)

Directions: Using the given idea, complete each sentence with as if/as though.

1. I wasn't run over by a ten-ton truck.

I feel terrible. I feel <".S i.P (ois +-L...ov.BL'\) I L'\oi.c:)\ bee~ vv.~ ovev by "' +-e~+o~
+-vv.ck
2. English is not her native tongue.
She speaks English - - - -- - -- - - -- - -- - - - -- -- - -- -

3. Thu didn't see a ghost.

What's the matter? You look - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -

430 CHAPTER 20
4. His animals aren't people.
I know a farmer who talks to his animals

5. His father is not a general in the army.

Sometimes his father gives orders _ _ __

6. I didn't climb Mt. Everest.

When I reached the fourth floor, I was
winded. I f e l t - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
instead of just three flights of stairs.

7. He does have a brain in his head.

Sometimes he acts - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

8. we haven't known each other all of our lives.

We became good friends almost immediately. After talking to each other for only a
short time, we felt - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

9. A giant bulldozer didn't drive down Main Street.

Afterthetornado,thetownlooked - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

10. I don't have wings and can't fly.

I was so happy that I felt - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

11. The child won't burst.

The child was so excited that he looked - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

12. NOTE: The following sentiments were expressed by Helen Keller, a woman who was
both blind and deaf but who learned to speak and to read (Braille*). Complete these
sentences.

Use your eyes as if tomorrow you _______ become blind. Hear the music
of voices, the song of a bird, as if you become deaf tomorrow. Touch
each object as if tomorrow you never be able to feel anything again.
Smell the perfume of the flowers and taste with true enjoyment each bite of food as if
tomorrow you _______ never be able to smell and taste again.

*A system of writing for the blind devised by the Frenchman Louis Braille. Blind people read Braille by
placing the tips of their fingers on raised dots that represent letters, punctuation, etc.

Conditional Sentences and Wishes 431