Unit 14 Grammar: Subjunctive Mood III

Objectives: Introduction of new grammar theme “Subjunctive Mood III” and fulfilling grammar exercises.

Subjunctive Mood III

The verb in the if-clause is in the past perfect tense; the verb in the main clause is in the perfect conditional. The time is past and the condition cannot be fulfilled because the action in the if-clause didn’t happen: If I had known that you were coming I would have meet you at the airport. (But I didn’t know, so I didn’t come).

 The continuous form of the perfect conditional may be used: At the time of the accident I was sitting in the back of the car, because Tom’s little boy was sitting beside him in front. If Tom’s boy had not been there I would have been sitting in front.

 W e can use the past perfect continuous in the if-clause: I was learning a seat belt. If I hadn’t been wearing one I’d have been seriously injured.

 Had can be placed first and the if omitted: I f you had obeyed orders this disaster would not have happened = Had you obeyed orders this disaster would not have happened.

Ex. 1. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tenses.

1. If I had known that you were in hospital I (visit) you. 2. The ground was very soft. But for that, my horse (win). 3. If you (arrive) ten minutes earlier you would have got a seat. 4. You would have seen my garden at its best if you (be) here last week. 5. If I (have) a map I would have been all right. 6. If I (know) that you were coming I’d have baked a cake.6. If you had told me that he never paid his debts I (not lend) him the money. 7. If you (not sneeze) he wouldn’t have known that we were there. 8. If he had known that the river was dangerous he (not try) to swim across it. 9. If he had known the whole story he (not be) so angry. 10. Rome (be captured) by her enemies if the geese hadn’t cackled.

Ex. 2. Complete the sentence with appropriate auxilary verbs:

1 I don't know many people, but I wish I ...did... . 2 He can't drive, but he wishes he … 3 We didn't move house, but we wish we … 4 I'm not very wealthy, but I wish I …  5 She probably won't help me, but I wish she…  6 He hasn't got any pets, but he wishes he…  7 They don't go out very often, but they wish they … 8 He won't listen to my advice, but I wish he…

Ex. 3. Complete sentences with nessacery form of verbs:

1. Tom: I woke up to find the room full of smoke; but I knew exactly what to do.     Ann: If I (wake) up to find the room full of smoke I (have) no idea what to do.

2. Ann: I couldn't live without Tom. If he (go) off with another girl I (die). But I have complete confidence in Tom.

3. Husband: But I'm not going on a diet. Why should I go on a diet?      Wife: If you (go) on a diet you (lose) weight.

4. If someone (say), 'I’ll give you £500 to go into court and swear that this statement is true,' what you (do)?

5. If we (work) all night we (finish) in time; but we have no intention of working all night.

6. You must never blow out a gaslight. Do you know what (happen) if you (blow) out a gaslight?

7. A: If I (see) a tiger walking across Hyde Park I (climb) a tree.      B: That (not be) any use. The tiger (climb) after you.

8. If I (come) across two men fighting with knives I (call) the police.

9. Ann: All your clothes are years out of date. Why don't you throw them away?     Mary: Don't be ridiculous! If I (throw) my clothes away I (have) to ask my husband for £1,000 to buy new ones.     Ann:If you (ask) him for £1,000 what he (say)?     Mary: He (be) too horrified to speak at first. But when he'd recovered from the shock, he probably (start) talking about a divorce.

10. If someone (ring) my doorbell at 3 a.m. I (be) very unwilling to open the door.

11. If I (see) a python in Piccadilly I (assume) it had escaped from a circus.

12.Tom: The plane was on fire so we baled out.      Ann: I don't think I (have) the nerve to do that even if the plane (be) on fire.

13. We train the children to file out of the classroom quietly, because if a whole class (rush) at the door someone (get) hurt.

14. A:Why don't you buy a season ticket?         B:Because I lose everything. If I (buy) a season ticket I (lose) it.

15. Jack: They get £150 a week.      Tom: They can't get £150 a week. If they (do) they (not be) striking for £120.