Conditionals and wishes

We tend to use 'wish' or 'if only' when we talk about something we want to be different, something that we would like to change but it's difficult or impossible to change.

Present

wish followed by  were

if only followed by  were

We use 'were' and not 'was' when expressing a wish or regret in the present.

I wish the weather were warmer.

If only it weren't raining.

We use wish followed by  would to describe things which annoy you.

I wish you wouldn't smoke while we're having breakfast.

Past

wish followed by the past perfect

if only followed by the past perfect

Expressing regrets in the past.

I wish I had studied harder when I was at school.
If only I had passed my exams.

 Simplified note:

• When we are talking about the present, we normally use 'wish' or 'if only' and the past simple. 
• If we are talking about things people do which annoy us, we use 'wish' and 'would'. 
• When we are talking about the past, we use 'wish' or 'if only' and the past perfect.

(reference: Self Study by British Council)

CONDITIONALS

Conditional Sentences

- A condition is something that has to be fulfilled before something else can happen.
- If, normally meaning 'provided that', is sometimes followed by then.
- If then is not stated, it is implied: If X happens, (then) Y follows:
If the rain stops, we'll be able to go for a walk.

 Zero Conditional
 We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are always true.

• If you heat water, it boils.
• When the sun goes down, it gets dark.
• It lights up if you push that button.
• The students are happy when their teacher is absent.
• If I have the time, I read my favourite book.

The present simple is used in both clauses.

______________________________________________________________________


First Conditional
We use the first conditional when we talk about real and possible situations. (predictions about the future/ something that is likely to happen)

• I’ll go shopping on the way home if I have time.
• If it’s a nice day tomorrow we’ll go to the beach.
• If Arsenal win they’ll be top of the league.

* Can also be for intention/plan:
   Example: When they retire, they'll move to the country.

In first conditional sentences, the structure is usually if + present simple and will + infinitive. It’s not important which clause comes first.

Basic form of Type 1 conditionals
                                               'if' clause:                                                  main clause
                                               present tenses                                           'shall/will' future
                                               condition to be satisfied                            likely outcome
be:                                          If I am better tomorrow,                          I will get up.
have:                                      If I have a headache,                                I will take an aspirin.
simple present:                       If she finishes early,                                she will go home.
present progressive:               If he is standing in the rain,                   he will catch cold.
present perfect:                      If she has arrived at the station,            she will be here soon.
present perfect progressive:   If he has been travelling all night,        he will need a rest.
can, must:                               If I can afford it,                                      I will buy it.

_______________________________________________________________________

Second Conditional

- The second conditional is used to talk about ‘unreal’ or impossible things.
- Type 2 conditionals talk about imaginary situations in the if-clause and speculate about their imaginary consequences in the main clause.
- Though past tenses are used, the reference is not to past time. (That is why this use of the past tense after if is often called 'the unreal past') 

• If I won a lot of money I’d buy a big house in the country.
• Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?
• If you didn’t smoke so much you’d feel a lot better.
• If I had longer legs, I'd be able to run faster.

The structure is usually if + past simple and would + infinitive. It’s not important which clause comes first.

Look at the difference between the first and second conditionals.

• In January: If it snows tomorrow I’ll go skiing. It might snow tomorrow.
• In August: If it snowed tomorrow I’d go skiing. It almost certainly won’t snow tomorrow.

NOTE: Although many conditional sentences use if + will/would, conditional sentences can also use other words instead of ‘if’ – e.g. ‘when’ ‘as soon as’ ‘in case’ Other modal verbs can be used instead of ‘will/would’ – e.g. ‘can/could’, ‘may’ ‘might’.
_____________________________________________________________________

Third Conditional

- Type 3 conditionals assume something purely imaginary in the if-clause and consider the imagined consequences in the main clause.
- Type 3conditionals refer to consequences which did not and could not (now) ever happen because they refer to something that didn't happen in the past.
- We use Type 3 conditionals to speculate about a range of possibilities, from what might have been reasonably expected to what would have been completely impossible.
 
- They are 'hypothetical conditions':
   * If I had worked harder at school, I'd have got a better job.
   * If I hadn't been wearing a raincoat, I would have got wet.
 (referring to something possible: often expressing regret)

If I had won the competition, life would have been much easier.
(referring to an imaginary, hoped for situation in the past)

If I had lived in the Stone Age, I would have been a hunter.

Third conditional
Third conditional sentences describe the past. They describe something that didn’t happen.

• If I’d studied harder at school I would have gone to university.

He didn’t study very hard and he didn’t go to university.

• We wouldn’t have got lost if you hadn’t given me the wrong directions.

She wasn't given the correct directions and she didn't find her way.

• She might have finished the exam if she’d had more time.

She didn't finish the exam and she didn't have more time.

In third conditional sentences, the structure is usually if + past perfect and would + perfect infinitive (e.g. have done). It’s not important which clause comes first.

Notice that other modal verbs can be used instead of ‘would’ (e.g. ‘could’, ‘might’ ‘may’)
- See more at: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/conditionals-2#sthash.G5JvVHJq.dpuf

Third conditional sentences describe the past. They describe something that didn’t happen.

• If I’d studied harder at school I would have gone to university.

He didn’t study very hard and he didn’t go to university.

• We wouldn’t have got lost if you hadn’t given me the wrong directions.

She wasn't given the correct directions and she didn't find her way.

• She might have finished the exam if she’d had more time.

She didn't finish the exam and she didn't have more time.

In third conditional sentences, the structure is usually if + past perfect and would + perfect infinitive (e.g. have done). It’s not important which clause comes first.

Notice that other modal verbs can be used instead of ‘would’ (e.g. ‘could’, ‘might’ ‘may’)
- See more at: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/conditionals-2#sthash.G5JvVHJq.dpuf

Third conditional sentences describe the past. They describe something that didn’t happen.

• If I’d studied harder at school I would have gone to university.

He didn’t study very hard and he didn’t go to university.

• We wouldn’t have got lost if you hadn’t given me the wrong directions.

She wasn't given the correct directions and she didn't find her way.

• She might have finished the exam if she’d had more time.

She didn't finish the exam and she didn't have more time.

In third conditional sentences, the structure is usually if + past perfect and would + perfect infinitive (e.g. have done). It’s not important which clause comes first.

Notice that other modal verbs can be used instead of ‘would’ (e.g. ‘could’, ‘might’ ‘may’)
- See more at: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/conditionals-2#sthash.G5JvVHJq.dpuf

Third conditional
Third conditional sentences describe the past. They describe something that didn’t happen.

• If I’d studied harder at school I would have gone to university.

He didn’t study very hard and he didn’t go to university.

• We wouldn’t have got lost if you hadn’t given me the wrong directions.

She wasn't given the correct directions and she didn't find her way.

• She might have finished the exam if she’d had more time.

She didn't finish the exam and she didn't have more time.

In third conditional sentences, the structure is usually if + past perfect and would + perfect infinitive (e.g. have done). It’s not important which clause comes first.

Notice that other modal verbs can be used instead of ‘would’ (e.g. ‘could’, ‘might’ ‘may’)
- See more at: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/conditionals-2#sthash.Jzlyu7ql.dpuf

Third conditional sentences describe the past. They describe something that didn’t happen.

• If I’d studied harder at school I would have gone to university.

He didn’t study very hard and he didn’t go to university.

• We wouldn’t have got lost if you hadn’t given me the wrong directions.

She wasn't given the correct directions and she didn't find her way.

• She might have finished the exam if she’d had more time.

She didn't finish the exam and she didn't have more time.

In third conditional sentences, the structure is usually if + past perfect and would + perfect infinitive (e.g. have done). It’s not important which clause comes first.

Notice that other modal verbs can be used instead of ‘would’ (e.g. ‘could’, ‘might’ ‘may’)
- See more at: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/conditionals-2#sthash.G5JvVHJq.dpuf

Third conditional sentences describe the past. They describe something that didn’t happen.

• If I’d studied harder at school I would have gone to university.

He didn’t study very hard and he didn’t go to university.

• We wouldn’t have got lost if you hadn’t given me the wrong directions.

She wasn't given the correct directions and she didn't find her way.

• She might have finished the exam if she’d had more time.

She didn't finish the exam and she didn't have more time.

In third conditional sentences, the structure is usually if + past perfect and would + perfect infinitive (e.g. have done). It’s not important which clause comes first.

Notice that other modal verbs can be used instead of ‘would’ (e.g. ‘could’, ‘might’ ‘may’)

Mixed conditionals

In mixed conditional sentences the time in the ‘if’ clause is not the same as the time in the main clause. There can be various combinations.

• If he’d gone to university he might have a better job.

He didn’t go to university (past)
He doesn’t have a very good job. (present)
This sentence shows the present consequences of a past action.

• If I’d won the competition I’d be going to Florida next week.

She didn’t win the competition (past)
She isn’t going to Florida (future)
This sentence shows the future consequences of a past action.

• If he didn’t have to work tomorrow he wouldn’t be so miserable today.

He has to work tomorrow (future)
He’s miserable. (present)
This sentence shows the present consequence of a future event.
- See more at: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/conditionals-2#sthash.Jzlyu7ql.dpuf

(referring to a completely impossible situation)

In third conditional sentences, the structure is usually if + past perfect and would + perfect infinitive (e.g. have done). It is not important which clause comes first.

Mixed conditionals

In mixed conditional sentences the time in the ‘if’ clause is not the same as the time in the main clause. There can be various combinations.

• If he’d gone to university he might have a better job.

He didn’t go to university (past)
He doesn’t have a very good job. (present)
This sentence shows the present consequences of a past action.

• If I’d won the competition I’d be going to Florida next week.

She didn’t win the competition (past)
She isn’t going to Florida (future)
This sentence shows the future consequences of a past action.

• If he didn’t have to work tomorrow he wouldn’t be so miserable today.

He has to work tomorrow (future)
He’s miserable. (present)
This sentence shows the present consequence of a future event.
- See more at: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/conditionals-2#sthash.G5JvVHJq.dpuf

 ____________________________________________________________________

In third conditional sentences, the structure is usually if + past perfect and would + perfect infinitive (e.g. have done). It’s not important which clause comes first.

Notice that other modal verbs can be used instead of ‘would’ (e.g. ‘could’, ‘might’ ‘may’) - See more at: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/conditionals-2#sthash.G5JvVHJq.dpuf

Third conditional sentences describe the past. They describe something that didn’t happen.

• If I’d studied harder at school I would have gone to university.

He didn’t study very hard and he didn’t go to university.

• We wouldn’t have got lost if you hadn’t given me the wrong directions.

She wasn't given the correct directions and she didn't find her way.

• She might have finished the exam if she’d had more time.

She didn't finish the exam and she didn't have more time.

In third conditional sentences, the structure is usually if + past perfect and would + perfect infinitive (e.g. have done). It’s not important which clause comes first.

Notice that other modal verbs can be used instead of ‘would’ (e.g. ‘could’, ‘might’ ‘may’)

Mixed conditionals

In mixed conditional sentences the time in the ‘if’ clause is not the same as the time in the main clause. There can be various combinations.

• If he’d gone to university he might have a better job.

He didn’t go to university (past)
He doesn’t have a very good job. (present)
This sentence shows the present consequences of a past action.

• If I’d won the competition I’d be going to Florida next week.

She didn’t win the competition (past)
She isn’t going to Florida (future)
This sentence shows the future consequences of a past action.

• If he didn’t have to work tomorrow he wouldn’t be so miserable today.

He has to work tomorrow (future)
He’s miserable. (present)
This sentence shows the present consequence of a future event.
- See more at: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/conditionals-2#sthash.Jzlyu7ql.dpuf

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/conditionals-1


http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/conditionals-2

The Simple Present Tense

The simple present tense

Form of the simple present tense

We add -s or -es to the base form of the verb in the third person singular. I                     work You               work He                 works in an office   She                works                         It                    works We                 work You                work They               work

                       

Uses of the simple present tense

a)         Permanent truths

            We use the simple present for statements that are always true:

            Examples: Gases expand when heated.

                               The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

b)         ‘The present period’

            We use the simple present to refer to events, actions or situations which are true in the

present period of time and which, for all we know, may continue indefinitely. What we are saying, in effect, is ‘this is the situation as it stands at present’:

            Examples: Adam lives in Klang.

                               My sister wears glasses. 

c)         Habitual actions                                

The simple present can be used with or without an adverb of time to describe habitual

actions, things that happen repeatedly:

Examples:  I get up at 5am.

                   Tan smokes a lot.

We can be more precise about habitual actions by using the simple present with adverbs of indefinite frequency (always, never, etc) or with adverbial phrases such as every day:

Examples: I sometimes stay up till midnight.

                  She visits her parents every day.

We commonly use the simple present to ask and answer questions which begin with How often?:

Example: How often do you go to the dentist? – I go every six months.

Questions relating to habit can be asked with ever and answered with e.g. never and sometimes not...ever:

Example: Do you ever eat meat? – No, I never eat meat.

d)         Future reference           

This use is often related to timetables and programmes or to events in the calendar:

Examples:

The exhibition opens on January 1^st and closes on January 31^st.

The concert begins at 7.30 and ends at 9.30.

We leave tomorrow at 11.15am and arrive at 4.00pm.

They leave for Japan next week.

e) Observations and declarations
    We commonly use the simple present with stative and other verbs to make observations                   and declarations in the course of conversation.
    Examples:
    I hope/ assume/ suppose/ promise everything will be alright.
    I bet you were nervous just before your driving test.  
    I love you. I hate him. 
 

                                                  

Verbal Construction (The Verb + - ing or to...) - Part 1

Verbals is a term used to describe three verb forms: the gerund, the infinitive and the bare infinitive.

* The gerund( -ing)          
   running
   Example: Running is good for your health.

* The infinitive (to...)           
   to run

   Example: They had to run to school today.

* The bare infinitive            
   run 
   Example: You must run to keep fit.

Whether we use the gerund, the infinitive or the bare infinitive depends very much on what comes before it in the sentence.  

Choice of gerund, infinitive or bare infinitive after certain verbs

Below is a list of the most commonly used verbs which can be followed by:
1. a gerund (-ing) only;
2. either a gerund or an infinitive (to...);
3. An infinitive only;
4. Verbs followed by a bare infinitive only.
5. Either a gerund or an infinitive (different meaning)



1. Verbs followed by gerund only
- admit                                               - fancy
- anticipate                                        - finish
- appreciate                                       - can't help
- dislike                                             - imagine
- discuss                                            - keep (on)
- enjoy                                               - mention
- avoid                                               - mind
- consider                                          - miss
- complete                                         - recall
- delay                                               - resent
- deny                                                - spend (time or money)
- detest                                              
- postpone
- practise
- quit
- recollect
- risk

Examples:
1. They avoided talking to the old beggar.
2. I really detest having to take exams.
3. I can't help thinking how lucky I am.
4. I resent being told to do it.
5. He spends all his time playing video games.

***********************************************************************************

2. Verbs followed by either gerund or infinitive (no change in meaning)
- attempt
- intend
- can't bear
- can't stand
- begin
- start
- stand
- continue                                                                                       

Examples:
1. He attempted swimming/ to swim across the river.
2. I started studying/ to study for my final exams. 
3. She cannot bear listening/ to listen to rock music. 


***********************************************************************************
 
3. Verbs followed by infinitive only
- afford                                                 - hesitate
- agree                                                  - hope
- aim                                                     - learn
- appear                                                - long
- arrange                                               - manage
- choose                                                - mean
- claim                                                  - wish
- consent                                               - offer
- decide                                                - plan
- demand                                              - prepare
- deserve                                              - pretend
- fail                                                     - promise
- struggle                                             - swear
- tend                                                   - threaten
- volunteer                                          

Examples:
1. I can't afford to buy a new car.
2. He aims to become the next Prime Minister. 
3. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings. 
4. He refused to listen to my opinion.
5. I long to swim in the sea. 

***********************************************************************************

4. Modal Verb followed by bare infinitive only
- will
- shall
- would
- would rather
- had better
- should
- can
- could
- would sooner
- may
- might
- must

Examples:
1. You must work hard if you want to succeed.
2. Perhaps you would like to see my books.
3. He will be the first foreign teacher to teach here.
4. He couldn't explain why you should take my advice.
5. I had better go home. It is quite late. 

***********************************************************************************


5. There is one more small group of verbs which can come before either a gerund or an infinitive. However, the meaning of the sentence changes according to the verbal used.

- forget
- remember
- try
- stop
- regret
- go on


Look at some examples of how the meaning changes according to the verbal used:

a) forget
I forgot to tell him.  ( Meaning: carrying out a duty or fulfilling a task)
I forget playing tennis for the first time. (Meaning: I have no recollection of doing so)

b) remember
I remembered to lock the door, but I forgot to shut the windows. (Meaning: I remembered that I had to lock it, so I locked it)
I know I locked the door. I clearly remember locking it.( Meaning: I locked it, and now I remember this)

c) try
I tried to paint the house. ( Meaning: I made an attempt/ effort to do it)
I tried painting the house pink. (Meaning: I experimented to see how it would look)

d) stop
He stopped to smoke a cigarette. (Meaning: He took a break and smoked a cigarette)
He stopped smoking cigarettes. (He quit/ He gave up smoking)

e) regret
I regret to inform you of his health (Meaning: I am sorry to say/ to tell you/ to inform you...)
I now regret saying what I said. I shouldn't have said it. (Meaning: I did it and now I'm sorry about it) 

f) go on
After discussing the economy, the president then went on to talk about foreign policy. (Meaning: go on to do something= do or say something new)
The president paused for a moment and then went on talking. (Meaning: go on doing something= continue with the same thing)


http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/verbs-followed-ing-or-infinitive-1

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/verbs-followed-ing-or-infinitive-2

Quick Grammar Reference

Here's a link to quick grammar reference by British Council

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/quick-grammar

Personal pronouns

The Moon (Simple Present Tense)