LONGMAN ENGLISH GRAMMAR PRACTICE

14 Conditional sentences

14.2 Type 2 conditionals

14.2A Type 2 conditionals, basic uses: 'If you went by train, you would ...'

[> LEG 14.10-12]

Study:

I**]

We form Type 2 conditionals with if + past (or if+ could) + would.

1 We can use Type 2 conditionals in place of Type 1 to describe something that is reasonably

possible. The past tense form does not refer to past time:

If you go by train, you will (you'll) get there earlier. (Type 1 : reasonably possible)

If you went by train, you would (you'd) get there earlier. (Type 2, 'more tentative')

2 We often use Type 2 conditionals to describe what is totally impossible:

If you had longer legs, you would be able to run faster. (Not * if you would have*)

If you could run fast, you'd be an Olympic champion.

Write: Write Type 2 conditionals to match these situations.

1 I don't have a spare ticket. I can't take you to the concert.

If. L. hxtet. .<&. I. ОШ/^./.ШУМ'.. .yçu. ¿Я, ¿he, concert.,.

2 She drinks too much coffee. She doesn't feel calm.

3 He can't type. He isn't able to operate a computer.

4 They don't understand the problem. They won't find a solution.

5 He sits around too much. He isn't fit.

14.2B 'If + were/was' + 'would': 'If I were you, I would ...' [> LEG 14.13]

Study:

i**i

1 We can use were in place of was after if in all persons: 'the subjunctive' [> 11.1ЗВ].

Were is formal. We also prefer were when expressing doubt or imagining something:

If I was better qualified, I'd apply for the job. (If I was: less formal)

If I were better qualified, I'd apply for the job. (If I were: more formal)

How would she be managing, if she were running a large company? (progressive forms)

If I were the Queen of Sheba, you would be King Solomon, (were is preferable here)

2 We use If I were you and If I were in your position to give advice. (Not *lf I was*)

We can also refer to somebody else: If I were in Jane's position, I'd look for a new job.

Write: Write Type 2 conditionals to match these situations.

1 She is not in your position. She isn't able to advise you.

If.. .tyffWC. ШШ^спь^ щиСеС..

2 I am in a hurry. I won't stay to dinner.

3 He's not a millionaire. He won't buy you a palace.

4 The weather isn't sunny. We won't stay indoors.

5 I am fit. I will go climbing.