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Likelihood Based on Conditions 2


Textual Material
1. Third Conditional:

  • Form:
    • if + past perfect, would(n’t) have + past participle
    • Or
    • would (n’t) have + past participle + if + past perfect
  • Usage: Used to discuss hypothetical past situations and their results. Describes what could have happened if a different choice had been made.
    • If you had asked me, I would have done it.

2. Mixed Conditionals:

  • Different combinations of tenses in the if-clause and result-clause to express hypothetical situations in the present, past, or future.
  • Used to talk about results of hypothetical past or present situations.
  • Examples:
    • If I’d saved more, I’d be rich.
    • If I didn’t have savings, I wouldn’t be going on holiday.
    • If I had more qualifications, I would have got the job.

3. Wishes and Regrets:

  • type 1: Use “wish + past verb” to talk about desired changes in present situations.
    • Examples: I wish I could help you.
  • type 2: Use “wish + something/someone + would + infinitive without to” to express desires for actions or changes in behavior.
    • Examples: I wish they would stop talking so loudly!
  • type 3: Use “wish + past perfect” to express regrets about past situations.
    • Examples: I wish I’d thought about the other costs before I bought it.

4. Should(n’t) Have:

  • Use “should(n’t) have + past participle” to express regret or acknowledge a mistake.
    • Example: I should have listened to him.

5. If It Wasn’t For…:

  • Use “if it wasn’t/weren’t for + noun phrase” to express dependence on another situation or person.
  • Example: If it wasn’t for the car, I’d have no money worries now.

These different conditional structures allow us to discuss various hypothetical situations, express desires, regrets, and acknowledge mistakes in different contexts.

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