Extension Exercises

Index | Chapter 18 - Conditional sentences | Possible Answers

Exploring English

Responses to these questions will vary according to the data you choose. It is likely that a high proportion of the sentences you record will include variants on the basic four conditional types, and that you find plenty of examples of conditional clauses occurring without corresponding if clauses. Certain 'variants' (for example mixed Type 1 and Type 2 conditionals) are more likely in spoken and informal contexts, while other variants (for example, had + subject + past participle; were + subject + infinitive) are more common in written and more formal contexts.

Course materials

At elementary and intermediate levels, materials tend to teach each of the four basic types as independent entities. Variants are often introduced, if at all, together and at higher levels.

Some materials introduce the past tense to refer to an 'unreal present' after wish (for example, I wish I were more intelligent) together with its use after if. The Type 2 conditional is usually introduced idiomatically at a low level in expressions with like (for example, I'd like a coffee, please).

Most books devote quite a lot of space to mechanical exercises in which learners can practise using the correct forms. These exercises are often primarily written.