Key Grammar points

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1. Introduction to Conditionals

• Definition: A conditional sentence contains a conditional clause. While usually starting with ‘if’, other patterns exist (e.g., Had it not rained, Spain would have won).

• Real Conditionals: Suggest the situation is/was true, or may have been/may become true.

  • Example: If she makes a promise, she keeps it.

• Unreal Conditionals: Suggest the situation is imaginary or untrue.

  • Example: If you had asked me, I would have helped.

2. Unreal Conditionals: Special Patterns

A. "If ... were to"

Used for imaginary future situations, particularly when it is unlikely.

• Example: If the technology were to become available, we would be able to expand the business.

• Note: Do not use this pattern with state verbs (belong, doubt, enjoy, know, like, remember, understand).

  • Incorrect: If I were to know they were honest...

  • Correct: If I knew they were honest, I’d gladly lend them the money.

• Politeness: This pattern can make a suggestion sound more polite.

B. "If it was/were not for" & "But for"

Used to say one situation is dependent on another or a person.

• Standard: If it wasn’t / weren’t for Nina, the conference wouldn’t be going ahead.

• Past: If it hadn’t been for Dad, I wouldn’t have gone to college. (or If it wasn’t / weren’t for...)

• Formal: Were it not for... or Had it not been for...

• Alternative: But for + noun phrase.

  • Example: The village school would have been closed years ago but for the determination of teachers and parents.

3. Advanced Syntax & Constraints

A. Inversion (Removing 'If')

In formal or literary hypothetical conditionals, you can omit 'if' and place the verb at the start:

• Should any of this cost you anything, send me the bill.

• It would be embarrassing, were she to find out the truth.

• Had they not rushed Jo to hospital, she would have died.

B. The Use of "If ... will"

Normally not used in conditional clauses, but exceptions apply:

1. Result: When talking about the result of the main clause.

   • Open a window if it will help you to sleep. (Compare: I will be angry if it turns out that you are wrong.)

2. Requests/Willingness: Meaning "if you are willing to" (or would for politeness).

   • If you will / would take your seats, we can begin.

3. Disapproval: Real conditionals showing annoyance (will is stressed).

   • If you will go to bed so late, I’m not surprised [you are tired].

4. Refusal: Using if ... won't.

   • There’s no point trying to teach the class if they won’t pay attention.

C. "If ... happen to" / "If ... should"

Used to talk about something possible but unlikely. If ... happen to is most common in speech.

• If you happen to be in our area, drop in and see us. (or If you should [happen to] be...)

• Note: Not used for highly unlikely/impossible states (e.g., If the North Sea froze in winter...).

4. Comparison Clauses: "As If" and "As Though"

Used to explain or suggest something appears to be the case when it is not. Followed by noun phrases, -ing clauses, past participles, or to-infinitives.

• Magnus walked in as if nothing had happened.

• When he caught the ball, Lee fell to the floor as if hit by a bullet.

• As if to convince herself that Luis was really there, she gently touched his cheek.

• Notes: As though can replace as if. Informally, like is sometimes used.

5. The Past Subjunctive ("Were")

Were can be used with any subject (I/she/he/it). It is formal and refers to the imaginary present/future.

• If your mother were here, I’m sure she wouldn’t let you eat all those chocolates.

• My job would not exist if it were not for government funding.

• Note: Was is acceptable, but If I were you is preferred when giving advice.

"Were" in Other Patterns

1. Formal Inversion: Were the election to be held today...

2. After 'Wish': I wish it were closer to home.

3. After 'If only': If only it were that simple.

4. After 'would rather/sooner': I’d sooner it were earlier.

5. After 'Suppose/Supposing/Imagine': Suppose I were to lower the price...

6. Comparisons: After as if, as though, and even if: ...as if it were yesterday.

6. If vs. Whether; If ... Not vs. Unless; If vs. Whether

• Use either when discussing two possibilities or uncertainty.

• Whether is required:

  • After a preposition.

  • Before a to-infinitive.

  • In the pattern noun/adjective + as to whether.

  • After verbs: advise, choose, consider, depend on, discuss, talk about, think about.

  • In a clause acting as a subject or complement.

• Whether or not: Can be used together (Whether or not Aya was coming).

If ... Not vs. Unless

• Unless means "except if."

• Use if ... not (not unless):

  • When the main clause outcome is unexpected.

  • Usually in questions.

  • When the "only if" implication does not apply.

  • In unreal conditional sentences (though unless works if the main clause is negative).

• Grammar rule: Use present tenses with unless when referring to the future.