Advanced · Grammar Reference
Unit 7 — Real and Unreal Tense Usage
first · second · third conditionals · mixed · wish/hypothesizing · would
7.1 First conditional sentences (real)
It is important to understand this difference between fact and non-fact when discussing conditional sentences.
- First conditional sentences are based on fact in real time. They express a possible condition and its probable result: If it rains, I'll get wet. If he doesn't come soon, we'll miss the bus.
- Will is not usually used in the condition clause. However, it can appear when it expresses willingness (or in the negative, refusal, or insistence): If you'll wash the dishes, I'll put them away.
- Should and happen to can be used in the condition clause to suggest that something may happen by chance, but is unlikely.
- There are several other links with meanings similar to if that can introduce First conditional sentences: Provided/Providing, Supposing, unless
7.2 Second conditional sentences (unreal)
- Second conditional sentences are not based on fact. They express a situation which is contrary to reality in the present and future; a hypothetical condition and its probable result. This unreality is shown by a tense shift 'backwards': Present → Past, will → would.
- The difference between First and Second conditional sentences is not related to time. Both can refer to the present or the future. By using a past verb form in the Second, the speaker suggests the situation is less probable, or impossible, or imaginary.
- Were is often used instead of was, especially when the style is formal. It is also commonly used in the expression If I were you…
- A conditional can make a suggestion sound less direct and hence more polite.
- Would is not usually used in the condition clause. However, as with will in the First it can appear when it expresses willingness.
- Were to can be used in the condition clause to suggest that something is unlikely to happen.
7.3 Third conditional sentences (unreal)
Third conditional sentences, like the Second, are not based on fact. They express a situation which is contrary to reality in the past. This unreality is shown by a tense shift 'backwards': Past → Past Perfect, would → would have.
If I had known his background, I would never have employed him.If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have thought it possible.7.4 Second and Third mixed
It is possible for each of the two clauses in a conditional sentence to have a different time reference, and the result is a mixed conditional.
If we had brought a map with us, we would know where we are.If I didn't love her … is contrary to present fact (I do love her). I wouldn't have married her … is contrary to past fact (I did marry her).7.5 Hypothesizing about the present and future
The Past Simple tense form is used for present and future time reference. Note that were is often used instead of was, especially in formal style.
I wish I were taller! If only he were here now!Present state v. present action or event
When we hypothesize about a present state, the Past Simple tense form is used.
I wish you lived nearer. If only I had a car!When we hypothesize about a present action or event, would is used.
I wish you'd help more in the house. If only she wouldn't wash her socks in the bath!📌 Note
Would here expresses willingness in the first sentence, and annoying habit in the second.
Notice that it is unusual to say
I wish/If only I wouldn't … because we can control what we want to do. However, we can say
I wish/If only I could …We can say
I wish/If only … would to refer to a definite time in the future, but only if we think that the action will probably not happen:
I wish she'd come with me tomorrow.7.6 Hypothesizing about the past
The Past Perfect tense form is used for past time reference.
I wish she hadn't been so unkind.If only the police had looked in the attic, they would have found him!Fact v. non-fact
Fact
He looked as if he was tired. (= this is probably how he felt.)Non-fact
He looked as if he had seen a ghost. (Non-fact — very improbable.)would like
Would like can be used with a perfect infinitive to talk about things we wish we had done.
I would like to have lived in the eighteenth century.This can also be expressed by would have liked followed by either an ordinary infinitive or a perfect infinitive.
7.7 would
- Would can express past habits: When I was a kid, we'd go looking for mushrooms.
- If would is stressed, it suggests criticism and irritation: My sister would borrow my clothes without asking. It really annoyed me.
- Stressed would can also be used to criticize a single past action — meaning 'that's typical of you/him/her'.
- Would is used to express the future in the past (it reports speech and thoughts): You promised you'd help me. I knew you wouldn't like it.
- Wouldn't can express a refusal on a particular past occasion.