Conditional Sentences

Structure : A conditional sentence is composed of 2 parts :

If-clause
Example :

Main Clause

If a friend of mine had any of these symptoms, I would talk to them.

If-clause

Main Clause

Type 2
Use :

To talk about hypothetical/unlikely situations. (A case that is unlikely to happen)

Tense : If-clause ~ Past Tense Main Clause ~ would + infinitive

Example : Past Tense

Would + infinitive

If he were anorexic, he would go on hard diets. If I had a bulimic friend, I would help him to get better.

Conditional Form Auxiliary would + infinitive of main verb (without to)

Affirmative I / You / He / She / It / We / You / They would go to the doctor. Negative I / You / He / She / It / We / You / They wouldn't ask about food. Interrogative Would I / You / He / She / It / We / You / They eat too much?

Contractions of WOULD
In spoken English would is contracted to 'd. The negative contraction = wouldn't.

I'd you'd he'd she'd we'd you'd they'd

I wouldnt you wouldnt he wouldnt she wouldnt we wouldnt you wouldnt they wouldnt

PAY ATTENTION:
NOTE 1: It is correct, and very common, to say: "If I were" instead of "If I was". NOTE 2: Dont forget that if the "if" clause comes first, a comma is usually used.

If the "if" clause comes second, there is no need for a

comma. E.g.: If I had a friend with any of these symptoms, I would talk to them. I would talk to a friend if he had any of these symptoms.

Exercises
had 1. If I _________ (have) more money, I would go to the nutritionist. would go (go) jogging if you had someone to go with. 2. You _________ spent (spend) too much money, she wouldnt go to the gym. 3. If Mary ______ would get (get) there. 4. If you tried harder, you _________ felt 5. If you _________ (feel) lonely, maybe you would eat too much. was 6. Mary would go to the doctor if she ________ (be) forced to do so. would be (be) sick. 7. If I didnt eat properly, I __________ went (go) on a crazy diet, she would give her 8. If Janes friend _________ good advice. ate 9. If George _________ (eat) too much food, he would be obese. were 10. If I _________ (be) you, I wouldnt miss the appointment.

END