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Friday, December 02, 2011
Thursday, December 01, 2011
First Conditional
First Conditional: real possibility
We are talking about the future. We are thinking about a particular condition or situation in the future, and the result of this condition. There is a real possibility that this condition will happen. For example, it is morning. You are at home. You plan to play tennis this afternoon. But there are some clouds in the sky. Imagine that it rains. What will you do?IF | condition | result |
present simple | WILL + base verb | |
If | it rains | I will stay at home. |
IF | condition | result |
present simple | WILL + base verb | |
If | I see Mary | I will tell her. |
If | Tara is free tomorrow | he will invite her. |
If | they do not pass their exam | their teacher will be sad. |
If | it rains tomorrow | will you stay at home? |
If | it rains tomorrow | what will you do? |
result | IF | condition |
WILL + base verb | present simple | |
I will tell Mary | if | I see her. |
He will invite Tara | if | she is free tomorrow. |
Their teacher will be sad | if | they do not pass their exam. |
Will you stay at home | if | it rains tomorrow? |
What will you do | if | it rains tomorrow? |
Sometimes, we use shall, can, or may instead of will, for example: If you are good today, you can watch TV tonight.
Introduction
The first conditional (also called conditional type 1) is a structure used for talking about possibilities in the present or in the future. This page will explain how the first conditional is formed, and when to use it.1. The structure of a first conditional sentence
A first conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an "if" clause and a main clause:
If the "if" clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the "if" clause comes second, there is no need for a comma:
We use different verb forms in each part of a first conditional:
if clause | main clause |
---|---|
If you study hard, | you will pass the test. |
main clause | if clause |
---|---|
You will pass the test | if you study hard. |
main clause | if clause |
---|---|
You will pass the test | if you study hard. |
2. Using the first conditional
The first conditional is used to talk about things which are possible in the present or the future — things which may happen:
Example | Explanation |
---|---|
If it's sunny, we'll go to the park. | Maybe it will be sunny — that's possible. |
Paula will be sad if Juan leaves. | Maybe Juan will leave — that's possible. |
If you cook the supper, I'll wash the dishes. | Maybe you will cook the supper — that's possible. |
When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.
First Conditional
Expressa situações ou ações possíveis ou prováveis de acontecerem no futuro.
ESTRUTURA VERBAL DA FIRST CONDITIONAL: if + simple present + simple future |
If it doesn't rain, I will go to the beach. (Se não chover, irei para praia.) If I have money, I will buy a car. (Se eu tiver dinheiro, comprarei um carro.) |
(Ele não terá dinheiro para viajar se perder o emprego.)
We will travel to USA if we get a visa. (Viajaremos para os Estados Unidos se conseguirmos o visto.)
If she takes a taxi, she'll get there in time. (Se ela pegar um táxi, chegará lá a tempo.) If it is rainy, I won't go. (Se estiver chuvoso, não irei.) |
If he leaves work early, he will have time to eat before class.
(Se ele sair do trabalho mais cedo, terá tempo de comer antes da aula.)
Will you go if it rains? (Você irá se chover?)
OBSERVAÇÃO: Na oração com if, não há will: If I am late, I'll phone. (NOT If I will be late, ...)
- É possível o uso do imperativo na oração principal para dar instruções, aconselhar ou ainda falar sobre possibilidades no futuro, caso a condição expressa se cumpra. A estrutura é a seguinte:
if + simple present + imperativo ou modal |
Exemplos:
If you want to come with us, put on your sweater. (Se você quer vir com a gente, ponha seu blusão.)
If you like pizza, we could make one this evening. (Se você gosta de pizza, nós poderíamos fazer uma essa noite.)
Call a doctor if you feel sick. (Ligue para um médico se você se sentir mal.)
Na oração com if, pode também ocorrer um modal verb:
If you can't come, please phone. (Se você não puder vir, por favor telefone.)
Second Conditional
Second Conditional: unreal possibility or dream
The second conditional is like the first conditional. We are still thinking about the future. We are thinking about a particular condition in the future, and the result of this condition. But there is not a real possibility that this condition will happen. For example, you do not have a lottery ticket. Is it possible to win? No! No lottery ticket, no win! But maybe you will buy a lottery ticket in the future. So you can think about winning in the future, like a dream. It's not very real, but it's still possible.IF | condition | result |
past simple | WOULD + base verb | |
If | I won the lottery | I would buy a car. |
Here are some more examples:
IF | condition | result |
past simple | WOULD + base verb | |
If | I married Mary | I would be happy. |
If | Ram became rich | she would marry him. |
If | it snowed next July | would you be surprised? |
If | it snowed next July | what would you do? |
result | IF | condition |
WOULD + base verb | past simple | |
I would be happy | if | I married Mary. |
She would marry Ram | if | he became rich. |
Would you be surprised | if | it snowed next July? |
What would you do | if | it snowed next July? |
Sometimes, we use should, could or might instead of would, for example: If I won a million dollars, I could stop working.
Second conditional
The Second Conditional is used to talk about 'impossible' situations.
If we were in London today, we would be able to go to the concert in Hyde Park. If I had millions dollars, I'd give a lot to charity. If there were no hungry people in this world, it would be a much better place. If everyone had clean water to drink, there would be a lot less disease.Note that after I / he/ she /it we often use the subjunctive form 'were' and not 'was'. (Some people think that 'were' is the only 'correct' form but other people think 'was' is equally 'correct' .)
If she were happy in her job, she wouldn't be looking for another one. If I lived in Japan, I'd have sushi every day. If they were to enter our market, we'd have big problems.Note the form 'If I were you' which is often used to give advice.
If I were you, I'd look for a new place to live. If I were you, I'd go back to school and get more qualifications.The Second Conditional is also used to talk about 'unlikely' situations.
If I went to China, I'd visit the Great Wall. If I was the President, I'd reduce taxes. If you were in my position, you'd understand.Note that the choice between the first and the second conditional is often a question of the speaker's attitude rather than of facts. Compare these examples. Otto thinks these things are possible, Peter doesn't.
Otto – If I win the lottery, I'll buy a big house. Peter – If I won the lottery, I'd buy a big house. Otto – If I get promoted, I'll throw a big party. Peter – If I got promoted, I'd throw a big party. Otto – If my team win the Cup, I'll buy champagne for everybody. Peter – If my team won the Cup, I'd buy champagne for everybody.Note that the 'If clause' can contain the past simple or the past continuous.
If I was still working in Brighton, I would commute by train. If she were coming, she would be here by now. If they were thinking of selling, I would want to buy.Note that the main clause can contain 'would' 'could' or 'might.
If I had the chance to do it again, I would do it differently. If we met up for lunch, we could go to that new restaurant. If I spoke to him directly, I might be able to persuade him.Also note that sometimes the 'if clause' is implied rather than spoken.
What would I do without you? ("if you weren't here") Where would I get one at this time of night? ("if I wanted one") He wouldn't agree. ("if I asked him")
1. If I lost my job, | |
a) | we'd both benefit. |
b) | I'd have a lot of problems getting another one. |
c) | you'd be more aware of what people really felt. |
d) | we wouldn't be so behind technologically. |
2. If I were in your position, | |
a) | I'd resign rather than wait to be sacked. |
b) | I'd have a lot of problems getting another one. |
c) | you'd be more aware of what people really felt. |
d) | we wouldn't be so behind technologically. |
3. If I spoke Japanese as well as you do, | |
a) | I'd resign rather than wait to be sacked. |
b) | I'd try to find a job with one of the Japanese banks. |
c) | we'd both benefit. |
d) | we wouldn't be so behind technologically. |
4. If we spent more on Research and Development, | |
a) | I'd resign rather than wait to be sacked. |
b) | I'd have a lot of problems getting another one. |
c) | I'd try to find a job with one of the Japanese banks. |
d) | we wouldn't be so behind technologically. |
5. If you spoke less and listened more, | |
a) | I'd resign rather than wait to be sacked. |
b) | I'd have a lot of problems getting another one. |
c) | I'd try to find a job with one of the Japanese banks. |
d) | you'd be more aware of what people really felt. |
6. If you spent more time on your own problems and a bit less on mine, | |
a) | I'd resign rather than wait to be sacked. |
b) | I'd have a lot of problems getting another one. |
c) | we'd both benefit. |
d) | I'd try to find a job with one of the Japanese banks. |
7. If we controlled our expenses a bit better, | |
a) | I'd resign rather than wait to be sacked. |
b) | I'd have a lot of problems getting another one. |
c) | we'd save a lot of money. |
d) | I'd try to find a job with one of the Japanese banks. |
8. If you invested some time into learning how the Internet works, | |
a) | you'd find that it could really help you in your job. |
b) | I'd have a lot of problems getting another one. |
c) | we wouldn't be so behind technologically. |
d) | I'd try to find a job with one of the Japanese banks. |
9. If we opened an office in Tokyo, | |
a) | we wouldn't be so behind technologically. |
b) | you'd be more aware of what people really felt. |
c) | I'd be interested in working there. |
d) | we'd both benefit. |
10. If you didn't take the job, | |
a) | you'd regret it later. |
b) | you'd be more aware of what people really felt. |
c) | we wouldn't be so behind technologically. |
d) | I'd try to find a job with one of the Japanese banks. |
First, Second,
& Third Conditional
This analysis of conditional verb forms was written by Rob De Decker, who teaches English at a Flemish grammar school (equivalent to an American high school) in Schellebelle, Belgium. It is used here with his permission. |
Conditional Clause and Main Clause
If I have enough money, conditional clause | I will go to Japan. main clause |
I will go to Japan, main clause | if I have enough money conditional clause |
First, Second, and Third Conditional
1. First conditional: | If I have enough money, I will go to Japan. |
2. Second conditional: | If I had enough money, I would go to Japan. |
3. Third conditional: | If I had had enough money, I would have gone to Japan. |
Conditional clause | Main clause |
1. If + Present Tense | will + inf / present tense / imperative |
| |
2. If + Past Tense | would + inf |
3. If + Past Perfect Tense | would have + past participle |
We do not normally use will or would in the conditional clause, only in the main clause. |
Uses of the Conditional
- First conditional
- Nature: Open condition, what is said in the condition is possible.
- Time: This condition refers either to present or to future time.
e.g. If he is late, we will have to go without him.
If my mother knows about this, we are in serious trouble.
- Second conditional
- Nature: unreal (impossible) or improbable situations.
- Time: present; the TENSE is past, but we are talking about the present, now.
e.g. If I knew her name, I would tell you.
If I were you, I would tell my father.
Compare: If I become president, I will change the social security system. (Said by a presidential candidate)
If I became president, I would change the social security system. (Said by a schoolboy: improbable)
If we win this match, we are qualified for the semifinals.
If I won a million pounds, I would stop teaching. (improbable)
- Third conditional
- Nature: unreal
- Time: Past (so we are talking about a situation that was not so in the past.)
e.g. If you had warned me, I would not have told your father about that party.(But you didn't, and I have).
Remember!
e.g. If you will come this way, the manager will see you now.
I would be grateful if you would give me a little help.
(= ± please, come this way; please, give me...)
If I were a rich man...
If I have some spare time next weekend....or :
If I have any spare time...
e.g. I'll be back tomorrow unless there is a plane strike.
He'll accept the job unless the salary is too low.
If + Past Perfect - would + inf.
If you had warned me [then], I would not be in prison [now].
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Third Conditional: no possibility
Third Conditional: no possibility
The first conditional and second conditionals talk about the future. With the third conditional we talk about the past. We talk about a condition in the past that did not happen. That is why there is no possibility for this condition. The third conditional is also like a dream, but with no possibility of the dream coming true.Last week you bought a lottery ticket. But you did not win. :-(
condition | result | |
Past Perfect | WOULD HAVE + Past Participle | |
If | I had won the lottery | I would have bought a car. |
Sometimes, we use should have, could have, might have instead of would have, for example: If you had bought a lottery ticket, you might have won.
Look at some more examples in the tables below:IF | condition | result |
past perfect | WOULD HAVE + past participle | |
If | I had seen Mary | I would have told her. |
If | Tara had been free yesterday | I would have invited her. |
If | they had not passed their exam | their teacher would have been sad. |
If | it had rained yesterday | would you have stayed at home? |
If | it had rained yesterday | what would you have done? |
result | IF | condition |
WOULD HAVE + past participle | past perfect | |
I would have told Mary | if | I had seen her. |
I would have invited Tara | if | she had been free yesterday. |
Their teacher would have been sad | if | they had not passed their exam. |
Would you have stayed at home | if | it had rained yesterday? |
What would you have done | if | it had rained yesterday? |
The third conditional (also called conditional type 3) is a structure used for talking about unreal situations in the past. This page will explain how the third conditional is formed, and when to use it.
The structure of a third conditional sentence
Like the other conditionals, a third conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an "if" clause and a main clause:Note also that third conditional forms can be contracted:
Using the third conditional
The third conditional is used to talk about things which DID NOT HAPPEN in the past. If your native language does not have a similar construction, you may find this a little strange, but it can be very useful. It is often used to express criticism or regret:PATTERN:
3rd Conditionals are used for hypothetical events that did not happen
The third conditional talk about the past. We talk about a condition in the past that did not happen. That is why there is no possibility for this condition. The third conditional is also like a dream, but with no possibility of the dream coming true.
a. If + past perfect + would have + past participle = for unreal past situations
Example: If I had known you were here, I would have brought your files.
b. If + past perfect + could / might have + past participle
Example: If there had been another train to Tokyo, Aira might have arrived on time to the meeting.
Execise A: Which is the implied meaning of each clause. Write T (true) or F (false). First is
already done.
1. If you had done your homework, you would have known the answer.Execise B: Put the verbs in the right tense.
__F__ a. You have done your homework.
__T__ b. You didn't know the answer.
2. We wouldn't have missed the bus if it had been a few minutes left.
_____ a. We missed the bus.
_____ b. The bus was a few minutes late.
3. If I hadn't save enough money, I wouldn't have been able to go to the U.S.
_____ a. I didn't save enough money.
_____ b. I wasn't able to go to the U.S.
1. My friend didn't go with us. If she _____ (go) with us, she _____ (take) lots of pictures.
2. I didn't like Mike. If he _____ (be) nicer, I _____ (like) him.
3. My partner spends all the money she earns. If she _____ (save) some money, she _____
(go) to Canada.
4. I _____(not ask) you to join us If _____ (know) about the accident.
5. Why didn't you tell me? If you _____ (tell) me, I_____ (lend) you my camera.
6. Mary was afraid of dogs. If she _____ (not be) afraid of dogs, she _____ (come) with us.
Execise C: Change the sentences into 3rd Conditional.
Example:
I didn't know you were coming, I didn't wait.
If I had known you were coming, I would have waited.
1. I wanted you to keep me company. I asked.
2. I didn't learn Spanish. I didn't want to go to the Spain institute.
3. I didn't have a better grade. I didn't work hard.
4. I bought some expensive clothes. I am out of money.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
PAST SIMPLE: #REGULAR AND #IRREGULAR
ATUALIZANDO... UPDATING...
- FORMA AFIRMATIVA:
O Simple Past descreve uma ação que já ocorreu e que não ocorre mais. A ação teve início e fim no passado. No Simple Past o verbo não é flexionado em nenhuma pessoa, repetindo-se em todas elas.
Verbos Regulares - Regular Verbs
Primeiramente iremos estudar o Simple Past dos verbos regulares que, de um modo geral, é formado acrescentando -d ou -ed ao infinitivo dos verbos. Observe a tabela abaixo:
- FORMA AFIRMATIVA:
I | workedyesterday |
You | worked yesterday |
He | worked yesterday |
She | worked yesterday |
It | worked yesterday |
We | worked yesterday |
You | worked yesterday |
They | workedyesterday |
- PARTICULARIDADES DA ORTOGRAFIA DO SIMPLE PAST:
1. Os verbos terminados em e recebem apenas a letra -d ao infinitivo do verbo. Veja alguns exemplos abaixo:
hope - hoped
change - changed
like - liked
behave - behaved
lie - lied
live - lived
love - loved
arrive - arrived
invite - invited
snore - snored
2. Se o verbo tiver uma única sílaba ou terminar em sílaba tônica formada por consoante/vogal/consoante, dobra-se a última consoante e acrescenta-se -ed:
stop - stopped
permit - permitted
occur - occurred
rob - robbed
admit - admitted
prefer - preferred
omit - omitted
control - controlled
drop - dropped
plan - planned
shop - shopped
OBSERVAÇÃO: No Inglês Britânico, se o verbo termina com a letra "L", dobra-se essa consoante mesmo que a última sílaba não seja tônica. travel - travelled rival - rivalled |
3. Os verbos terminados em y precedido de consoante trocam o y por -ied:
study - studied
carry - carried
worry - worried
try - tried
hurry - hurried
cry - cried
OBSERVAÇÃO: Quando o y for precedido de vogal, não há mudança ortográfica, bastando apenas acrescentar -ed ao verbo: pray - prayed enjoy - enjoyed obey - obeyed play - played |
4. Os verbos terminados em consoante/vogal/consoante cuja sílaba tônica não é a última não dobram a consoante, apenas recebem -ed:
listen - listened
develop - developed
open - opened
fasten - fastened
suffer - suffered
visit - visited
wonder - wondered
offer - offered
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
35 Troublesome Irregular Verbs
35 Troublesome Irregular Verbs
by Mark Nichol
In English, many verbs adapt simply to the past tense with the attachment of either -d or -ed, as in walk/walked or brake/braked. These are called regular verbs.
Many other verbs, however, undergo more significant alterations to transform from references to present-tense actions to those representing actions performed in the past. Such words are called irregular verbs.
The simple past, the tense form that describes what has previously occurred, is fairly straightforward once one assimilates the forms for each irregular verb. But complications set in when the past participle — a verb assisted by an auxiliary verb, or a past-tense form of the verb to be — is employed.
Some past-participle forms are easily distinguished from their simple-past counterparts, as in the case of ate/eaten, for example, or saw/seen (“I ate already”/“I had eaten already”; “We saw the movie”/“We had seen the movie”). Others, however, often literally give writers pause. Many of them are presented below in sample sentences with simple-past usage for comparison:
1.“A problem arose.”
“A problem had arisen.”
2.
“They beat the odds.”
“They had beaten the odds.”
3.
“She bore it well.”
“She had borne it well.”
4.
“He broke the record.”
“He had broken the record.”
5.
“My friend drank three beers already.”
“My friend had drunk three beers already.”
6.
“You forsook us.”
“You had forsaken us.”
7.
“The boy hid the ball.”
“The boy had hidden the ball.”
8.
“I lay on the floor for a moment.”
“I had lain on the floor for a moment.”
9.
“We rode far.”
“We had ridden far.”
10.
“The phone rang.”
“The phone had rung.”
11.
“She rose to the occasion.”
“She had risen to the occasion.”
12.
“She sang.”
“She had sung.”
13.
“He shook it loose.”
“He had shaken it loose.”
14.
“The shirt shrank when I dried it.”
“The shirt had shrunk when I dried it.”
15.
“We strode along merrily the entire way.”
“We had stridden along merrily the entire way.”
16.
“The team strove to come back from behind.”
“The team had striven to come back from behind.”
17.
“I swore that I had not taken it.”
“I had sworn that I had not taken it.”
18.
“They swam to the other end and back.”
“They had swum to the other end and back.”
19.
“He took her back home.”
“He had taken her back home.”
20.
“My sister tore the paper up.”
“My sister had torn the paper up.”
Hanged and Hung
The past-participle form of hang is a special case. When referring to an object, hung is employed for both simple past and past participle:
21.
“They hung the stockings with great care.”
“They had hung the stockings with great care.”
In reference to execution by hanging, however, hanged is often (but not always) used in both forms:
“The horse thief was summarily hanged.”
“The horse thief had been summarily hanged.”
Hung in the latter sense is more likely to appear in a more casual context, as in a jocular usage or when referring to hanging in effigy:
“I’ll be hung by my feet over an open fire if I don’t finish this in time.”
Choices
Many other verbs offer writers alternative forms for past tense, past-participle tense, or both:
22.
“I awaked (or awoke or awakened) to a deafening hum.”
“I had awoken (or awaked or awakened) to a deafening hum.”
23.
“She forgot to call back.”
“She had forgotten (or forgot) to call back.”
24.
“The swimmer quickly dove (or dived) into the pool.”
“The swimmer had quickly dived into the pool.”
25.
“I got nothing in return.”
“I had gotten (or got) nothing in return.”
26.
“She lighted (or lit) another cigarette.”
“She had lit (or lighted) another cigarette.”
27.
“He proved that I was right.”
“He had proven (or proved) me right.”
28.
“The boat sank.”
“The boat had sunk (or sank).”
29.
“She showed him the door.”
“She had shown (or showed) him the door.”
30.
“The medallion shined (or shone) in the sunlight.”
“The medallion had shone (or shined) in the sunlight.”
31.
“I sneaked (or snuck) out last night.”
“I had snuck (or sneaked) out last night.”
32.
“The tiger sprang (or sprung) noiselessly.”
“The tiger had sprung noiselessly.”
33.
“The car’s interior stank (or stunk) of stale fast food.”
“The car’s interior had stunk of stale fast food.”
34.
“My dog waked (or woke) me up.”
“My dog had woken (or waked) me up.”
35.
“My aunt weaved (or wove) the scarf.”
“My aunt had woven (or weaved) the scarf.”