Simple Past FORM [VERB+ed] or irregular verbs Examples: You called Debbie. Did you call Debbie?

You did not call Debbie. Complete List of Simple Past Forms USE 1 Completed Action in the Past

Use the Simple Past to express the idea that an action started and finished at a specific time in the past. Sometimes, the speaker may not actually mention the specific time, but they do have one specific time in mind. Examples: I saw a movie yesterday. I didn't see a play yesterday. Last year, I traveled to Japan. Last year, I didn't travel to Korea. Did you have dinner last night? She washed her car. He didn't wash his car. USE 2 A Series of Completed Actions

We use the Simple Past to list a series of completed actions in the past. These actions happen 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and so on. Examples: I finished work, walked to the beach, and found a nice place to swim. He arrived from the airport at 8:00, checked into the hotel at 9:00, and met the others at 10:00. Did you add flour, pour in the milk, and then add the eggs? USE 3 Duration in Past

The Simple Past can be used with a duration which starts and stops in the past. A duration is a longer action often indicated by expressions such as: for two years, for five minutes, all day, all year, etc. Examples: I lived in Brazil for two years. Shauna studied Japanese for five years. They sat at the beach all day. They did not stay at the party the entire time. We talked on the phone for thirty minutes. A: How long did you wait for them? B: We waited for one hour.

USE 4 Habits in the Past

The Simple Past can also be used to describe a habit which stopped in the past. It can have the same meaning as "used to." To make it clear that we are talking about a habit, we often add expressions such as: always, often, usually, never, when I was a child, when I was younger, etc. Examples: I studied French when I was a child. He played the violin. He didn't play the piano. Did you play a musical instrument when you were a kid? She worked at the movie theater after school. They never went to school, they always skipped class. USE 5 Past Facts or Generalizations

The Simple Past can also be used to describe past facts or generalizations which are no longer true. As in USE 4 above, this use of the Simple Past is quite similar to the expression "used to." Examples: She was shy as a child, but now she is very outgoing. He didn't like tomatoes before. Did you live in Texas when you were a kid? People paid much more to make cell phone calls in the past. IMPORTANT When-Clauses Happen First Clauses are groups of words which have meaning but are often not complete sentences. Some clauses begin with the word "when" such as "when I dropped my pen..." or "when class began..." These clauses are called when-clauses, and they are very important. The examples below contain when-clauses. Examples: When I paid her one dollar, she answered my question. She answered my question when I paid her one dollar. When-clauses are important because they always happen first when both clauses are in the Simple Past. Both of the examples above mean the same thing: first, I paid her one dollar, and then, she answered my question. It is not important whether "when I paid her one dollar" is at the beginning of the sentence or at the end of the sentence. However, the example below has a different meaning. First, she answered my question, and then, I paid her one dollar. Example: I paid her one dollar when she answered my question. ADVERB PLACEMENT The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc. Examples: You just called Debbie. Did you just call Debbie? ACTIVE / PASSIVE Examples: Tom repaired the car. ACTIVE The car was repaired by Tom. PASSIVE

Past Continuous FORM [was/were + present participle] Examples: You were studying when she called. Were you studying when she called? You were not studying when she called. Complete List of Past Continuous Forms USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Past

Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was interrupted. The interruption is usually a shorter action in the Simple Past. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time. Examples: I was watching TV when she called. When the phone rang, she was writing a letter. While we were having the picnic, it started to rain. What were you doing when the earthquake started? I was listening to my iPod, so I didn't hear the fire alarm. You were not listening to me when I told you to turn the oven off. While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car. Sammy was waiting for us when we got off the plane. While I was writing the email, the computer suddenly went off. A: What were you doing when you broke your leg? B: I was snowboarding. USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption

In USE 1, described above, the Past Continuous is interrupted by a shorter action in the Simple Past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.

Examples: Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner. At midnight, we were still driving through the desert. Yesterday at this time, I was sitting at my desk at work. IMPORTANT In the Simple Past, a specific time is used to show when an action began or finished. In the Past Continuous, a specific time only interrupts the action. Examples: Last night at 6 PM, I ate dinner. I STARTED EATING AT 6 PM. Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner. I STARTED EARLIER; AND AT 6 PM, I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EATING DINNER. USE 3 Parallel Actions

When you use the Past Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions were happening at the same time. The actions are parallel. Examples: I was studying while he was making dinner. While Ellen was reading, Tim was watching television. Were you listening while he was talking? I wasn't paying attention while I was writing the letter, so I made several mistakes. What were you doing while you were waiting? Thomas wasn't working, and I wasn't working either. They were eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time. USE 4 Atmosphere In English, we often use a series of parallel actions to describe the atmosphere at a particular time in the past. Example: When I walked into the office, several people were busily typing, some were talking on the phones, the boss was yelling directions, and customers were waiting to be helped. One customer was yelling at a secretary and waving his hands. Others were complaining to each other about the bad service.

USE 5 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"

The Past Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The concept is very similar to the expression "used to" but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing." Examples: She was always coming to class late. He was constantly talking. He annoyed everyone. I didn't like them because they were always complaining. While vs. When Clauses are groups of words which have meaning, but are often not complete sentences. Some clauses begin with the word "when" such as "when she called" or "when it bit me." Other clauses begin with "while" such as "while she was sleeping" and "while he was surfing." When you talk about things in the past, "when" is most often followed by the verb tense Simple Past, whereas "while" is usually followed by Past Continuous. "While" expresses the idea of "during that time." Study the examples below. They have similar meanings, but they emphasize different parts of the sentence. Examples: I was studying when she called. While I was studying, she called. REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Past Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Past. Examples: Jane was being at my house when you arrived. Not Correct Jane was at my house when you arrived. Correct ADVERB PLACEMENT The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc. Examples: You were just studying when she called. Were you just studying when she called?

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Examples: The salesman was helping the customer when the thief came into the store. ACTIVE The customer was being helped by the salesman when the thief came into the store. PASSIVE

Past Perfect FORM [had + past participle] Examples: You had studied English before you moved to New York. Had you studied English before you moved to New York? You had not studied English before you moved to New York. Complete List of Past Perfect Forms USE 1 Completed Action Before Something in the Past

The Past Perfect expresses the idea that something occurred before another action in the past. It can also show that something happened before a specific time in the past. Examples: I had never seen such a beautiful beach before I went to Kauai. I did not have any money because I had lost my wallet. Tony knew Istanbul so well because he had visited the city several times. Had Susan ever studied Thai before she moved to Thailand? She only understood the movie because she had read the book. Kristine had never been to an opera before last night. We were not able to get a hotel room because we had not booked in advance. A: Had you ever visited the U.S. before your trip in 2006? B: Yes, I had been to the U.S. once before.

USE 2 Duration Before Something in the Past (Non-Continuous Verbs)

With Non-Continuous Verbs and some non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Past Perfect to show that something started in the past and continued up until another action in the past. Examples: We had had that car for ten years before it broke down. By the time Alex finished his studies, he had been in London for over eight years. They felt bad about selling the house because they had owned it for more than forty years. Although the above use of Past Perfect is normally limited to Non-Continuous Verbs and noncontinuous uses of Mixed Verbs, the words "live," "work," "teach," and "study" are sometimes used in this way even though they are NOT Non-Continuous Verbs. IMPORTANT Specific Times with the Past Perfect

Unlike with the Present Perfect, it is possible to use specific time words or phrases with the Past Perfect. Although this is possible, it is usually not necessary. Example: She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996. MOREOVER If the Past Perfect action did occur at a specific time, the Simple Past can be used instead of the Past Perfect when "before" or "after" is used in the sentence. The words "before" and "after" actually tell you what happens first, so the Past Perfect is optional. For this reason, both sentences below are correct. Examples: She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996. She visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996. HOWEVER

If the Past Perfect is not referring to an action at a specific time, Past Perfect is not optional. Compare the examples below. Here Past Perfect is referring to a lack of experience rather than an action at a specific time. For this reason, Simple Past cannot be used. Examples: She never saw a bear before she moved to Alaska. Not Correct She had never seen a bear before she moved to Alaska. Correct ADVERB PLACEMENT The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc. Examples: You had previously studied English before you moved to New York. Had you previously studied English before you moved to New York? ACTIVE / PASSIVE Examples: George had repaired many cars before he received his mechanic's license. ACTIVE Many cars had been repaired by George before he received his mechanic's license. PASSIVE

Past Perfect Continuous FORM [had been + present participle] Examples: You had been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived. Had you been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived? You had not been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived. Complete List of Past Perfect Continuous Forms USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Past

We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and continued up until another time in the past. "For five minutes" and "for two weeks" are both durations which can be used with the Past Perfect Continuous. Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect Continuous; however, the duration does not continue until now, it stops before something else in the past.

Examples: They had been talking for over an hour before Tony arrived. She had been working at that company for three years when it went out of business. How long had you been waiting to get on the bus? Mike wanted to sit down because he had been standing all day at work. James had been teaching at the university for more than a year before he left for Asia. A: How long had you been studying Turkish before you moved to Ankara? B: I had not been studying Turkish very long. USE 2 Cause of Something in the Past

Using the Past Perfect Continuous before another action in the past is a good way to show cause and effect. Examples: Jason was tired because he had been jogging. Sam gained weight because he had been overeating. Betty failed the final test because she had not been attending class. Past Continuous vs. Past Perfect Continuous If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or "since Friday," many English speakers choose to use the Past Continuous rather than the Past Perfect Continuous. Be careful because this can change the meaning of the sentence. Past Continuous emphasizes interrupted actions, whereas Past Perfect Continuous emphasizes a duration of time before something in the past. Study the examples below to understand the difference. Examples: He was tired because he was exercising so hard. THIS SENTENCE EMPHASIZES THAT HE WAS TIRED BECAUSE HE WAS EXERCISING AT THAT EXACT MOMENT. He was tired because he had been exercising so hard. THIS SENTENCE EMPHASIZES THAT HE WAS TIRED BECAUSE HE HAD BEEN EXERCISING OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT HE WAS STILL EXERCISING AT THAT MOMENT OR THAT HE HAD JUST FINISHED. REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Past Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use Past Perfect.

Examples: The motorcycle had been belonging to George for years before Tina bought it. Not Correct The motorcycle had belonged to George for years before Tina bought it. Correct ADVERB PLACEMENT The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc. Examples: You had only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived. Had you only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived? ACTIVE / PASSIVE Examples: Chef Jones had been preparing the restaurant's fantastic dinners for two years before he moved to Paris. ACTIVE The restaurant's fantastic dinners had been being prepared by Chef Jones for two years before he moved to Paris. PASSIVE NOTE: Passive forms of the Past Perfect Continuous are not common.

Present Perfect Continuous FORM [has/have + been + present participle] Examples: You have been waiting here for two hours. Have you been waiting here for two hours? You have not been waiting here for two hours. Complete List of Present Perfect Continuous Forms USE 1 Duration from the Past Until Now

We use the Present Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now. "For five minutes," "for two weeks," and "since Tuesday" are all durations which can be used with the Present Perfect Continuous.

Examples: They have been talking for the last hour. She has been working at that company for three years. What have you been doing for the last 30 minutes? James has been teaching at the university since June. We have been waiting here for over two hours! Why has Nancy not been taking her medicine for the last three days? USE 2 Recently, Lately

You can also use the Present Perfect Continuous WITHOUT a duration such as "for two weeks." Without the duration, the tense has a more general meaning of "lately." We often use the words "lately" or "recently" to emphasize this meaning. Examples: Recently, I have been feeling really tired. She has been watching too much television lately. Have you been exercising lately? Mary has been feeling a little depressed. Lisa has not been practicing her English. What have you been doing? IMPORTANT Remember that the Present Perfect Continuous has the meaning of "lately" or "recently." If you use the Present Perfect Continuous in a question such as "Have you been feeling alright?", it can suggest that the person looks sick or unhealthy. A question such as "Have you been smoking?" can suggest that you smell the smoke on the person. Using this tense in a question suggests you can see, smell, hear or feel the results of the action. It is possible to insult someone by using this tense incorrectly. REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Present Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use Present Perfect. Examples: Sam has been having his car for two years. Not Correct Sam has had his car for two years. Correct

ADVERB PLACEMENT The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc. Examples: You have only been waiting here for one hour. Have you only been waiting here for one hour? ACTIVE / PASSIVE Examples: Recently, John has been doing the work. ACTIVE Recently, the work has been being done by John. PASSIVE NOTE: Present Perfect Continuous is less commonly used in its passive form. Future Conditionals Future Real Conditional FORM [If / When ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Future ...] [... Simple Future ... if / when ... Simple Present ...] Notice that there is no future in the if- or when-clause. USE The Future Real Conditional describes what you think you will do in a specific situation in the future. It is different from other Real Conditional forms because, unlike the present or the past, you do not know what will happen in the future. Although this form is called "real", you are usually imagining or guessing about the future. It is called "real" because it is still possible that the action might occur in the future. Carefully study the following examples and compare them to the Future Unreal Conditional examples further down the page. Examples: If I go to my friend's house for dinner tonight, I will take a bottle of wine or some flowers. I AM STILL NOT SURE IF I WILL GO TO HIS HOUSE OR NOT. When I have a day off from work, I am going to go to the beach. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I HAVE A DAY OFF. If the weather is nice, she is going to walk to work. IT DEPENDS ON THE WEATHER. Jerry will help me with my homework when he has time. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL HE HAS TIME. I am going to read if there is nothing on TV. IT DEPENDS ON THE TV SCHEDULE.

 A: What are you going to do if it rains? B: I am going to stay at home. IMPORTANT If / When Both "if" and "when" are used in the Future Real Conditional, but the use is different from other Real Conditional forms. In the Future Real Conditional, "if" suggests that you do not know if something will happen or not. "When" suggests that something will definitely happen at some point; we are simply waiting for it to occur. Notice also that theSimple Future is not used in ifclauses or when-clauses. Examples: When you call me, I will give you the address. YOU ARE GOING TO CALL ME LATER, AND AT THAT TIME, I WILL GIVE YOU THE ADDRESS. If you call me, I will give you the address. IF YOU WANT THE ADDRESS, YOU CAN CALL ME. Future Unreal Conditional FORM 1 (Most Common Form) [If ... Simple Past ..., ... would + verb ...] [... would + verb ... if ... Simple Past ...] Notice that this form looks the same as Present Unreal Conditional. USE The Future Unreal Conditional is used to talk about imaginary situations in the future. It is not as common as the Future Real Conditional because English speakers often leave open the possibility that anything MIGHT happen in the future. It is only used when a speaker needs to emphasize that something is impossible. Because this form looks like Present Unreal Conditional, many native speakers prefer Form 2 described below. Examples: If I had a day off from work next week, I would go to the beach. I DON'T HAVE A DAY OFF FROM WORK. I am busy next week. If I had time, I would come to your party. I CAN'T COME. Jerry would help me with my homework tomorrow if he didn't have to work. HE DOES HAVE TO WORK TOMORROW. FORM 2 [If ... were + present participle ..., ... would be + present participle ...] [... would be + present participle ... if ... were + present participle ...] USE Form 2 of the Future Unreal Conditional is also used to talk about imaginary situations in the future. Native speakers often prefer this form over Form 1 to emphasize that the conditional

form is in the future rather than the present. Also notice in the examples below that this form can be used in the if-clause, the result, or both parts of the sentence. Examples: If I were going to Fiji next week, I would be taking my scuba diving gear with me. In if-clause and result I AM NOT GOING TO GO TO FIJI AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE MY SCUBA GEAR WITH ME. If I were not visiting my grandmother tomorrow, I would help you study. In if-clause I AM GOING TO VISIT MY GRANDMOTHER TOMORROW. I am busy next week. If I had time, I would be coming to your party. In result I AM NOT GOING TO COME TO YOUR PARTY. FORM 3 [If ... were going to + verb ..., ... would be + present participle ...] [... would be + present participle ... if ... were going to + verb ...] USE Form 3 of the Future Unreal Conditional is a variation of Form 2 which is also used to talk about imaginary situations in the future. Notice that this form is only different from Form 2 in the ifclause. Native speakers use Form 3 to emphasize that the conditional form is a plan or prediction in the same way "be going to" is used to indicate a plan or prediction. Examples: If I were going to go to Fiji next week, I would be taking my scuba diving gear with me. I AM NOT GOING TO GO TO FIJI AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE MY SCUBA GEAR WITH ME. If I were not going to visit my grandmother tomorrow, I would help you study. I AM GOING TO VISIT MY GRANDMOTHER TOMORROW. IMPORTANT Only use "If" Only the word "if" is used with the Past Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. "When" cannot be used. Examples: I would buy that computer tomorrow when it were cheaper. Not Correct I would buy that computer tomorrow if it were cheaper. Correct EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English: would + can = could would + shall = should would + may = might

The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would." Instead, they must be used in these special forms. Examples: If I went to Egypt next year, I would can learn Arabic. Unfortunately, that's not possible. Not Correct If I went to Egypt next year, I could learn Arabic. Unfortunately, that's not possible. Correct The words "could," should," "might" and "ought to" include conditional, so you cannot combine them with "would." Examples: If I didn't have to work tonight, I would could go to the fitness center. Not Correct If I didn't have to work tonight, I could go to the fitness center. Correct Future Real Conditional vs. Future Unreal Conditional To help you understand the difference between the Future Real Conditional and the Future Unreal Conditional, compare the examples below: Examples: If you help me move tomorrow, I will buy you dinner. Future Real Conditional I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP ME. If you helped me move tomorrow, I would buy you dinner. Future Unreal Conditional YOU CAN'T HELP ME, OR YOU DON'T WANT TO HELP ME. Continuous Conditionals Those of you who have studied Englishpage.com's Verb Tense Tutorial should be familiar with continuous verb tenses such as Present Continuous, Past Continuous, Future Continuous, Present Perfect Continuous, Past Perfect Continuous, and Future Perfect Continuous. The Verb Tense Tutorial gives you all the information you need to create continuous Real Conditional sentences. But many English learners are not aware of the fact that we can use continuousness in imaginary situations as well. Study the examples below to learn how to create continuous Unreal Conditional sentences that will make you sound like a native speaker. Present Unreal Conditional + Continuous FORM If-clause: [were + present participle] Result: [would be + present participle] USE Present Unreal Conditional + Continuous is used to discuss imaginary situations which could be happening at this very moment. Examples in the if-clause:

 If the sun were shining, I would go to the beach. UNFORTUNATELY, IT IS RAINING SO I CAN'T GO. If Sam were sitting here, we would be able to ask him the question ourselves. BUT SAM IS NOT SITTING HERE. HE IS SOMEWHERE ELSE. We would be able to go sailing if the wind were blowing. BUT THERE IS NO WIND, SO WE CAN'T GO SAILING. Examples in the result: If I were in Hawaii, I would be lying on the beach. BUT I AM NOT IN HAWAII. If my grandfather were here, he would be talking about the war. BUT HE IS NOT HERE. I would be rafting down the Colorado River right now if my leg weren't broken. BUT MY LEG IS BROKEN, SO I AM NOT THERE. Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous FORM If-clause: [had been + present participle] Result: [would have been + present participle] USE Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous is used to discuss imaginary situations happening at a very specific time in the past or over a period of time in the past. Examples in the if-clause: If I had been talking to him when he said that, I would have punched him in the face. BUT I WASN'T TALKING TO HIM WHEN HE SAID THAT. If he had been standing near the house when the wall collapsed, it would have killed him. LUCKILY, HE MOVED AWAY BEFORE THE WALL FELL. Examples in the result: If you had gone to his house last night, he would have been sitting on his couch in front of the TV. BUT YOU DIDN'T GO TO HIS HOUSE, SO YOU DIDN'T SEE WHAT HE WAS DOING. If she had missed her train, he would have been waiting for her at the station for hours. LUCKILY, SHE CAUGHT HER TRAIN AND HE DIDN'T HAVE TO WAIT. NOTICE that the Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous can be used like the Past Continuous in imaginary situations to emphasize interruptions or parallel actions in the past. Examples in the if-clause: If James had been crossing the street when the car ran the red light, it would have hit him. If Tom had been studying while Becky was making dinner, he would have finished his homework early and they could have gone to the movie.

Examples in the result: If James hadn't stopped to tie his shoe, he would have been crossing the street when the car ran the red light. If you had gone to their house last night, Bob would have been reading the newspaper, Nancy would have been talking on the phone and the kids would have been watching TV. They always do the same things. NOTICE that Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous can also be used like Present Perfect Continuous or Past Perfect Continuous in imaginary situations to emphasize a duration of time. Examples in the if-clause: Scott said he had been studying Greek for more than five years. If he had been studying the language that long, I think he would have been able to interpret for us at the airport. Sarah claimed she had been waiting in the rain for more than twenty minutes by the time we arrived, but she wasn't even wet. If she had been waiting that long, I think she would have been totally drenched by the time we arrived. Examples in the result: Terry's plane arrived ahead of schedule. If I hadn't decided to go to the airport early, she would have been waiting there for more than twenty minutes before I arrived. At the travel agency yesterday, I waited for more than an hour for somebody to help me. Finally, I got up and left. If I hadn't decided to leave, I would have been sitting there forever. Future Unreal Conditional + Continuous FORM If-clause: [were + present participle] Result: [would be + present participle] USE Future Unreal Conditional + Continuous can be used like the Future Continuous in imaginary situations to emphasize interruptions or parallel actions in the future. NOTICE The future form looks the same as the present form. The future is indicated with words such as "tomorrow," "next week" or "in a couple of days." Examples in the if-clause: If I were waiting there next week when he gets off the plane, he would be totally surprised. BUT I WILL NOT BE WAITING THERE, SO HE WON'T BE SURPRISED. If he were staying in that hotel next week while the conference is being held, he might be able to meet some of the key speakers and tell them about our new product. I DON'T THINK HE WILL BE ABLE TO STAY AT THE HOTEL, SO HE WON'T BE ABLE TO MEET ANYBODY THERE.

Examples in the result: If I were able to go to the train station tonight to meet Sandra, I would be standing on the platform waiting for her when she arrives. I WON'T BE ABLE TO GO TO THE TRAIN STATION, SO I WILL NOT BE STANDING THERE WHEN SHE ARRIVES. If you went over to Paul's house after work, he would probably be sitting there at his computer surfing the Internet. BUT YOU WON'T GO OVER. Mixed Conditionals Those of you who have been following the Conditional Tutorial should now be familiar with present, past and future conditional verb forms. Sometimes Unreal Conditional sentences are mixed. This means that the time in the if-clause is not the same as the time in the result. Study the examples below to learn how to mix conditional verb forms like a native speaker. Verbs in green are in the Present Unreal Conditional. Verbs in red are in the Past Unreal Conditional. Verbs in purple are in the Future Unreal Conditional. Mixed Conditional Patterns PAST Examples: If I had won the lottery, I would be rich. BUT I DIDN'T WIN THE LOTTERY IN THE PAST AND I AM NOT RICH NOW. If I had taken French in high school, I would have more job opportunities. BUT I DIDN'T TAKE FRENCH IN HIGH SCHOOL AND I DON'T HAVE MANY JOB OPPORTUNITIES. If she had been born in the United States, she wouldn't need a visa to work here. BUT SHE WASN'T BORN IN THE UNITED STATES AND SHE DOES NEED A VISA NOW TO WORK HERE. PAST Examples: If she had signed up for the ski trip last week, she would be joining us tomorrow. BUT SHE DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THE SKI TRIP LAST WEEK AND SHE ISN'T GOING TO JOIN US TOMORROW. If Mark had gotten the job instead of Joe, he would be moving to Shanghai. BUT MARK DIDN'T GET THE JOB AND MARK IS NOT GOING TO MOVE TO SHANGHAI. If Darren hadn't wasted his Christmas bonus gambling in Las Vegas, he would go to Mexico with us next month. BUT DARREN WASTED HIS CHRISTMAS BONUS GAMBLING IN LAS VEGAS AND HE WON'T GO TO MEXICO WITH US NEXT MONTH. PRESENT PAST FUTURE PRESENT

Examples: If I were rich, I would have bought that Ferrari we saw yesterday. BUT I AM NOT CURRENTLY RICH AND THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T BUY THE FERRARI YESTERDAY. If Sam spoke Russian, he would have translated the letter for you. BUT SAM DOESN'T SPEAK RUSSIAN AND THAT IS WHY HE DIDN'T TRANSLATE THE LETTER. If I didn't have to work so much, I would have gone to the party last night. BUT I HAVE TO WORK A LOT AND THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T GO TO THE PARTY LAST NIGHT. PRESENT Examples: If I didn't have so much vacation time, I wouldn't go with you on the cruise to Alaska next week. BUT I DO HAVE A LOT OF VACATION TIME AND I WILL GO ON THE TRIP NEXT WEEK. If Cindy were more creative, the company would send her to New York to work on the new advertising campaign. BUT CINDY IS NOT CREATIVE AND THE COMPANY WON'T SEND HER TO NEW YORK TO WORK ON THE NEW CAMPAIGN. If Dan weren't so nice, he wouldn't be tutoring you in math tonight. BUT DAN IS NICE AND HE IS GOING TO TUTOR YOU TONIGHT. FUTURE Examples: If I weren't going on my business trip next week, I would have accepted that new assignment at work. BUT I AM GOING TO GO ON A BUSINESS TRIP NEXT WEEK, AND THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T ACCEPT THAT NEW ASSIGNMENT AT WORK. If my parents weren't coming this weekend, I would have planned a nice trip just for the two of us to Napa Valley. BUT MY PARENTS ARE GOING TO COME THIS WEEKEND, AND THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T PLAN A TRIP FOR THE TWO OF US TO NAPA VALLEY. If Donna weren't making us a big dinner tonight, I would have suggested that we go to that nice Italian restaurant. BUT SHE IS GOING TO MAKE US A BIG DINNER TONIGHT, AND THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T SUGGEST THAT WE GO TO THAT NICE ITALIAN RESTAURANT. FUTURE Examples: If I were going to that concert tonight, I would be very excited. BUT I AM NOT GOING TO GO TO THAT CONCERT TONIGHT AND THAT IS WHY I AM NOT EXCITED. If Sandy were giving a speech tomorrow, she would be very nervous. BUT SANDY IS NOT GOING TO GIVE A SPEECH TOMORROW AND THAT IS WHY SHE IN NOT NERVOUS. If Seb didn't come with us to the desert, everyone would be very disappointed. BUT SEB WILL COME WITH US TO THE DESERT AND THAT IS WHY EVERYONE IS SO HAPPY. PRESENT PAST FUTURE