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Modal past and unreal situations - English lesson

A verb used in the past tense does not always refer to a past, completed action.

It can also express wishes, dreams, imagined situations, hypothetical situations, or unreal situations.

Compare:

I was in Seattle two months ago.
= This is a real event in the past. It refers to a completed period of time.

If I could pay for it, I'd buy a Ferrari!
= This situation is not real. It is a wish or a dream. Could and would are used here to express an unreal or hypothetical situation.



The modal past of BE

In unreal or hypothetical situations, the modal past of BE is traditionally were for all persons, especially in formal written English:

If I were rich, I'd travel around the world.
If he were here, he'd help us.
If she were older, she could drive.



IF CLAUSES: POTENTIAL AND UNREAL SITUATIONS

There are three main patterns.

➡️ 1. A possible or realistic situation

If + present simple -> will + base verb

We use this when the condition is still possible and could really happen.

If he asks me, I'll help him.
= If he asks me, I will help him.

The action has not happened yet, but it is possible.

POSSIBLE / POTENTIAL = IF + present -> will + base verb

➡️ 2. The unreal present

If + modal past -> would + base verb

We use this when we imagine a situation that is not true or is unlikely to happen now.

If he asked me, I'd help him.
= He hasn't asked me, but if he did, I would help him.

The situation is unreal or hypothetical, but it could still become possible.

UNREAL PRESENT = IF + modal past -> would + base verb

With BE, we traditionally use were for all persons in formal English:

If I were rich, I'd buy a Ferrari.

➡️ 3. The unreal past

If + past perfect -> would have + past participle

We use this when we imagine a different past situation. The event did not happen, and it is now too late to change it.

If he had asked me, I would have helped him.
= He didn't ask me, so I didn't help him.

UNREAL PAST = IF + past perfect -> would have + past participle

Remember:

Past perfect = had + past participle

Conditional perfect = would + have + past participle

Quick summary:
Situation >>> IF clause >>> Main clause
Possible / potential >>> If + present  >>> will + base verb
Unreal present >>> If + modal past >>> would + base verb
Unreal past >>> If + past perfect >>> would have + past participle

Complete the sentences, using contracted forms when possible.

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1. If your telegram hadn't arrived, we (not/know) what to do with the key.

2. You'd spend much less money if you (save) on electricity and petrol!

3. If I know the details of this question before next week, I (let) you know right away.

4. You'd be very angry with him if you (hear) what he keeps repeating about you!

5. I'd have liked your friend Paula if she (show) you her faithfulness.

6. She'd obey her father's requests if she (be) a well-behaved girl!

7. If your friends could afford it, they (buy) an Alfa Romeo.

8. We'd all have had good marks if our teacher (not/be) so strict!

9. If I'd met Peter in the street, I (not/recognize) him! He's grown so much...

10. If you don't move when you take it, this photo (be) better and less blurred!