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Conditional

The conditional is formed using the modal "would" in front of an infinitive (dropping the word "to"). The conditional is used especially in three contexts:

1) Politeness
I would like the menu, please.
Would you have a couple of minutes for me?


2) To indicate the "future within the past":
She said she would come to the party.
I thought he would arrive before me.


3) In hypothetical constructions with "if." When "if" is followed by the preterit or the subjunctive, the conditional is expected in the second clause:
If I had the time, I would do my homework.
If you told me the truth, I would believe you.

 

The "if" of hypothetical expressions can be implicit:

In your position (= if I were you), I wouldn't stay here!

TEST - Build a sentence with all these words:

1. rich / would / If / buy / a / house / were / big / I
2. said / like / come / She / would / not / to / she
3. could / I / big / would / if / give / you / a / ring / I

 

 

ANSWERS 1. If I were rich, I would buy a big house. 2. She said she would not like to come. 3. I would give you a big ring if I could.