Content tagged with "conditionals"

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Modals in the second conditional

Main clause

We can use modals other than would in the main clause of a sentence in the second conditional:

Modals in the third conditional

Main clause

We can use modals other than would in the main clause of a sentence in the third conditional:

If I had had the right tools, I could have fixed my bike. (ability)
If the weather had been worse, they might not have reached the top. (possibility)

Past continuous subjunctive in the second conditional

The past continuous subjunctive can be used in the if-clause of a sentence in the second conditional to express an unreal action in the present which is imagined as continuous:

Past perfect continuous subjunctive in the third conditional

The past perfect continuous subjunctive can be used in the if-clause of a sentence in the third conditional to express an unreal action in the past which is imagined as continuous:

Present continuous in the first conditional

The present continuous can be used in the if-clause of a sentence in the first conditional to refer to a present action or a future arrangement:

Present perfect in the first conditional

The present perfect in the if-clause of a sentence in the first conditional emphasises that one action depends on the completion of another:

If I've finished writing my paper by tonight, I'll go out with my friends.

Second conditional

if + past subjunctive | would + infinitive (simple or continuous)

The second conditional can describe an unreal situation with reference to the present. We imagine a hypothetical situation which contrasts with reality:

Third conditional

if + past perfect subjunctive | would + perfect infinitive

The third conditional describes an unreal situation with reference to the past. We imagine a hypothetical situation, something that did not happen:

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