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Present Unreal Conditional – Quiz 1
Present Unreal Conditional Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of present unreal conditional sentences, including their structure and meaning in hypothetical situations. It covers various aspects such as conditional clauses with negative conditions, third-person singular subjects in the if clause, and imaginary or unlikely situations in the present.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
I rent the premises to you ..... you pay me enough.
A) Only if.
B) Even if.
C) Unless.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I rent the premises to you ..... you pay me enough." is an example of a Present Unreal Conditional, which expresses a hypothetical situation that is not currently true but could be in the future if certain conditions are met. The correct answer is
A) Only if
because it correctly connects the condition (you paying enough) with the action (renting the premises). "Only if" indicates that the renting will occur solely under this specific condition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a necessary condition for the action to take place.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Even if" suggests an alternative scenario, not a necessary condition.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Unless" implies negation and is less precise in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
2.
If you found money on the street, would you turn it in to the police? IF SO / IF NOT what would you do with it?
A) IF SO.
B) IF NOT.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The present unreal conditional is used to describe a situation that is contrary to fact, often hypothetical. In the context of the question about turning in found money, Option B (IF NOT) aligns with this structure because it describes an action that does not actually occur under the given circumstances. The sentence "If you found money on the street, if you did not turn it in to the police" uses a conditional clause followed by a result that is contrary to fact.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
IF SO - This would imply an action that does occur under the given circumstances, which contradicts the use of present unreal conditional.
Option B:
IF NOT - Correct. It describes a situation contrary to fact and aligns with the structure of present unreal conditional.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect as it includes an option that does not fit the context of the sentence.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as Option B fits the context correctly.
3.
If he hadn't been working in Mexico, I ..... him.
A) Wouldn't meet.
B) Hadn't met.
C) Wouldn't have met.
D) Won't meet.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If he hadn't been working in Mexico, I wouldn’t have met him." is an example of a present unreal conditional. In this type of conditional, the condition refers to a hypothetical situation that is contrary to fact or impossible in the present. The result clause uses "wouldn't have + past participle" to express what would not have happened if the condition were true.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Wouldn't meet." This option is incorrect because it does not use the perfect form in the result clause, which is necessary for present unreal conditionals.
Option B:
"Hadn't met." This option is incorrect as it uses the simple past tense instead of the correct future-in-the-past form ("wouldn't have met").
Option C:
"Wouldn't have met." This is the correct answer, using the appropriate future-in-the-past form in the result clause.
Option D:
"Won't meet." This option is incorrect because it refers to a future event, not a hypothetical past situation.
4.
Write the words in the correct order to make sentences. Use the present unreal conditional or wish + simple past.
A) They wish he isn't so busy.
B) They wish he wasn't so busy.
C) They wish he weren't so busy.
D) They wish he aren't so busy.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) They wish he weren't so busy.
This sentence uses the present unreal conditional, which expresses a situation that is contrary to reality and cannot happen now. In this structure, "wish" is followed by the subject (he), then the contraction of "were not," and finally the adjective (so busy). The other options are incorrect because they either use the wrong form of "wasn't" or "aren't."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Uses "isn't" instead of "weren't."
Option B:
Correct but less preferred in formal writing due to the use of "wasn't" without "were."
Option C:
Correct and preferred form for this structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses "aren't" instead of "weren't."
5.
Give an example of a real conditional sentence.
A) When it snows, the sun shines.
B) Unless I eat, I will be hungry.
C) If it rains, the ground gets wet.
D) While I sleep, I am awake.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it exemplifies a present unreal conditional sentence, which expresses an imaginary situation in the present and its result. The structure follows "If + simple present tense (it rains), [subject] + would + base verb form (the ground gets wet)."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This is a real conditional sentence, but it describes a situation that often occurs and its result. It does not involve an imaginary condition.
Option B:
This uses "unless," which can be rephrased as "if" to form a present unreal conditional: "If I don't eat, I will be hungry." However, Option C is more direct and clear in its structure.
Option D:
This describes an action happening simultaneously but does not involve a condition leading to a result. It uses the wrong tense for a present unreal conditional.
6.
If I were a millionaire, I would ..... private jet.
A) Bought.
B) Buying.
C) Buy.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If I were a millionaire, I would ... private jet" is an example of a present unreal conditional. In such constructions, the condition uses the past tense ("were") to express an imaginary situation, and the result uses the base form of the verb ("would buy"). Therefore, "Buy" (Option C) correctly completes the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Past participle used incorrectly.
Option B:
Incorrect. Present participle used incorrectly.
Option C:
Correct. Base form of the verb is appropriate for the result clause in a present unreal conditional.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
7.
I WOULDN'T TRY TO ..... IT UNLESS IT WERE A LARGE AMOUNT.
A) BROKE.
B) RETURN.
C) SECRET.
D) UNDERCHARGED.
E) KEEP.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I WOULDN'T TRY TO RETURN IT UNLESS IT WERE A LARGE AMOUNT" follows the structure of a present unreal conditional, which is typically formed as "would + base verb (not) + if clause." In this case, "return" fits perfectly into the structure. The other options do not fit grammatically or logically in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
BROKE - Does not fit the conditional structure.
Option B:
RETURN - Fits the present unreal conditional structure correctly.
Option C:
SECRET - Not a verb, does not fit grammatically.
Option D:
UNDERCHARGED - Does not fit the conditional structure.
Option E:
KEEP - Does not fit the conditional structure.
8.
She said ..... , she would join a modeling agency.
A) If she is taller.
B) If she was taller.
C) If she isn't taller.
D) If she were taller.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If she were taller, she would join a modeling agency" is an example of a present unreal conditional. In this type of conditional, the condition (if clause) describes a situation that is contrary to fact or impossible in reality, and the result (main clause) expresses what would happen if the condition were true.
Option D uses "were," which is the past tense form of "to be" used with the subject "she" in the third person singular. This construction correctly forms the present unreal conditional.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; uses "is," which does not fit the structure of a present unreal conditional.
Option B:
Incorrect; uses "was," which is past tense and doesn't match the subject "she."
Option C:
Incorrect; uses "isn't," which negates the verb rather than forming the condition in a present unreal conditional.
Option D:
Correct; uses "were" to form the condition, indicating an unreal or hypothetical situation.
9.
Maria is trying to fix a computer issue. Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: "If Maria ..... (be) more patient, she would solve the problem."
A) Have been.
B) Are.
C) Will be.
D) Were.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence uses a present unreal conditional, which is formed as "If + subject + were + verb in base form, subject would + verb". Here, Maria should have been more patient, hence the correct choice is
Were.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Past perfect tense does not fit the structure of a present unreal conditional.
Option B:
Incorrect. Present tense does not match the hypothetical nature required in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Future tense is inappropriate for expressing a past or hypothetical situation.
Option D:
Correct. Past subjunctive form "were" fits the present unreal conditional structure.
10.
Form a present unreal conditional sentence using the verb 'to be'.
A) If I were rich, I would travel the world.
B) If I was rich, I would travel the world.
C) If I were poor, I would buy a mansion.
D) If I am rich, I will travel the world.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The present unreal conditional sentence uses "were" for the condition clause and "would" for the result clause. Option A correctly uses "were rich" in the condition clause and "would travel the world" in the result clause, making it the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "were" for the condition clause and "would" for the result clause.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses "was," which is not appropriate in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. While it uses "were," it incorrectly implies a current state with "poor." The condition should be unreal or hypothetical.
Option D:
Incorrect. It does not follow the structure of a present unreal conditional; it uses "am" and "will," which are inappropriate for this type of sentence.
11.
If I ..... an expensive piece of jewelry in a public bathroom and ..... find the owner, I ..... it.
A) Found / can't / would not.
B) Find / couldn't / would.
C) Found / couldn't / wouldn't.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes a situation where the speaker finds an expensive piece of jewelry in a public bathroom and considers what they would do if they couldn't find the owner. The correct form for this scenario is "Found / couldn't / wouldn't" because it represents a present unreal conditional, which uses past tense ("found") to describe a hypothetical situation that is not real or possible now.
Option A: Found / can't / would not - Incorrect; "can't" and "would not" do not fit the structure of a present unreal conditional.
Option B: Find / couldn't / would - Incorrect; "Find" should be in past tense, and "would" does not match the negative form required by "couldn't".
Option C: Found / couldn't / wouldn't - Correct; fits the structure of a present unreal conditional.
Option D: None of the above - Incorrect; Option C is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect for reasons mentioned.
Option B:
Incorrect for reasons mentioned.
Option C:
Correct as explained.
Option D:
Incorrect; Option C is correct.
12.
If I ..... (lose) my wallet, I ..... (report) it to the police.
A) Losted/ would report.
B) Lost/ would report.
C) Losed/ would report.
D) Lose/ would reported.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The present unreal conditional is used to describe a hypothetical situation that is not real and its result. In this sentence, "If I lost my wallet" sets up the condition (which is unreal because you would not actually lose your wallet in this context), followed by "would report it to the police," which describes the hypothetical action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Losted" is not a standard English word.
Option B:
Correct. "Lost" fits for the unreal condition, and "would report" correctly expresses the hypothetical result.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Losed" is not a standard English word.
Option D:
Incorrect. The verb tense should match ("report"), not be in past tense ("reported").
13.
If I ..... a millionaire, I would buy a car.
A) Was.
B) Am.
C) Were.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If I
Were
a millionaire, I would buy a car" is an example of a present unreal conditional. In this type of conditional, the condition in the if-clause represents a hypothetical or impossible situation that is not true now but could be true in the future. The verb form used here is "were," which is the past tense of "to be" and is required for the subject "I" when forming the conditional structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Was" is incorrect because it does not follow the correct form for a present unreal conditional.
Option B:
"Am" is incorrect because it also does not match the required verb form in this type of conditional sentence.
Option C:
"Were" is correct as explained above.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since one of the options (C) is indeed correct.
14.
..... I work hard, she wouldn't married me.
A) Unless.
B) Even if.
C) Only if.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I work hard, she wouldn't married me" is an example of a Present Unreal Conditional. In such conditions, the present tense in the if-clause (I work) contrasts with the past tense in the main clause (wouldn't married), indicating an unreal or hypothetical situation that cannot happen now.
Option B ("Even if") correctly captures this structure because it implies a condition where despite working hard, the outcome remains impossible. The phrase "even if" is often used to introduce such conditions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "Unless" suggests an opposite conditional scenario.
Option B:
Correct as it fits the Present Unreal Conditional structure.
Option C:
Incorrect as "Only if" implies a necessary condition, not an unreal one.
Option D:
Incorrect as none of the other options fit.
15.
If she ..... about her qualifications, she would be fired.
A) Will lie.
B) Lied.
C) Would lie.
D) Had lied.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If she
.......
about her qualifications, she would be fired." is an example of a present unreal conditional. In such conditions, the if-clause uses the past tense to express an imaginary or impossible situation in the present.
Option B) Lied is correct because it uses the simple past tense to indicate that the action (lying) did not actually happen but is being considered as part of this hypothetical scenario.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Will lie - Incorrect. The main clause should use would + base form, and the if-clause uses simple past.
Option B:
Lied - Correct. Uses simple past to express an unreal condition in the present.
Option C:
Would lie - Incorrect. Both clauses should be in simple past for this structure.
Option D:
Had lied - Incorrect. This would indicate a past unreal conditional, not a present one.
16.
If his parents ..... (come), Sam ..... (bring) them to the theatre.
A) Came/ would bring.
B) Came/ would brought.
C) Would come/ brought.
D) Come/ would bring.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The present unreal conditional is used to express hypothetical situations that are contrary to fact in the present. In this sentence, "If his parents came" (Option A) correctly uses the past tense ("came") for the condition clause, and "Sam would bring them to the theatre" appropriately uses the modal verb "would" followed by the base form of the main verb "bring" to indicate a hypothetical action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses past tense in the condition clause and would + base form for the result.
Option B:
Incorrect. Past tense is needed, not present perfect ("would brought" is incorrect).
Option C:
Incorrect. "Would come" shifts to future unreal conditional, which doesn't fit the context of a hypothetical situation in the present.
Option D:
Incorrect. Present tense does not match the condition being contrary to fact in the present.
17.
Would you ..... if everything was different?
A) Stay with him.
B) Have stay with him.
C) Have stayed with him.
D) Stayed with him.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The present unreal conditional is used to talk about situations that are hypothetical, impossible, or unlikely in the present. The structure of this condition is "if + subject + past simple, subject + would + base form of verb." In the given sentence, "Would you stay with him if everything was different?" fits this structure correctly.
- **Option A:** "Stay with him" uses the correct form for a present unreal conditional.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "would + base form of verb."
Option B:
Incorrect. Changes "would stay" to "have stayed," which is not the correct structure for a present unreal conditional.
Option C:
Incorrect. Changes "would stay" to "have stayed," which is not the correct structure for a present unreal conditional.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses past tense "stayed" instead of "would + base form of verb."
18.
Provide an example of an 'if' clause in a present unreal conditional sentence.
A) If I were a bird, I would fly around the world.
B) If I were a car, I would drive to the moon.
C) If I was a fish, I would climb a tree.
D) If I am a bird, I would fly around the world.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is A) If I were a bird, I would fly around the world. This sentence follows the structure of a present unreal conditional: "If + subject + were + (subject), subject + would + base form of verb." It correctly uses "were" in the if-clause and "would" in the main clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "were" and "would" appropriately.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses past tense "was" instead of "were."
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses past tense "was" instead of "were." Also, the action in the main clause is not a logical consequence of the condition.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses present tense "am" instead of "were," and the action in the main clause does not logically follow from the condition.
19.
EVEN IF I WERE REALLY ..... , I'D GIVE THE MONEY TO THE POLICE.
A) RETURN.
B) BROKE.
C) SECRET.
D) KEEP.
E) UNDERCHARGED.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "EVEN IF I WERE REALLY ..... , I'D GIVE THE MONEY TO THE POLICE" is an example of a present unreal conditional, which expresses a hypothetical situation that is impossible or unlikely to happen in reality. The phrase "even if I were really" indicates the condition being considered as something that does not actually occur.
Option B) BROKE: This fits perfectly because it describes a hypothetical state where the speaker would be so financially strapped that they could not keep any money for themselves, making them more likely to give it to the police. The other options do not fit grammatically or contextually within this conditional structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Return - Irrelevant and does not fit the conditional structure.
Option B:
Broke - Fits perfectly as it describes a hypothetical state of financial difficulty.
Option C:
Secret - Does not fit grammatically or contextually within this conditional structure.
Option D:
Keep - Contradicts the condition set by "even if I were really" and does not make sense in this context.
Option E:
Undercharged - Irrelevant to the given sentence structure and meaning.
20.
Select the sentence that correctly uses the present unreal conditional:Thu is thinking about moving to a new city.
A) If Thu is moving to a new city, she would make new friends.
B) If Thu will move to a new city, she would make new friends.
C) If Thu moves to a new city, she will make new friends.
D) If Thu moved to a new city, she would make new friends.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The present unreal conditional is used to describe a hypothetical situation that is not currently true and its effect on the present. The correct form uses "would" for the result clause, and the condition clause is in the past tense ("moved"). Option D correctly uses this structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because it uses "is moving," which is not in the past tense.
Option B:
Incorrect because it uses "will move," which indicates a future action, not a hypothetical one.
Option C:
Incorrect because it uses "will make," which refers to a certain future event rather than a hypothetical situation.
Option D:
Correct as it uses the past tense in the condition clause and "would" for the result, indicating an unreal or hypothetical scenario.
21.
Would you report a shoplifter only if / even if the person looked poor? If so / If not, would you tell the store manager, or would you call the police?
A) EVEN IF-IF NOT.
B) EVEN IF-IF SO.
C) ONLY IF-IF SO.
D) ONLY IF-IF NOT.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The present unreal conditional is used to describe a situation that is contrary to fact, often involving hypothetical scenarios. In the context of the question, "Would you report a shoplifter only if / even if the person looked poor?" we are dealing with a scenario where the condition (looking poor) does not necessarily lead to the action (reporting). The correct answer uses "even if" for the condition and "if so" for the action, indicating that reporting would occur regardless of whether the person looks poor. This aligns with the structure of the present unreal conditional.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
EVEN IF-IF NOT. Incorrect as it suggests not reporting even if the condition is met.
Option B:
EVEN IF-IF SO. Correct, indicating that reporting would occur based on the condition being met or not.
Option C:
ONLY IF-IF SO. Incorrect as it implies reporting only when the person looks poor.
Option D:
ONLY IF-IF NOT. Incorrect as it suggests not reporting even if the condition is met.
22.
Which is incorrect?If I was you, I would dance all night!
A) Was.
B) Would dance.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The present unreal conditional is used to describe a hypothetical situation that is not currently true and its effect on the present. The structure typically involves "if + past simple" followed by "would + base form of verb." In the given sentence, "If I was you, I would dance all night!" uses "was," which should be "were" in this context to correctly form the conditional.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Was" is incorrect; it should be "were."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Would dance" is correct for the second part of the conditional.
Option C:
Incorrect. All parts are not incorrect together.
Option D:
Incorrect. Only one option (A) is correct.
23.
If he ..... so secretive, people would trust him more.
A) Weren't.
B) Isn't.
C) Will not be.
D) Wouldn't be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If he weren't so secretive, people would trust him more." is an example of a present unreal conditional. In this type of conditional, the if-clause uses the past tense (were + base form of verb) to express an imaginary or unlikely situation in the present. The main clause uses "would" plus the base form of the verb to indicate the result of that condition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "weren't," which is appropriate for the if-clause in a present unreal conditional.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Isn't" refers to the present, not an imaginary situation.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Will not be" does not fit the structure of a present unreal conditional.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Wouldn't be" is used in the main clause, not the if-clause.
24.
I won't pass the exam ..... I study
A) Unless.
B) Only if.
C) Even if.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I won't pass the exam..... I study" is an example of a Present Unreal Conditional, which expresses a hypothetical situation that is not currently true but could be in the future if certain conditions were met. The correct answer is
A) Unless
because it introduces the condition under which the statement would change from unreal to possible.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Unless" correctly sets up a conditional relationship, indicating that studying alone (without additional effort or conditions) won't result in passing the exam.
Option B:
"Only if" implies a strict condition where passing is contingent solely on studying, which doesn't fit the context of a Present Unreal Conditional.
Option C:
"Even if" suggests that studying alone would still not be enough to pass, but it does not introduce the necessary conditional relationship.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect as Option A provides a suitable condition.
25.
..... The teacher disrespects me, I would not disrespect him.
A) Even if.
B) Unless.
C) Only if.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Only if" is the correct answer because it indicates a condition that must be met for the statement to hold true. The sentence suggests that you would not disrespect the teacher unless he disrespects you first, which aligns with the structure of a present unreal conditional.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Even if" implies an action regardless of conditions, which does not fit the context.
Option B:
"Unless" suggests a direct condition but is less precise in this context compared to "Only if."
Option C:
"Only if" correctly conveys that you would not disrespect the teacher unless he disrespects you, fitting the present unreal conditional structure.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "Only if" is the right choice.
26.
I moved to this state last year, so If I ..... in Veracruz, I wouldn't be studying in this school.
A) Would have stayed.
B) Stay.
C) Stayed.
D) Had stayed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The present unreal conditional is used to describe a hypothetical situation that is contrary to fact and its result. The structure of this condition is "if + past perfect (had + verb) +, would + base form of the main verb." In the given sentence, "If I had stayed in Veracruz," fits perfectly as it uses the past perfect tense with "had" followed by the base form of the verb "stay," and correctly conveys a hypothetical situation that is contrary to fact. The correct answer is
D) Had stayed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Uses conditional perfect, which is not appropriate for present unreal conditionals.
Option B:
Uses simple present tense, which does not fit the hypothetical context.
Option C:
Uses past tense, which is incorrect for this type of conditional.
Option D:
Correctly uses past perfect to set up a present unreal conditional.
27.
If I were taller, I ..... basketball when I was in high school.
A) Will play.
B) Had played.
C) Would play.
D) Would have played.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If I were taller, I ... basketball when I was in high school" is an example of a present unreal conditional. In this type of conditional, the condition refers to a hypothetical situation that is not true now but could be true in the future or in someone's imagination. The structure for the main clause (the part after "I") uses "would + base verb". Therefore, the correct answer is
D) Would have played
. This option correctly conveys the idea of a past unreal situation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Will play" refers to a future action and does not fit the context of a hypothetical past situation.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Had played" is in the past perfect tense, which is used for completed actions in the past before another past event; it doesn't fit here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Would play" refers to a present unreal conditional and does not indicate a past action or state.
Option D:
Correct. "Would have played" fits the structure of a present unreal conditional, indicating a hypothetical past situation.
28.
I would collect books .....
A) , if I had a lot of money.
B) , if I have a lot of money.
C) If I had a lot of money.
D) If I have a lot of money.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the "If + past simple, would/could/might + base form" structure, which is characteristic of the Present Unreal Conditional. This structure expresses a hypothetical situation in the present that is not likely to happen.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it uses a comma after ".....", which is unnecessary.
Option B:
Incorrect; it uses past simple tense with "have" instead of "had".
Option C:
Correct; it uses the proper structure for Present Unreal Conditional.
Option D:
Incorrect; it uses present simple tense with "have" instead of "had".
29.
If they ..... here, I ..... them what happened.
A) Were / told.
B) Were / would tell.
C) Were / will tell.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If they were here, I would tell them what happened" is an example of a present unreal conditional. In this type of conditional, the condition refers to a hypothetical situation in the present that is not true or likely to happen. The main clause uses "would + base verb" to express the result.
- **Option B (Were / would tell)**: Correct. It accurately represents the structure of a present unreal conditional.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because it uses past tense in both clauses, which does not fit the structure of a present unreal conditional.
Option B:
Correct as explained above.
Option C:
Incorrect for the same reason as Option A; future tense is inappropriate here.
Option D:
Incorrect because there is a correct answer among the options provided.
30.
If you need the car in the afternoon, I (go) ..... shopping in the morning.
A) Would go.
B) Will go.
C) Go.
D) Went.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If you need the car in the afternoon, I (go) ..... shopping in the morning." is an example of a present unreal conditional. In such conditions, we use "would" to express a hypothetical situation that is not real or likely to happen. Therefore, the correct answer is
Option B: Will go.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Would go - Incorrect for this context as it should be "will" in the main clause of a present unreal conditional.
Option B:
Will go - Correct. This fits the structure of a present unreal conditional where the if-clause uses the simple past and the main clause uses "would" plus the base form of the verb.
Option C:
Go - Incorrect as it lacks the auxiliary verb needed for the main clause in this conditional sentence.
Option D:
Went - Incorrect as it is in the past tense and does not fit the structure of a present unreal conditional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Present Unreal Conditional?
The Present Unreal Conditional is a type of conditional sentence that expresses hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present. It typically uses "if" followed by the past simple tense and "would" plus the base form of the verb for the main clause.
How is the Present Unreal Conditional used?
It is often used to talk about situations that are contrary to fact or unlikely to happen. For example, "If I had enough money, I would travel the world." This sentence suggests a situation that is not currently true.
Can you give an example of Present Unreal Conditional?
Sure! An example could be, "If I were taller, I would play basketball professionally." This sentence implies that the speaker is not tall enough to play professional basketball.
What distinguishes Present Unreal Conditional from other conditionals?
The key difference lies in its use for hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present. Unlike the Past Conditional, which talks about past unreal situations, and the Zero Conditional, which deals with general truths, the Present Unreal Conditional focuses on current but improbable scenarios.
Is the Present Unreal Conditional difficult to learn?
While it can be challenging at first due to its structure, understanding and using the Present Unreal Conditional becomes easier with practice. It is a fundamental concept in English grammar that helps express hypothetical situations clearly.