Mastering English Verb Tenses and Conditionals

Simple Past Tense: Regular and Irregular Verbs

Forming Simple Past Sentences

• Affirmative: Subject + verb (past form) + complement
• Negative: Subject + auxiliary (did) + not + verb (base form) + complement
• Interrogative: Auxiliary (Did) + subject + verb (base form) + complement?

Simple Past Examples

• I bought a pair of shoes yesterday.
• I didn't buy a pair of shoes yesterday.
• Did I buy a pair of shoes yesterday?

Practice Exercises: Simple Past

1. A: Did you go fishing last weekend?

   B: No, but I went swimming.

2. Yesterday, Ron found a cat on the street and took it home.
3. Yesterday, the school basketball team played against Northbridge. There were a lot of people at the game.
4. Dennis was in Barcelona last weekend and he visited many places.

Modal Verb "Would"

Understanding "Would" for Conditional Actions

"Would" is a modal verb used to express conditional actions, desires, or hypothetical situations. It often translates to an "-ría" ending in Spanish verbs (e.g., "organizaría" for "I would organize").

"Would" Sentence Structures

• Affirmative: I would organize a clean-up day.
• Negative: I wouldn't throw garbage on the streets.
• Interrogative: What would you do to make the world a better place?

Conditional Examples with "Would"

• If we recycled more, there would be less garbage.

• Scenario: This house is too expensive.

  Advice: If I were you, I wouldn't rent it.

• Scenario: My neighbors play loud music at night.

  Advice: If I were you, I would complain about it.

• Scenario: My sister is upset because I tore her jeans.

  Advice: If I were you, I would apologize.

Actions to Improve the World (Using "Would")

• I would put garbage in the bin.
• I would plant flowers in the square.
• I would start a community center.
• I wouldn't spray graffiti on walls.
• I would support community safety initiatives.

Conditional Type 2 Sentences

Forming Conditional Type 2

Complete the sentences by putting the verbs in parentheses into the correct tense to form Conditional Type 2 sentences. Remember the structure: If + Subject + Simple Past, Subject + Would + Base Verb.

Conditional Type 2 Exercises

1. If we used (use) less packaging, we would create (create) less garbage.
2. If we didn't use (not/use) cars as much, there would be (be) less traffic.
3. If we bought (buy) fair trade products, we would help (help) poor farmers worldwide.
4. If you didn't leave (not/leave) the TV on standby all the time, you would save (save) energy.
5. If we cared (care) more for our forests, we would protect (protect) the environment.

Personal Conditional Sentences

Complete the Sentences About You

1. If I had enough money, I would save it for a big purchase.
2. If I donated money to charity, I would feel good about it.
3. If I saw a homeless person in the street, I would invite him to the park.
4. If I recycled plastic bottles, I would sell them to a recycling center.
5. If I walked instead of taking the bus, I would care for the ecosystem.
6. If I put my trash in the bin, I would care for the planet.