English for Teachers/Unit 6/Chapter 4
Unit 6
Chapter 4
Conditional (pp. 470-471)
The conditional has three forms.
1. future-possible (if+present tense+future tense)
If I go, I will take you along.
2. present-unreal (if+past tense+might/would/could+verb)
If he bought it, we could use it.
3. past-unreal (if+past perfect+might/would/could+have+verb)
If I had gone, I might have learned something.
Note: The order of clauses may be reversed.
If reversed, the comma is dropped.
I. Writing
- Find the conditional statements in the Comprehensive Reading.
- Identify which of the above three types they are.
- Rewrite, reversing the clauses.
- Change into the other two forms.
- Discuss the changes in meaning that occurred when #4 was done.
II. Dialogue
Jim: Where's Jack? Isn't he going mountain climbing with us?
Ted: He said he would go if he finished his work.
Jim: I guess he isn't finished yet.
Ted: If he had started earlier, he would have been done by now.
III. Exchanges
A: Why don't you help me?
B: I would if I could.
A: Why don't you go to Europe?
B: I would if I had the money.
IV. Writing
Using the conditional form, tell when you might do the following things.
- Learn another language.
- Make a public speech.
- Have written a book.
- Have become a middle school principal.
- Loan me some money.
V. Reading
Swim for Your Life
In August 1970, William Honeywell was a passenger on an ocean liner. At four o'clock one morning, he fell overboard. No one saw him. As he swam for his life, he watched the ship fade out of sight. Usually if someone falls overboard, they will panic and soon drown. But William remained calm. He was young and strong. He swam for eleven hours until the ship returned to pick him up.