Grammar plus: conditionals (advanced forms)

Compare the following sentences in each pair. Then decide if the statements below are true or false.

1 a) Had he been a typical scientist b) If he had been a  typical scientist	he would never have become famous
2 a) If you happen to/ should see Dr Powell, b) If you see Dr Powell	please ask him about the results of my test
3 a) Supposing(/Imaging a couple had a child with kidney failure, b) If a couple had a child with kidney failure	would it be right for them to clone a sibling to be a compatible organ donor?
4 a) If you were to find some DNA of Shakespeare's b) If you found some DNA of Shakespeare's,	it's very unlikely that you could use it to create a great poet.
5 a) If you'll wait here, b) If you wait here,	I'll see if the  doctor is free.

1. Inversion (leaving out if): This is more formal style.
2. If + happen to/should: This form emphasises that something is more unlikely or just a chance/possibility.
3. Supposing/imagine (in place of if): This is a more polite form.
4. If  + was/were to: This form makes an event seem more hypothetical. (It is not used with 'state' verbs.)
5. If + will/would: This form is used to make requests
   more polite

One word is missing in each of the following sentences. What is it?

1. If I were say that I had always loved you, what would you say?
2. We spent more time with her, she might have told us what was happening.
3. If you just be patient, I'm sure the doctor will see you soon.
4. Supposing you had twins, that be a problem?
5. If you happen see Mr parker before I do, can you explain why we were late.
6. You to go through with legal action, it could become very expensive.

Complete the second sentence in each case so it has approximately the same meaning as the first sentence.
EXAMPLE:
Please come this way and I'll show you to the director's office.
If you'll come this way, I'll show you to the director's office.

1. Would you go to college if you got all the necessary grades?
   Supposing .........
2. Why don't you do the shopping and I'll make dinner?
   If you'll ..........
3. You wouldn't be in this situation if you'd listened to my advice.
   Had you ..........
4. Imagine they discovered a cure for the common cold, they would make a fortune.
   If they were ..............
5. Could you tell me if, by any chance, you see my address book?
   If you happen..............

Work with another student to write a short interesting dialogue which must include the following sentence.
So, if you happen to see Leslie, could you please tell him that it was all a terrible mistake.

Think of a 'dilemma' to ask other students in your class. Write your dilemma using one of the new conditional forms from Exercise 1

EXAMPLE:

• Imagine you found £20 in the street, what would you do with it?
• If you were to see a teenager shoplifting in a supermarket, what would you do?