ELSAC Workout: Grammar 8, Conditionals

ELSAC Workout: Grammar 8, Conditionals
(EN/A/0718.001)
Get Grammar Fit!

compare the meaning and use of four conditional forms
practise using the four different conditionals

Level: Advanced
Time: approx. 20 mins
Suggested next workout: This is the final workout for grammar. Next, you can repeat a grammar workout to improve muscle memory, or get fit in vocabulary, writing or speaking.

Extra support: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/intermediate-grammar/conditionals-1
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/intermediate-grammar/conditionals-2

Extra practice: https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/first-second-third-conditionals-exercise.html

Work through the practice activities in order, by clicking on the tabs at the top of the next page. After completing all practices, the Result tab will summarize your workout. Record your results as proof of independent learning and as motivation to repeat the workout and beat your score. Practice makes you fitter!

Material developed by Hebe Wong, Alison Wood.

Strengthen knowledge

Stretch usage

Energize practice

*** All ELSAC Workouts ***

Practice 1 Practice 1.1 Practice 2 Practice 3 Result

1. Warm up for the workout

Conditional sentences are used when one action depends on another (it happens on condition that something else happens), e.g.
"I will take an umbrella if it's raining."
There are four different conditional sentences below, all with a slightly different meaning. Can you place them in the correct box on the spectrum, from meaning 'very possible' to 'impossible'? Drag and drop.

Practice 1

Real / Very Possible / Likely

Unreal / Impossible / Unlikely

a. I would have got good results if I had studied hard.

b. I would get good results if I studied hard.

c. I will get good results if I study hard.

d. I get good results if I study hard.

Now go to Practice 1.1 for an explanation.

Practice 1.1

The conditionals with different meanings, are formed with different tenses. Complete this table by choosing the correct tense to fill each gap.

The Zero Conditional is formed with ⁽¹⁾ + if + ⁽²⁾ . It is used to describe conditions that are always true or very possible/likely, e.g. Ice melts if you heat it.
I get good results if I study hard.

The 1st Conditional is formed with ⁽³⁾ + if + ⁽⁴⁾ . It is used to describe a likely result of a possible condition, e.g. I won't go to work tomorrow if I still have a headache.
I will get good results if I study hard.

The 2nd Conditional is formed with ⁽⁵⁾ + if + ⁽⁶⁾ . It is used to describe an unlikely situation, e.g. I would travel around the world if I won $1million.
I would get good results if I studied hard.

The 3rd Conditional is formed with ⁽⁷⁾ + if + ⁽⁸⁾ . It is used to describe an imaginary situation in the past, which is therefore impossible. It didn't actually happen, e.g.
I would have come to visit you if I had known you were ill.
I would have got good results if I had studied harder.

Mixed Conditionals are formed when tenses mentioned above are joined together in different ways, e.g. I wouldn't be surprised if I fail. They are used for different degrees of im/possibility.

Note that the two clauses in a conditional sentence can be placed in any order without changing the meaning. However, the tenses used in the two clauses should not be changed, as this could change the meaning, or be grammatically incorrect. If it rains, I will take my umbrella = I will take my umbrella if it rains.
BUT
If it rains, I will take my umbrella

It will rain if I take my umbrella.
I would have got good results if I had studied harder = If I had studied harder, I would have got good results.
But NOT
If I would have studied harder, I got good results.

2. Strengthen your knowledge

Conditional sentences can be used for several different functions. Read the sentences below, then match the correct function to each one.

Conditional sentences

1. If you pass your maths exam, I'll buy you a new watch.

2. I won't buy you a new watch unless you pass your maths exam.

3. If I were you, I would accept the job.

4. Would it be OK if I arrived late tomorrow?

5. If you play with fire, you might get burnt.

6. If we change the meeting time, Sarah should be able to join us.

7. If I had checked the map, I wouldn't have got lost.

Functions

a. Giving advice

b. Making a promise

c. Making a threat

d. Making a suggestion

e. Expressing regret

f. Giving a warning

g. Asking permission

Note that 'if' can be replaced by 'unless'. This may change the meaning or function of the sentence. See here for more information:
https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-lesson-if-or-unless.php

Note that other modal verbs can replace 'will' and 'would' in some conditional sentences. This generally changes the amount of possibility of the result. Compare:
If you pass your maths exam, I will buy you a new watch.
If you pass your maths exam, I might buy you a new watch.

I would buy you dinner if I had any money.
I could buy you dinner if I had any money.

3. Test your fitness

Read the three conversations below and type in the correct conditionals, using the verbs in brackets. Remember to use the correct spelling and spacing.

A
Tourist: Excuse me, how can I get to the nearest MTR station?
Local: If you ⁽¹⁾ (turn) right at the next crossroads and ⁽²⁾ (go) straight ahead for 50 metres, you ⁽³⁾ (see) the entrance on your right.
Tourist: OK, thank you. And if I ⁽⁴⁾ (take) that road over there, would it lead to the MTR?
Local: No, it wouldn't.

B
Student: If the sun ⁽⁶⁾ (rise) in the east, it ⁽⁷⁾ (set) in the west, doesn't it?
Teacher: If I ⁽⁸⁾ (be) you, I ⁽⁹⁾ (check) it in my geography text book.

C
Boy: Dad, when are you going to buy me that bike you promised me?
Dad: I said that I ⁽¹⁰⁾ (buy) you the bike if you ⁽¹¹⁾ (do) well in your exams... but you failed two of them.
Boy: I know, but I ⁽¹²⁾ (not fail) them if I ⁽¹³⁾ (not be) sick the night before I took them.
Dad: OK. If you ⁽¹⁴⁾ (pass) those two exams next time, I ⁽¹⁵⁾ (buy) you a new bike.

CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed this workout and improved your grammar fitness. Your results are below. Record your results as proof of independent learning. Take a rest, then repeat this workout to beat your personal best, or try a different one.

Suggested next workout: This is the final workout for grammar. Next, you can repeat a grammar workout to improve muscle memory, or get fit in vocabulary, writing or speaking.

Student's Name (Type in):

Final Result of Grammar 8

Date:

Activity	Correct	Maximum	Percentage
Practice 1	0		0%
Practice 1.1	0		0%
Practice 2	0		0%
Practice 3	0		0%
Total Score	0		0%

Time Taken: