Real vs Unreal Conditionals

Real vs Unreal Conditionals

1. In the present and future.

   • BE CAREFUL
     • 1-. Never use "would" in the "if" clause
       • Incorrect:
         • I would go if I would have more time
         • Correct:
           • I would go if I had more time
       • 2-. It's okay use "could" in the "if" clause
         • Real conditional
           • "Could" is the past tense of "can"
           • Example: I will go if I can
             • This means: Maybe I can go but I´m not sure yet.
         • Unreal conditional
           • Example: I would go if I could
             • This means: I can't go

2. REAL CONDITIONAL

   • Real conditions means there is a "real" chance that the conditional "will" occur.
     • Present:
       • IF + SUBJECT +VERB +COMPLEMENT + , +SUBJECT +INFINITIVE VERB +COMPLEMENT.
         • Example: If I have time, I usually go to the gym after work.
           • Future:
             • IF + SUBJECT +VERB +COMPLEMENT + , +SUBJECT + WILL/WON'T + VERB +COMPLEMENT.
               • Example: If I have time tonight, I will go to the gym.

3. UNREAL CONDITIONAL

   • An unreal conditions is impossible or imaginary.
     • The IF-clause
       • We use the past tense to express the present or future time.
       • The dependent clause
         • We use "WOULD" and "COULD"
         • Past Perfect
           • IF + SUBJECT + VERB (past perfect form) + COMPLEMENT + , + SUBJECT + WOULD/WOULDN'T + INFINITIVE VERB + COMPLEMENT
             • Example: If I had time, I would go to the gym today.
               • SIMPLE PAST
                 • IF + SUBJECT + DIDN'T + VERB (simple form) + COMPLEMENT + , + SUBJECT + COULD/COULDN'T + VERB (simple form) + COMPLEMENT
                   • Example: If I didn't have to work, I could go to the gym
                     • For the verb BE
                       • We use "WERE" not was, even for I, he, she and it
                       • IF + SUBJECT + WERE+ COMPLEMENT + , + SUBJECT + WOULD/WOULDN'T + HAVE+ PAST PARTICIPLE + COMPLEMENT
                         • Example: If I were a good cook, I would have invited them to dinner.