Mastering Advanced English Grammar: Conditionals, Phrasal Verbs, and Modals
Mastering Mixed Conditional Sentences
It is possible for the two parts of a conditional sentence to refer to different periods, and the resulting sentence is a mixed conditional sentence. The most common combinations are the second and the third conditional, and vice versa. Both of them talk about imaginary situations.
When one of the sentences refers to a situation in the past, we use a standard construction of the third conditional. If the other sentence refers to a condition in the present or future, we use the construction of the second conditional.
Using 'Would Rather' and 'Had Sooner'
These expressions are used to talk about preferences. Here are some examples:
- We'd rather the successful candidate had previous experience in the field.
- Would you rather I came back later?
- To be honest, I'd rather you didn't tell anyone about this.
- I'd sooner we got a new kitchen rather than went on holiday.
- Dad said he'd rather Brian was living closer.
- I would rather she was sent on a training course.
- I'd sooner we didn't talk about this.
- Of course, I would rather you'd told me the truth.
- I think Jeanne would definitely rather have stayed.
- We would sooner they hadn't stayed.
Impersonal Passive and Reporting Verbs
These structures are often used to report information or opinions in a more formal or general way.
- Someone seems to have taken my keys.
- It has been found that the drug is effective.
- It appeared that the MP hadn't arrived.
- There is expected to be a delay.
- In the examination, there was found to be a discrepancy.
- It seems the public are unhappy.
- There seems to be a problem.
- There are alleged to be irregularities.
- ID cards are considered to be essential.
Advanced Conditional Structures and Inversion
Beyond the basic conditional types, English uses various phrases and inversions to express conditions.
- Had it not been for this new diet...
- Provided there are no changes to the plans...
- Were you to apply now, you would have a good chance.
- If I'd known about your problem, I would have offered to help.
- In case it gets lost, write your name on it.
- Were it not for having to pay, I'd buy it.
- Had people seen this film 10 years ago, they would have been shocked.
- On condition that you finish your homework, you can play.
Common Phrasal Verbs: Part 1
Phrasal verbs combine a verb with a preposition or adverb, often changing the meaning significantly.
- Go in for (e.g., a competition)
- Called back for being rude (e.g., He was called back for being rude.)
- Put you up (e.g., for the night)
- Let off with a warning
- Pointed out the mistake
- Was given away by his accent
- Be put down to (e.g., bad luck)
- Gave off a faint smell
- Has it in for (e.g., someone)
- Live up to our expectations
Common Phrasal Verbs: Part 2
More essential phrasal verbs for everyday communication.
- Get off with (e.g., a light sentence)
- Getting on (e.g., How are you getting on?)
- Ended up walking home
- To be doing so (e.g., He appeared to be doing so.)
- Fallen out with (e.g., a friend)
- Broke up with (e.g., his girlfriend)
- Getting on for (e.g., 50 years old)
- Was borne out by the evidence
- Getting her ideas across
Modals of Necessity and Obligation
These modal verbs express what is necessary, obligatory, or not necessary.
- Don't have to pay
- Need to be kept secret
- Doesn't have to be picked up
- Won't need to rely on others
- Must be sent off by Friday
- Had to get up early
- Did you have to make such a fuss?
- Mustn't believe everything you hear
- Didn't have to put up with it
- Do farmers have to get up early?
- To have to commute every day
- Needn't have done that