Seminar 6 – Conditionals

Conditional type I: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Conditional type II: 8, 9, 10, 11
Conditional types I and II: 12, 13, 14, 15, *16, *17
Conditional type III: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
Mixed conditionals: 23, *24, *25, *26, *27, *28
Expressing condition without if: 29, 30, 31, 32
Rephrasing: *33, *34, *35, *36
Error correction: *37
Overview: *38, *39,*40, *41

1. Complete the sentences with the verbs in parentheses. The first

sentence is an example:

1. If I have enough apples, I (bake) will bake an apple pie this

afternoon.
2. I will fix your bicycle if I (have) ... a screwdriver of the proper size.
3. Sally always answers the phone if she (be) ... in her office.
4. Most people know that oil floats on water. If you pour oil on water,
it (float) ... .
5. My evening newspaper has been late every day this week. If the
paper (arrive, not) ... on time today, I’m going to cancel my
subscription.
6. If you boil water, it (disappear) ... into the atmosphere as vapour.
7. She will catch the train if she (hurry) … .
8. If you take this medicine, you (feel) … much better.

2. Read the conversation and then choose the correct forms. The
first one is an example:

Rachel: Have you heard about the pop festival?

Vicky: Yes, (1) it’s/it’ll be good if Express are playing. They’re a
great band. (it’ll be … is correct)
Rachel: Will you be able to go, Nick?
Nick: If (2) I ask/I’ll ask my boss, he’ll give me some time off work,
I expect.

1
Vicky: How are you going to get there?
Rachel: Well, if (3) there are/there’ll be enough people, we can hire a
minibus.
Vicky: I won’t be going if (4) it’s/it’ll be too expensive.
Rachel: It (5) isn’t costing/won’t cost much if we (6) share/will share
the cost.
Nick: If (7) I see/I’ll see the others later on tonight, (8) I ask/I’ll ask
them if they want to go.

3. Comment on the situations. Use if + the present tense + will/can.

The first sentence is an example:

1. It might rain. If it does, everyone can eat inside.

If it rains, everyone can eat inside.
2. The children must not go near Nick’s dog. It’ll bite them.
3. Rachel might fail her driving test. But she can take it again.
4. United might lose. If they do, Tom will be upset.
5. The office may be closed. In that case, Mark won’t be able to get
in.
6. Nick may arrive a bit early. If he does, he can help Tom to get
things ready.
7. The party might go on all night. If it does, no one will want to do
any work tomorrow.
8. Emma may miss the train. But she can get the next one.
9. Is Matthew going to enter the race? He’ll probably win it.

4. Match the sentences and then join them with if. The first one is
an example:

c 1. You lose your credit card. a. I can’t sleep.

__ 2. You get promoted. b You get a warning letter.
_ .
__ 3. I drink coffee late at night. c. You have to ring the
_ bank.
__ 4. You don’t pay the bill. d Your salary goes up.
_ .
__ 5. I try to run fast. e. The alarm goes off.

2
 _
__ 6. Someone enters the f. I get out of breath.
_ building.

5. Match the first part of conditional sentences and their endings.

Then try to finish the sentences in other ways. The first sentence
is given as an example:

g 1. If you heat water to 100 a. the boss will definitely fire

degrees C, you.
__ 2. If the weather is fine, b. take the day off work.
__ 3. If she doesn’t get a good c. she can try again next year.
night’s sleep,
__ 4. It’s easy. If you push this d. all the plants are going to
button, die.
__ 5. If you take another week off e. you’re going to have an
work, accident.
__ 6. Careful! Unless you slow f. she’s always tired in the
down, mornings.
__ 7. Unless it rains soon, g. it boils.
__ 8. She’s clever, and provided h. we can go to the coast
she works hard, tomorrow.
__ 9. If you still feel awful i. she’ll do well.
tomorrow,
__ 10. If she doesn’t pass the exam j. the camera rewinds
this year, automatically.

6. Match the first and second parts of the sentences below. The
first sentence has been done for you:

1. Give Mary my regards a. if you want to stay in the

e first term.
__ 2. If you keep pulling the cat’s b. you’ll make yourself ill.
tail,
__ 3. Of course, you put on weight c. unless you pay back the
loan.
__ 4. Unless the taxi arrives soon, d. it never breaks down.

3
__ 5. You have to train regularly e. if you see her at the
weekend.
__ 6. If you promise to come home f. you’ll pass the exam.
by 11,
__ 7. I’ll pick up the shopping on g. if you send it express.
the way home
__ 8. Provided a car is serviced h. we’re going to be late
regularly, for the party.
__ 9. The next-door neighbours i. if you eat chips all day.
will complain
__ 10. If you go on eating those j. you can have an ice-
chocolates, cream.
__ 11. It should arrive tomorrow k. if I finish work early.
morning
__ 12. If you have to work late l. she’ll scratch you.
tonight,
__ 13. The bank will repossess the m. if you play that music so
car loudly.
__ 14. Behave yourself! If you’re a n. phone to say when
good girl, you’ll be home.
__ 15. If you’ve done the work, o. you can go to the disco.

7. Change the following sentences so that each contains the word

unless:

1. You won’t get in if you don’t have a ticket. …

2. The match will be off if the weather doesn’t clear up. …
3. I won’t get the job if I don’t pass my driving test. …
4. If your English doesn’t improve, you’ll fail the exam! …

8. Complete the sentences with the verbs in parentheses. The first

sentence is an example:

1. I would finish my work much earlier if you (help) helped me.

2. If I (be) … you, I would go there at once.
3. The kids would be disappointed if it (rain) … in the afternoon, too.
4. If you knew the truth, you (not be) … so happy.

4
5. Mother (help) … you if you asked her.
6. We would understand her much better if she (speak) … more
slowly.
7. If you won the first prize, you (get) … a lot of money.
8. What (happen) … if you pressed the button?

9. Comment on these situations. Use conditionals with would or

could. The first sentence is given as an example:

1. Andy is such a boring person because he works all the time.

You know, if Andy didn’t work all the time, he wouldn’t be such a
boring person.
2. You can’t take a photo because you haven’t got your camera.
If I … .
3. You can’t look the word up because you haven’t got a dictionary.
I’m sorry. ... .
4. You don’t write to your friends because you’re busy.
I’ve got so much to do. ... .
5. You can’t play tennis because your back is aching.
It’s a nuisance. ... .
6. Clara won’t marry Tom because she doesn’t love him.
Of course, ... .
7. Matthew can’t find the way because he hasn’t got a map.
Matthew’s lost, but ... .
8. Mike has so many accidents because he’s so clumsy.
You know, ... .

10. Fill in the blanks with suitable verbs:

Don’t you think people use the word IF too much? They are always
saying things like: IF we (1) ... more money, IF we (2) ... in a bigger
house, IF we (3) ... a better job, IF we (4) ... afford to go to Florida on
holiday, IF only we (5) ... a car like the people next door, IF schools
(6) ... better, IF there (7) ... no waiting lists for hospitals, IF, IF, IF! If
people (8) … dream, we (9) … need the word IF!

5
 11. Match the first and second parts of the sentences below. The
first sentence has been done for you:

A.
c 1. Late again! If you didn’t stay a. her English would really
up so late, improve.
__ 2. If you were really ill, b. we could buy the house of
our dreams.
__ 3. If my English was absolutely c. you’d be able to get up in
perfect, the mornings.
__ 4. If his hair wasn’t so long, d. there wouldn’t be so many
accidents.
__ 5. If people didn’t drive so fast e. we could sit outside in the
on this road, garden.
__ 6. If I had my address book with f. I could get a job as an
me, interpreter.
__ 7. If we won the lottery, g. I’d be able to phone her.
__ 8. If Diana stayed in Britain for a h. I’d love to do more cooking.
year,
__ 9. If the weather wasn’t so awful, i. he’d look much smarter.
__ 10. If I had the time, j. I’d be more sympathetic.
B.
__ 1. If we had some better players, a. I wouldn’t have a problem
buying shoes.
__ 2. I could give you a lift home b. if you didn’t drive so fast.
__ 3. If Bob did a little more c. she might get a good pass.
practice,
__ 4. I wouldn’t feel so nervous d. if my car wasn’t at the
garage.
__ 5. If we spoke perfect English, e. we’d have a chance of
winning the cup.
__ 6. You would feel much f. if you helped more around
healthier the house.
__ 7. If my feet weren’t so big, g. I’d try windsurfing.
__ 8. You’d make friends h. if you took a little more
exercise.
__ 9. If I were you, i. we wouldn’t have to do
6
 these exercises.
__ 10. I’d really appreciate it j. if we were a little more
sociable.
__ 11. He could look much smarter k. if you didn’t talk about
computers all the time.
__ 12. If Mary did the necessary l. he’d be an excellent
work, guitarist.
__ 13. She wouldn’t think you were m. if I had more free time.
boring
__ 14. If I had the confidence, n. I’d be very careful what
you say to him.
__ 15. I’d decorate the kitchen o. if he took more interest in
clothes.
12. Underline the correct verb form in each pair:
1. If Mary opens/will open a boutique in the High Street, she’ll
make lots of money.
2. If the economy doesn’t improve, lots of businesses will
close/would close down.
3. If you were sensible, you will put/would put the money in the
bank.
4. This burglar alarm is so sensitive; it goes off if a mouse
runs/will run across the floor.
5. Jim may go to prison unless he pays/will pay his taxes.
6. The company was/would be more successful if it spent more
money on advertising.
7. If the employees are/were happy, they work harder.
8. We might sell our business if it makes/would make another loss
this year.
9. If you were/would be in Mike’s position, what would you do?
10. If you don’t spend/didn’t spend so much money on clothes, you
could buy a car.
13. Complete the conversation. Put in the correct form. You may
need to use will or would. The first one has been done as an
example:
David: I haven’t forgotten your birthday, you know. If you like, (1)

7
I’ll book (I/book) a table for Saturday at our favourite restaurant.
Emily: My birthday is on Friday, David. You’re playing basketball
then, aren’t you? If you cared for me, (2) ... (you/not/play) basketball
on my birthday.
David: What’s the difference? If (3) ... (we/go) out on Saturday, it’ll
be just the same. If (4) ... (I/not/play), I’d be letting the team down.
Emily: Yes, I suppose (5) ... (it/be) a disaster if you missed one game.
Well, if (6) ... (you/think) more of your friends than you do of me,
you can forget the whole thing.
David: I just don’t understand you sometimes, Emily.
Emily: If (7) ... (you/think) about it, you’d understand. And I think (8)
... (it/be) better if we forgot all about my birthday.
David: Don’t be silly, Emily. If you get into one of your bad moods,
(9) ... (it/not/do) any good.
Emily: If you were interested in my feelings, (10) ... (I/not/get) into a
bad mood.

14. What does the if-clause mean? Write a sentence with isn’t or
might. The first two sentences are solved:

1. If the room was tidy, I could find things.

The room isn’t tidy.
2. If we’re late tonight, we can get a taxi.
We might be late tonight.
3. If the phone was working, I could call you. …
4. If it rains, can you bring the washing in? …
5. If Nick was here, he’d know what to do. …
6. If this spoon was silver, it would be worth a lot. …
7. If Julia calls, can you say I’ll ring back? …

15. Complete this paragraph, adapted from a novel, with one

suitable word in each blank.

I looked at the pie sitting right there in front of me. (1) … I throw this
pie at him, I thought to myself, he (2) … never love me. And then it
hit me: he doesn't love me. It hit me with a shimmering clarity: that
was all there was to it. It (3) … matter (4) … he was crazy. It didn't
matter if I (5)… innocent or guilty. Nothing mattered except that he

8
didn't love me. If
I (6) … this pie at him, he will never love me. But he doesn't love me
anyway. So I can throw the pie (7) … I want to. I picked up the pie,
thanked God for the linoleum floor, and threw it.

*16. In this extract from his book 'I Can't Accept Not Trying',
basketball star Michael Jordan explains his approach to any task
as a process of concentrating on taking one step at a time. Put
these
if-clauses back where Michael Jordan put them.

if not if you've done your best

if it's complete if you tried as hard as you could
if that's your goal if the only measure of success was becoming a doctor

I think I could have applied that approach to anything I might have

chosen to do. It's no different from the person whose ultimate goal is
to become a doctor. (1) … and you're getting Cs in biology then the
first thing you have to do is get Bs in biology and then As. You have
to perfect the first step and then move on to chemistry or physics.
Take those small steps. Otherwise, you're opening yourself up to all
kinds of frustration. Where would your confidence come from (2) …?
(3) … and didn't become a doctor, would that mean your whole life
was a failure? Of course not. All those steps are like pieces of a
puzzle. They all come together to form a picture. (4) …, then you've
reached your goal. (5) …, don't get down on yourself. (6) …, then you
will have had some accomplishments along the way.

*17. Complete this text with the following clauses:

if he loses if he doesn't really fight

if he wins if that is the result
if anyone asked me unless he's an idiot
if he does that if that happens to him

When boxing, men and women don't make a good combination. (1)
…,
I would say that there are three reasons why a man should never get
9
into a boxing match with a woman. The first is that, (2) …, people
will say that he beat up a woman. (3) …, he must be a bully. The
second is that, (4) …, they will say he was beaten up by a woman. (5)
…, he must be very weak. The only other possible outcome is a draw.
(6) …, they will say that he must have been only pretending to fight
and not really using his physical strength. (7) …, he must be a cheat
and someone who cannot be trusted. Given these three good reasons,
a man, (8) …, must realize that he should never get into a boxing
match with a woman. A woman already knows that boxing is a stupid,
primitive activity. She doesn't need other reasons.

18. Complete the sentences with the verbs in parentheses. The

first sentence is an example:

1. The man would have died if the doctor (not arrive) hadn’t arrived
in time.
2. If father had been at home, he (answer) … the phone.
3. The tourists wouldn’t have got lost if they (take) … a map.
4. Your brother would have won the race if his horse (not lose) … one
of his shoes.
5. If you had come to the party, you (have) … a very good time.
6. Ann wouldn’t have married that man if she (not love) … him so
much.
7. They (not be) … angry with her if they had known the truth.
8. If John (be) … attentive, he wouldn’t have asked that question.

19. Complete these sentences with the verbs in parentheses in the

correct form using type 3 conditionals. The first sentence is given
as an example:

1. If I (invest) had invested my money in that company, I (make)

would have made a huge profit.
2. If I (listen) … to my father’s advice, I (deposit) … that money in
my bank account last week.
3. If my brother (not sell) … those shares last month, he (lose) … so
much money.
4. Ken (not set up) … his own business if he (listen) … to his friends.
5. If Jenny (not meet) … David in Berlin, she (not open) … a restaurant
there.
10
 6. Paul (give) … you some valuable financial advice if you (ask) ….
him.
7. Benjamin (not be able) … to buy all the equipment he needed if he
(not borrow) … some money from his brother.
8. I (buy) … that car if you (tell) … me what a bargain it was.

20. Complete the conversation. Put in the correct form of the

verb. Use the past perfect or would have + past participle. The first
one is given as an example:

Bob: United didn’t play very well today.

Tim: We were awful. But if Jordan (1) hadn’t taken (take) that easy
chance, (2) … (we/win).
Bob: We didn’t deserve to win. It (3) ... (be) pretty unfair if Rangers
(4) ... (lose).
Tim: Jordan was dreadful. My grandmother (5) ... (score) if (6) ...
(she/be) in that position.
Bob: And if Berry (7) ... (not/be) asleep, he (8) ... (not/give) a goal
away.
Tim: If Johnson (9) ... (not/be) injured when we needed him most,
(10) ... (it/be) different.
Bob: Yes, (11) ... (we/beat) them if (12) ... (he/be) fit.

21. Match the first and second parts of the sentences below. The
first one has been done for you:

A.
c 1. If Judy hadn’t stayed out in a. we’ would never have met
the sun so long, each other.
__ 2. If my parents had had more b. they wouldn’t have stayed
money, together so long.
__ 3. If they had got married, c. she wouldn’t have got sunburnt.
__ 4. If we hadn’t gone to Al’s d. you would have enjoyed
party, yourself.
__ 5. If we’d arrived just a few e. he wouldn’t have got into
minutes earlier, trouble.
__ 6. Stupid man! If he’d followed f. I’m sure he would have
our advice, regretted it.
11
__ 7. If I hadn’t spent every night at g. they could have sent me to a
the disco, better school.
__ 8. He’s happy now, but if he’d h. we might have caught the
accepted the job, train.
__ 9. If you had remembered to i. I might have done better in my
bring the road map, exams.
__ 10. It was a nice party. If you’d j. we wouldn’t have got lost.
gone,

B.
__ 1. If Bob had been wearing a a. I’d have been in real trouble.
crash helmet,
__ 2. Betty might have passed her b. if you hadn’t eaten those
exam interview shellfish.
__ 3. If the weather had been better c. he wouldn’t have been killed.
last weekend,
__ 4. I could have met you at the d. if you hadn’t taken out
airport raincoats.
__ 5. If I’d known this hotel was so e. we might have gone to the
awful, seaside.
__ 6. We would have arrived at the f. if I’d known how much petrol
party by now it uses.
__ 7. If you’d remembered to lock g. we wouldn’t be looking for a
the car door, room now!
__ 8. She might have accepted our h. if you hadn’t spent so long in
offer the bath.
__ 9. If the boss had discovered I’d i. I’d never have booked the
taken the day off, holiday.
__ 10. You wouldn’t have got food j. if I’d known you were
poisoning arriving today.
__ 11. I would never have bought this k. if you hadn’t been so
car impatient.
__ 12. If you had listened to me in the l. it wouldn’t have been stolen.
first place,
__ 13. I wouldn’t have gone to Ben’s m. if she’d done more speaking
party practice.

12
__ 14. We would have got soaked n. if you’d paid me.
__ 15. If you had booked in advance, o. we wouldn’t be in this mess
now.

22. Comment on each situation using type 3 conditional with if. Use
would have, could have or might have + past participle. The first
sentence has been given as an example:

1. Emily often goes to concerts at the town hall, although not to every
one. There was one on Saturday, but she didn’t know about it.
Rita might have gone to the concert if she had known about it.
2. In a bookshop yesterday Tom saw a book he really wanted. The
only problem was that he didn’t have any money. ...
3. On Sunday the guests had to have their lunch inside. Unfortunately
it wasn’t warm enough to have it outside. ...
4. There was a bomb scare last Tuesday. Ann wanted to fly to Rome,
but she wasn’t able to. The airport was closed. ...
5. Mary has only met John once, and it’s possible she wouldn’t
recognize him. He passed her yesterday, but he had a crash-helmet on.
...
6. Sophie has been quite busy, and she hasn’t watered her plants for
some time. As a result, they’ve died. ...
7. Tom likes ice hockey, but he didn’t have a ticket to the game last
week, so unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get in. ...

23. Match the first and second parts of the sentences below. The
first one is an example:

A.
f 1. If I hadn’t stopped to help her a. we’d better get a move
change a tire, on!
_ 2. If you haven’t asked her out yet, b. why don’t you fax them?
_
_ 3. If you’re going to catch that c. we’d better get a couple
_ train, of bottles of wine.
_ 4. If you were thinking of applying d. you never will.
_ for that job in accounts,
_ 5. If you won’t tell me what’s e. it must be three in the
13
_ wrong, afternoon there.
_ 6. If we’re having them over for f. we’d never have met in
_ dinner, the first place.
_ 7. If you knew you couldn’t come g. how do you expect me to
_ on the 13th, help you?
_ 8. If you’re having no luck getting h. try to do it quietly!
_ through on the phone,
_ 9. If it’s eight o’clock in the i. why didn’t you say?
_ morning here,
_ 10. If you must practise the trumpet j. don’t bother – it’s gone.
_ in your room,

B.
1. If we’d caught the earlier plane, a. she’d be living in the
South of France now.
_ 2. You wouldn’t be feeling sick b. if you get a taxi to the
_ airport.
_ 3. If I’d known you were in town, c. we’d be in New York by
_ now.
_ 4. I’d offer to help d. if you hadn’t eaten so
_ much ice cream.
_ 5. If you had your keys when you e. how do you expect to
_ left, succeed?
_ 6. It might be quicker f. if you’ve only got a fiver
_ to spend?
_ 7. If you won’t make an effort, g. you’d better pack some
_ more clothes.
_ 8. Don’t ring h. if it’s going to rain again.
_
_ 9.
If you’re staying in Rome an i. you’d be mad to spend so
_ extra week, much money on a car!
_ 10. Everything should be fine j. unless it’s urgent.
_
_ 11. If you ask me, k. we could have gone out
_ for a meal.
_ 12. I’d better take an umbrella l. providing we don’t panic.
_
_ 13. If you knew she was vegetarian, m. then where could you

14
_ have lost them?
_ 14. Why did you order the caviar n. if I thought it would do
_ any good.
_ 15. If Pamela had married Pierre, o. why did you give her
_ roast chicken?

*24. Use mixed conditionals in the following sentences. The first

sentence has been given as an example:

1. If I am as clever as you say I am, I would have been rich by now.

2. I ... (marry) now if I had had the courage to propose to her.
3. If you ... (know) me better, you wouldn’t have said that.
4. If I had had your advantages, I ... (be) better off now.
5. If you were more intelligent, you ... (think) about that before.
6. If I ... (be) you, I would have checked my facts before I wrote that
letter.
7. If you ... (be) so hungry, you ... (not miss) breakfast.
8. If she (not catch) the 6.30 train, she ... (not arrive) for another two
hours.
9. Tom ... (feel) very tired today if he ... (play) football yesterday.
10. If the snake bite ... (be) poisonous, you ... (feel) very ill now.
11. If I ... (be) in your position, I ... (answer) his letter by now.

*25. Complete the conversations. Put in the correct form of the

verb. Use the past simple, the past perfect, would, or would have +
past participle. The first one has been done for you:

John: You look tired.

Ann: Well, if you (1) hadn’t woken (you/not/wake) me up in the
middle of the night, I (2) would be (I/not be) so tired.
Emma: Is Bill a practical person?
Kate: Bill? No, he isn’t. If (3) … (he/be) practical, (4) … (he/put)
those shelves up a bit quicker. It took him ages.
Dave: Why are you sitting in the dark?
Paul: Let’s just say that if (5) … (I/pay) my electricity bill last month,
(6)… (I/not be) in the dark now.
Luke: Why are you so angry with me? All I did yesterday was play

15
basketball.
Lauren: If (7) … (you/love) me, (8) … (you/not/leave) me here all
alone on my birthday.

*26. Complete these sentences with suitable conditional forms. The

first sentence is an example:

1. Donna is going to make us a big dinner tonight, and that is why I

didn't suggest that we go to that nice Italian restaurant.
But, if Donna weren't making us a big dinner tonight, I would have
suggested that we go to that nice Italian restaurant.
2. I didn't win the lottery in the past and I am not rich now.
But, if I … the lottery, I … rich.
3. I didn't take French in high school and I don't have many job
opportunities.
But, if I … French in high school, I … more job opportunities.
4. She wasn't born in the United States and she does need a visa now
to work here.
But, if she … in the United States, she … a visa to work here.
5. She didn't sign up for the ski trip last week and she isn't going to
join us tomorrow.
But, if she … for the ski trip last week, she … us tomorrow.
6. Mark didn't get the job and he is not going to move to Shanghai.
But, if Mark … the job instead of Joe, he … to Shanghai.
7. Darren wasted his Christmas bonus gambling in Las Vegas and he
won't go to Mexico with us next month.
But, if Darren … his Christmas bonus gambling in Las Vegas, he
… to Mexico with us next month.
8. Sam doesn't speak Russian and that is why he didn't translate the
letter.
But, if Sam … Russian, he … the letter for you.
9. I have to work a lot and that is why I didn't go to the party last
night.
But, if I … to work so much, I … to the party last night.
10. I have a lot of vacation time and I will go on the trip next week.
But, if I … so much vacation time, I … with you on the trip next
week.

16
11. Cindy is not creative and the company won't send her to New
York to work on the new campaign.
But, if Cindy … more creative, the company … her to New York to
work on the new advertising campaign.
12. Dan is nice and he is going to tutor you tonight.
But, if Dan … so nice, he … you in math tonight.
13. I am going to go on a business trip next week, and that is why I
didn't accept that new assignment at work.
But, if I … on my business trip next week, I … that new assignment
at work.
14. My parents are going to come this weekend, and that is why I
didn't plan any trip.
But, if my parents … this weekend, I … a nice trip just for the two
of us.

*27. Change the statements into conditional sentences. The first

one has been given as an example:

1. I’m hungry now because I didn’t eat dinner.

But if I’d eaten dinner, I wouldn’t be hungry now.
2. The room is full of flies because you left the door open. But if … .
3. You are tired this morning because you didn’t go to bed at a
reasonable hour last night. But if … .
4. I didn’t finish my report yesterday, so I can’t begin a new project
today. But if … .
5. Ann is sick because she didn’t follow the doctor’s orders. But if
….
6. I’m not you, so I didn’t tell him the truth. But if … .
7. I don’t know anything about plumbing, so I didn’t fix the leak in
the sink myself. But if … .
8. I received a good job offer from the oil company, so I won’t
seriously consider taking the job with the electronics firm. But if … .
*28. Write mixed conditional sentences beginning with If, using
the information given. The first one is an example:

1. Jenny went to Peru on holiday. She owns a language school in

Lima today.
17
 If Jenny hadn’t gone to Peru on holiday, she wouldn’t own a
language school in Lima today.
2. I did not go into business with my best friend. I am not rich and
successful today. If ... .
3. Bob was willing to take risks when he was younger. He is a famous
rock star today. If ... .
4. My sister did not take the advice of her teachers. She has
apartments in London and Paris today. If ... .
5. John is a really good journalist. He won the Journalist of the Year
Award recently. If ... .
6. He is an extremely hard worker. He was able to run three
restaurants at the same time. If ... .

29. Choose between unless/provided/providing/as long as/supposing.

The first one is an example:

1. We’ll go for a walk tomorrow unless/providing it rains. (unless …

is correct)
2. You can park your car here unless/providing you take it early in the
morning.
3. Doris will not get good marks unless/as long as she learns all the
lessons.
4. They will not understand the film unless/as long as they read the
whole book, too.
5. You will not finish your work in time unless/provided she helps
you.
6. These people will come to your party unless/provided you invite
them.
7. What would you do providing/supposing she does not arrive in
time?
8. I will repeat the question unless/suppose she doesn’t understand it.

30. We can mark a condition without using an if-clause. Put the

conditional expressions from these sentences into one of the three
categories below:

A. Simple condition ('if this is the case'): 1. Assuming, … .

B. Exclusive condition ('only if this is the case'): … .
C. Exceptional condition ('if this is not the case'): … .
18
1. Assuming the information is correct, we have to reconsider our
plans.
2. Given clear weather and good winds, the flight may arrive early.
3. Providing (that)/provided (that) everyone is available, the next
meeting will be on Monday.
4. Start slowly; otherwise, you won't be able to make it to the end.
5. Suppose your computer crashes, how will you get your files out of
it?
6. Supposing you won the lottery, what would you do?
7. You can keep playing your music as long as/so long as no one
complains.
8. What if I sent the file by email – could you look at it before
tomorrow's meeting?
9. With a little help, we could make this school a much better place.
10. Without your advice, I wouldn't have known how to do it.

31. A. In 1-8, underline the alternative expression to if and

complete the sentences, using the correct form of each of these
verbs once. The exercise begins with an example:

take miss love crash be

stay rescue need own

Example: Providing that the children stay in the shallow water,

they’ll be safe.

1. Should you … any help, you can call us at this phone number.
2. Given the opportunity, I … to travel around the world.
3. I’ll go shopping with you, provided there … too many people in
town.
4. Supposing you … a very rich football club, which players would you
buy?
5. We’ll have to hurry; otherwise we … the six o’clock train.
6. Without the assistance of the lifeboat, they … the crew from the
sinking ship.
7. I won’t get bored while I’m at the hotel as long as I … a good book
with me.
19
8. But for his warning, we … into a lorry that was parked at the side
of the road.

B. Rephrase the sentences in 1-8 using if.

Example: If the children stay in the shallow water, they’ll be safe.

32. Complete the sentences with the conjunctions in the list. There
may be more than one possibility, but use each conjunction once
only: unless, as long as, even if, provided that, if:

1. I think I’ll be able to stay in business, ... the bank lends me the
money
I need.
2. You can ask your boss for a rise, but you won’t get one. ... you beg
him, he won’t give you one!
3. We’ll make a nice profit this year ... people continue to buy our
books.
4. Jenny’s clever, but ... she works a lot harder she won’t pass her
exams.
5. Bob will pass his driving test easily ... he keeps a cool head.

*33. For each of the sentences below, write a new sentence as

similar as possible in meaning to the original sentence, but using
the words given. These words must not be altered in any way:

Example: It would be nice to go to the beach tomorrow.

suppose Suppose we went to the beach tomorrow? It
would be nice.

1. Perhaps Sophie doesn't like her parents-in-law, but she keeps it to

herself.
even if … .
2. After her husband's death, Mrs Jenkins sold the house to her son
but insisted that he lived in it himself.
on the condition that … .
3. If you don't request next-day delivery, we will send the goods by
normal first-class post.

20
 unless … .
4. Use a power breaker when you mow the lawn as you might cut the
electric lead.
in case … .
5. The library computer can tell you about the books you have out on
loan, if any.
whether or not … .
6. I can't imagine the consequences if the police found out!
what if … .
7. We will only achieve the deadline if you provide all the resources
we have requested.
not … unless … .
8. You will be awarded marks for trying to answer all the questions;
not all the answers have to be correct.
whether … or not … .
9. You're welcome to bring Lucinda, but I don't want her to moan
about her work all day.
as long as … .
10. If you hadn't been so stupid in the TV studio, our team would
have won the quiz!
but for … .

*34. Rewrite each sentence using the words given:

1. We'll have to leave without your friend if she doesn't come soon.
Unless … .
2. We're going to start playing if Andy’s ready or if he's not ready.
Whether … .
3. If you aren't a registered student, they won't let you take books out
of the library.
They'll only … .
4. Our team played really well, but we didn't win the game.
Even though … .
5. It’s a pity the weather was so bad last week. We could have gone
camping.
If it hadn’t … .
6. Why didn’t you tell me about the party? I was free on Saturday
night.
Had … .

21
7. What a shame we didn’t go by air! Think of the saving in time!
If only … .
8. You probably don’t need any help, but you can always call me.
Should … .
9. A successful interview means that you will be offered a job.
Provided … .
Unless … .
10. He can’t be a policeman. I’ve never seen him wearing a uniform.
If … .

*35. Create sentences with the same meaning by omitting if. The
first one has been done for you:

1. If you should need more money, go to the bank before six o’clock.
Should you need more money, go to the bank before six o’clock.
2. If I were you, I wouldn’t do that. … .
3. If they had realized the danger, they would have done it differently.
….
4. If I were your teacher, I would insist you do better job. … .
5. If you should change your mind, please let me know immediately.
….
6. She would have gotten the job if she had been better prepared. … .
7. Your boss sounds like a real tyrant. If I were you, I would look for
another job. … .
8. I’ll be out of the country until July 15. If you should need to reach
me, I’ll be at the Hilton Hotel in Seoul. … .
9. The artists and creative thinkers throughout the history of the world
have changed all our lives. If they had not dared to be different, the
history of civilization would have to be written. … .
10. If there should be a global nuclear war, life on earth as we know it
would end forever. … .

*36. Rewrite the following sentences omitting if. The first one is
an example:

1. If this policeman does not show me the way to the railway station,
I won’t get there in time.
Unless this policeman shows me the way to the railway station, I
22
won’t get there in time.
2. Granny would knit me another sweater if she had more wool. … .
3. What would your father say if he happened to meet you here? … .
4. I would have been drowned if it hadn’t been for that sailor to save
me. … .
5. They agreed to do that only if they got paid in advance. … .
6. He would hear our voices if he were in the house. … .
7. She would have been thunderstruck if she had received such a
message. …
8. You will not learn English well if you don’t go to England. … .
9. If I had known that she was here, I would have come earlier. … .
10. They would be surprised if she were present. … .
11. We would go for a walk if it were not for this storm. … .

*37. Twelve of these conditional sentences contain a mistake, or

may be considered incorrect by most English speakers. Tick ()
the correct sentences, then find and correct the mistakes. (Be
careful! Incorrect punctuation counts as a mistake).

Example: I would have called you if I knew you were at home.

had known

1. It may be possible, if both parties desire it, to reduce the time scale.
…
2. If the bill is passed by both parliamentary houses then it becomes law.
…
3. Shall we start the decorating at the weekend if we had no other plans?
…
4. If you spill even something as innocuous as water on this fabric, it
stains. …
5. When you press the ‘record’ button, the green light comes on. …
6. If the museum will charge for entry, a lot of people won’t be able to
use it. …
7. Are you unhappy with any of our operatives, we will replace them
immediately. …
8. If you’re taking some flowers to Julie, I’ll take some fruit. …
9. If the form has been correctly completed, the transfer will take only
two days. …

23
10. The organizers would respond positively to proposals if they are
submitted by 10th June. …
11. If you were to listen more carefully, you might understand a little
more. …
12. If I was you, I should try to see a consultant as soon as possible.
…
13. If he would have waited a bit longer, we would have given him
the result. …
14. The King of Belgium didn’t attend the royal wedding. If he hadn’t
been there, he would have witnessed a marvellous spectacle. …
15. If the company didn’t want to continue sponsoring us in the
future, they wouldn’t renew our contract last week, would they? …
16. If the authority had built new homes as planned, we would have
fewer homeless people on our streets today. …
17. Shh! I’d be grateful unless you made comments during the
concert. …
18. Always take a basic medicine kit on holiday in case you fall ill. …
19. Even they go down with flu after they’ve had the vaccination, it’s
likely to be less serious. …
20. Those concerned by the long-term effects of global warming
believe that the damage has been done, whether we take remedial
steps now. …

*38. What might you say in these situations? Use a conditional

sentence. The first one is an example:

1. You think Paula should book a seat on the train. The alternative is
having to stand.
If Paula doesn’t book a seat on the train, she’ll have to stand.
2. You didn’t know how unpopular Bill was when you invited him to
your party. … .
3. Warn your friend not to put too many tins into the plastic bag or
it’ll break. … .
4. You haven’t got a pen, so you can’t write down the address. … .
5. You should have started your project earlier. You’re so far behind
now. … .
6. Your friend might need some help. If so, tell her to give you a ring.
….
7. The automatic result of the door opening is the fan coming on. … .

24
*39. John is a music student. He rents a room from Mr Brown.
Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete the
conditional sentences in the dialogue:

Mr Brown: Can’t you stop playing that trumpet? You’re making an

awful noise.
John: Well, if (1) … (I/not practise), I won’t pass my exam.
Mr Brown: But why at night? It’s half past twelve. If (2) …
(you/play) it in the daytime, (3) … (I/not/hear) you because I’d be at
work. If (4) … (you/tell) me about this trumpet when you first came
here, (5) … (I/not/let)
you have the room. I’m afraid it’s becoming a nuisance. If (6) …
(you/not/play) so loud, (7) … (it/not/be) so bad.
John: I’m sorry, but you can’t play a trumpet quietly.
Mr Brown: If (8) … (I/realize) a year ago what you were going to do,
then (9) … (I/throw) you out long ago. If (10) … (you/go) on making
this noise at night, (11) … (I/have) to complain to your college.

*40. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets to complete

the conditional sentences in this text. Use modal verbs if you think
they are appropriate:

No pain, no gain?
It's January 1st. You're on the bathroom scales, groaning. If you (1)
… (eat) that last piece of Christmas pud, perhaps you wouldn't have
put on that extra kilo. Never mind, you can lose it and get fit at the
gym!
Or is that the right thing to do? If you're unfit, you (2)… (stand) a
huge chance of injuring yourself in the gym or on the squash court.
You must take care before launching yourself into a vigorous exercise
routine: if you don't treat your body with respect, it (3) ...
(not/function) as you want it to. The knee, in particular, can cause
untold problems. We (4) … (not/have) problems with our knees if we
still (5) … (walk) on all fours, but they're not up to a vertical
pounding on the treadmill for an hour a day. All of our joints can
cause problems; if you (6) … (want) to play football safely, make sure
you wear the right boots to protect your ankles. Decent coaching (7)
… (be) essential if you're going to take up a racket sport: something

25
as simple as a wrong-size grip can cause tennis elbow. Many sports
injuries are caused by insufficient warm-ups. If everyone spent a few
minutes stretching their muscles before exercising, they (8) ...
(experience) much less pain during exercise itself. But people can be
stubborn about pain when exercising. The phrase 'no pain, no gain' is
rubbish. Should you feel pain when you're exercising, you (9) …
(stop) at once! Sport has so many other hazards, though. Golf, you
would think, is relatively harmless. Not so for Anthony Phua, a
Malaysian golfer who was killed by getting in the way of his partner's
swing. Now, if he hadn't taken up that particular form of exercise in
the first place, it (10) … (happen). What can you do if you (11) …
(not/want) to risk sport, but you still want to lose weight? Well, it's
not all bad news for couch potatoes. If you're happy to lose calories
steadily but slowly, just (12) … (stay) at home: sleeping burns 60
calories an hour, ironing 132 and cooking 190. Just don't eat what you
cook!

*41. Read this article and decide which word or words below best
fits/fit each space. Circle the letter for each question. The exercise
begins with an example (0):

Good news for dog owners!

You often travel abroad for holidays; what (0) ... with your beloved
pet dog? Do you put him in a kennel or leave him with friends? One
thing is certain, you're extremely unlikely to take him you, because if
you (1) ..., he (2) … six months in quarantine when you return. A bit
of a stiff penalty for two weeks' romping in the Dordogne! But this is
set to change soon. From April your will be able to travel with you (3)
... he (4) ... a rabies vaccination and is wearing an identification chip.
Cara Lewis, spokesperson for the Animal Welfare Society, said, 'This
is very good news for all British animal lovers. I know many people
who (5) .... take their dogs on holiday with them if only they (6) ... .
Indeed, I used to travel to northern France regularly and I (7) ... my
dog Wolfie with me every time (8) ... the quarantine regulations.' But
Cara also has words of warning: 'Pet owners should remember that
there are other considerations when taking animals abroad. (9) ... your
animal become disorientated, he (10) ..., so ensure that he is wearing a
collar with your holiday address at all times.' It isn't all good news,

26
 however. If you (11) ... to a country outside Western Europe this year,
you (12) ... your pet with you – it will be some time before regulations
for other destinations are relaxed, if ever.

0. A will you do B would you do © do you do

1. A had done B did C do
2. A will spend B has to spend C would have to spend
3. A providing B unless C in case
4. A had B had had C has had
5. A could B will C would
6. A can B could C should be able to
7. A have taken B will have taken C would have taken
8. A unless B but for C so long as
9. A Should B Did C Had
10. A runs away B should run away C might run away
11. A will travel B are travelling C would travel
12. A don't take B can't have taken C won't be able to take

27