Unreal Conditionals

Unreal Conditionals

1. What is it?

   • They are conditional sentences using the IF clause, HOWEVER the condition that is not real, is imaginary, or probably won't occur

2. Second Conditional

   • We use to refer when there is a condition and then the result of that condition, but in the simple past
     • Structure
       • If simple past(condition) + past simple(result / main-clause, always using modal verbs)
       • Simple Past(result / main-clause, always using modal verbs) + If simple past(condition)

3. Third Conditional

   • We use to refer when there is a condition and then the result of that condition, but in the past perfect
     • Structure
       • If + had + verb in third column + past perfect(condition), + would have + past participle(result / main-clause)
       • Would have + past participle(result / main-clause), + If + had + verb in third column + past perfect(condition)
       • PAY ATTENTION
         • MIXED CONDITIONALS combine two different patterns of conditional forms. The most common mixed conditional combination is a third conditional used in the if-clause (if + past perfect) and a second conditional in the main clause(would + main verb)

4. Examples

   • Second Conditional
     • If I were you, I would date your mom
     • If Joyce invited me to the party, I would be able to show my beauty
   • Third Conditional
     • If it had rained, you would not have been dry
     • You would have passed the test, if you had studied harder