PRESENT CONDITIONAL TENSE |
|
The present conditional express a situation now that isn't true or isn't happening. We also call this the present unreal or present contrary-to-fact.
Examples |
|
If I had a million dollars, I would give it away to all my friends. |
Note: |
If I had a million dollars" is in the past tense, but it describe a possible situation (or impossible) situation in the present.
I would give it away to all my friends. tells the outcome of the condition. You can use "would," "could," "might," or "should" in these kinds of sentences |
|
|
|
I wouldn't do that if I were you. (uses of verb in the present conditional) |
Note: |
Well, I'm not you, so this describes a situation that is not true. Notice that "were" is used with "i." Isn't that strange? But it's correct. |
|
|
|
If she had more time today, she could meet her friend for lunch. |
Note: |
The situation is present, but notice the use of "had," the past tense of "have." This means that she doesn't have time. |
There are basically two types of Present Conditional sentences:
• |
Present Real Conditional |
• |
Present Unreal Conditional |
|
|
USES OF PRESENT CONDITIONAL TENSE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Present Unreal Conditional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXCEPTION to Conditional sentences with Modal Verbs |
|
|
|
The words 'can', 'shall' and 'may' cannot be used with 'would'. Instead, they must be used in these special forms. |
|
can + would = could
shall + would = should
may + would = might |
|
|
Examples |
|
If I went to Japan, I could learn Japanese. |
-Correct |
x |
If I went to Japan, I would can learn Japanese. |
-Not Correct |
|
If she had time, she might go to the party. |
-Correct |
x |
If she had time, she would may go to the party. |
-Not Correct |
|
If I had more time, I could exercise after work. |
-Correct |
x |
If I had more time, I would could exercise after work. |
-Not Correct |
|
If he invited you, you really should go. |
-Correct |
x |
If he invited you, you really would should go. |
-Not Correct |
Note: |
The words 'could', 'should', 'might' and 'ought to' include conditional, so you cannot combine them with 'would'. |
|
|
|
|
CONDITIONAL TENSE TABLE |
|
Present Real Conditional |
|
Present Unreal Conditional |
If I have time, I study English.
|
Sometimes I have time. |
|
If I had time, I would study English. |
I don't have time. |
|
|
Past Real Conditional |
|
Past Unreal Conditional |
If I had time, I studied English. |
Sometimes I had time. |
|
If I had had time, I would have studied English. |
I didn't have time. |
|
|
Future Real Conditional |
|
Future Unreal Conditional |
If I have time, I will study English. |
I don't know if I will have time or not. |
|
If I had time, I would study English. |
I won't have time. |
|
|
|