Sentence structure: Advanced conditionals

In this chapter

• Mixed conditionals: two times, one sentence

  Past condition → present result: If we had bought the tickets last week, we would be at the concert now. · General/present condition → past result: If my sister liked spicy food, we would have ordered tacos last night.

• Mixed conditional examples

  Reality: we didn't buy tickets (past), and we aren't at the concert (now).

  Example: If we had bought the tickets last week, we would be at the concert now.

  Example: If Ali hadn't eaten all the cookies, there would be some for us now.

• Words that replace if, and in case

  unless = if … not. The “not” is already inside, so a positive verb follows.

  Example: Unless you water the plants, they will dry out.

  Example: You can borrow my bike provided that you bring it back by six.

• in case ≠ if

  Precaution first: the snack is packed either way.

  Example: Mom packs a snack in case we get hungry.

  Example: Mom buys a snack if we get hungry.

• Inverted conditionals: no if, formal

  Should + subject + base verb (type 1): Should you need any help, please call the front desk. · Were + subject (+ to + verb) (type 2): Were I the coach, I would give everyone a chance to play. · Had + subject + V3 (type 3): Had we known about the traffic, we would have left earlier.

• Inverted conditional examples

  = If you have any questions… Common in notices and formal emails.

  Example: Should you have any questions, please ask the librarian.

  Example: Were it to rain tomorrow, the picnic would be canceled.

• Tip

  In an inverted conditional, the main clause picks the key: will / imperative → Should, would + verb → Were, would have + V3 → Had. In a mixed conditional, look at the time word: now → would + verb, yesterday / last night → would have + V3.