Present Tense Real and Unreal Conditionals

By: Sean Savoie

In English, when people talk about their hopes, desires, dreams, fears, regrets, and many other feelings, they often speak conditionally. They talk about "if". Take a look at the sentences below:

1) If I make a little more money this month, I might get a new car.

2) If she gets a B on this test, she will pass the course.

3) If they give me a call, I should meet with them tonight.

The conditional clause itself is an adverb clause; therefore, the main clause can also be put in the beginning of the sentence, in which case the sentences, with the use of commas, will look like those below:

1) I might get a new car if I make a little more money this month.

2) She will pass the course if she gets a B on this test.

3) I should meet with them tonight if they give me a call.

Each of the above sentences expresses a condition or cause and effect or action. This way of speaking is called the real conditional because it expresses both a cause and effect that are likely or expected. However, if something is not expected to happen, a speaker can still discuss hopes and dreams. Take a look at the same three sentences expressed in the unreal conditionals below:

1) If I made a little money this month, I would get a new car.

2) If she got a B on this test, she would pass the course.

3) If they gave me a call, I would meet with them tonight.

In the above sentences, the speaker is not expecting these things to happen. Notice how the verb tenses drop back one place just as verbs do in reported speech. So why do people discuss things they do not expect to happen? Some people believe that a person should talk about things that are real and not worry about things that will probably not happen. But people often express hopes and dreams. In a very conversational way, people use the unreal conditional to better understand the personality and thinking of other people. To better understand this, take a look at the conversational, unreal conditional questions below:

1) What would you do if you won $2 million in the lotto?

2) If you could change any law, what law would you change?

3) If you got into trouble and could only call one person, who would you call?

4) Where would you go on vacation if you could go to any place in the world?

5) If George Bush gave you a phone call, what would you say to him?

6) If I asked you to lend me some money, would you do it?

Now, if the speaker thinks that the above sentences are possible or will maybe occur, the questions will be asked using the real present tense conditional. These questions will be asked in the form below:

1) What will you do if you win $2 million in the lotto?

2) If you can change any law, what law will you change?

3) If you get into trouble and can only call one person, who will you call?

4) Where will you go on vacation if you can go to any place in the world?

5) If George Bush gives you a phone call, what will you say to him?

6) If I ask you to lend me some money, will you do it?

Sometimes a situation is not only possible, but it is expected. When this is the case, the word "if" should not be used. Use the word "when". For example, the last sentence above (If I ask you to lend me some money, will you do it?) should be, "When I ask you to lend me some money, will you do it?"

Another grammar rule to keep in mind is that the "be" verb is always conjugated using the word "were". This is true for all subject pronouns. This may seem strange, but it is the correct form. For example:

1) If I were you, I would call the police.

2) If he were a rich, he could quit his job right now.

3) If she were here, I would be so happy.

It is important to remember that all of the examples so far are in the present tense even though past tense verbs are used. This is how the unreal conditional is similar to reported speech and future in the past. As an exercise (yes, more homework) take the following sentences and questions and change them into the unreal conditional. The answers will be published in the New York Community Times next week. Until then, have a great week!

1) What color will you choose if you get a new car?

2) What do you think she will do if her marriage is not successful?

3) If you have a problem with the police, will you hire a lawyer?

4) Will you vote in every election if you become a citizen?

5) How often will you call me if I move to another state?

6) When will you start to work if you get this job?

7) Who can you speak with if you have a problem filing taxes?

8) If the company can not make enough money, what will the owners do?

9) If you are a lost in the city, what kind of person will you speak to?

10) Where will you stay if you need a place to live for three weeks?