GOOD EXAMPLESConditional sentences

Elena Ponomareva

Zero conditionalIf people are too much cooped up

together it’s got a way of getting on their nerves.

If she’s nervous of coming to out-of-the-way places, she ought to have stayed in America.

If a really intricate case comes my way and I’m invited to take a hand, I shouldn’t be able to refuse.

The First Conditional‘Might be,’ he said. ‘I’ll make sure if

you like?’If a person tells you lies with her lips

she will sometimes tell you truth with her eyes.

The Second ConditionalIf I wasn’t mistaken, she would be

quite willing to do Mrs Leidner a bad turn if she could.

I sometimes think that if an archaeologist’s wife wasn’t really interested, it would be wiser for her not to accompany the expedition.

The Third Conditional‘In any case,’ said Captain Maitland,

‘even if they had been open, no one could have entered or left the room that way.

Supposing a stranger had been on the premises, could he have concealed himself successfully during the following day and until the afternoon of the day following that?

I WishI wish Miss Reilly could have heard

him.‘I wish I didn’t get an anonymous

letter-from Frederick-saying that if I ever married another man, he’d kill me!’

ExerciseFill in the blanks, use the correct form.1. If any member of the expedition (to dislike)

your wife they naturally (not advertise) the fact to you.’

2. Now Mr Coleman (to be) a foolish young man if there (to be) one!

3. I wish she (to hear) him.4. If she (to be) nervous of coming here, she (to

stay) home.5. If Dr. Leaidner (to be) there, he (to notice)

ane change.

6. They will stay longer in Paris if they (to find) a cheap hotel.

7. If they (to invite) him, he wouldn't have said no.

8. The nurse would have told you, if you (to see) him.

9. If they had gone for a walk, they (to turn) the lights off.

10. Would you mind if I (to close) the window?