Conditional sentence Type 2 Type of Conditional Sentence

d. General variants on conditional sentences 1 Using Progressive verb forms

we use a continues form of the verb if we want to suggest „continuous meaning‟ e.g. to emphasize the temporariness of something. We can use continuous verb forms in both the-if and the main clause. 36 It is raining right now, so I will not go for a walk. If I were living in Chile, I would be working at a bank. If I had been living in Chile last year, I would have been working at a bank. 2 Mixed Conditional sentences Frequently the time in the “if clause” and the time in the “result clause” are different: one clause may be in the present and the other in the past. Notice that past and present times are mixed in the sentences in the following examples. 37 I did not eat breakfast several hours ago, so I am hungry now. If I had eaten breakfast several hours ago, I would not be hungry now. past present He is not a good student. He did not study for the test yesterday. If he were a good student, he would have studied for the test. present past 36 Martin Parrot, Grammar for English Language Teacher Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004, p.278 37 Betty S. Azar, Op.Cit. p.353 3 Modal Verbs We can use may, might, and could in the conditional clause of type 1 conditional sentences to show that something possible consequence. We can also use might and could in place of would in type 2 and 3 conditional sentence. 38 It can be seen from following examples: If you listen to me carefully, you may learn something useful. If I were a bird, I could fly home. If you had told me about your problem, I might have been able to help you. Other examples with the same pattern as follows: I can bring something to eat if you want. If john should call, tell him I will be back around five. 4 Omitting If We can express a condition with should or the subjunctive were by inverting the subject and verb. But an if-clause is more common, especially in informal English. 39 It can be seen from the following examples: 1. A. If I were you, I would not to do that. B. Were I you, I would not do that. were I you = if I were you. 2. A. If I had known, I would have told you. B. Had I known, I would have told you. had I known = if I had known. 3. A. If anyone should call, please take a message. B. Should anyone call, please take a message. should anyone call = if anyone calls 38 Martin Parrot, Loc.Cit. 39 John Eastwood, Oxford Guided to English Grammar New York: Oxford University Press, 2002, p.338