PRESENT CONDITIONAL. PRESENT REAL CONDITIONAL

PRESENT CONDITIONAL. PRESENT REAL CONDITIONAL

FORM

[If / When ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Present ...]
[... Simple Present ... if / when ... Simple Present ...]

USE
The Present Real Conditional is used to talk about what you normally do in real-life situations.

IMPORTANT If / When
Both "if" and "when" are used in the Present Real Conditional. Using "if" suggests that something happens less frequently. Using "when" suggests that something happens regularly.
Examples:
When I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.

I REGULARLY HAVE DAYS OFF FROM WORK.
If I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
I RARELY HAVE DAYS OFF FROM WORK.

Present Unreal Conditional
FORM
[If ... Simple Past ..., ... would + verb ...]
[... would + verb ... if ... Simple Past ...]
USE
The Present Unreal Conditional is used to talk about what you would generally do in imaginary situations.
Examples:

I would read more if I didn't watch so much TV.
Mary would move to Japan if she spoke Japanese.

EXCEPTION If I were ...

In the Present Unreal Conditional, the form "was" is not considered grammatically correct. In written English or in testing situations, you should always use "were." However, in everyday conversation, "was" is often used.
Examples:

If he were French, he would live in Paris.
If she were rich, she would buy a yacht.
I would play basketball if I were taller.
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper.
I would buy that computer if it was cheaper. Not Correct (BUT OFTEN SAID IN CONVERSATION.)
IMPORTANT Only use "If"
Only the word "if" is used with the Present Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. "When" cannot be used.

Examples:
I would buy that computer when it were cheaper. Not Correct
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper. Correct
EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs
There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would + can = could
would + shall = should
would + may = might
The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would." Instead, they must be used in these special forms.

Examples:
If I went to Egypt, I would can learn Arabic. Not Correct
If I went to Egypt, I could learn Arabic. Correct
If she had time, she would may go to the party. Not Correct
If she had time, she might go to the party. Correct
The words "could," should," "might" and "ought to" include conditional, so you cannot combine them with "would."

Examples:
If I had more time, I would could exercise after work. Not Correct
If I had more time, I could exercise after work. Correct
If he invited you, you really would should go. Not Correct
If he invited you, you really should go. Correct

Make your own phrases and send them to mgruiz@cantv.net