Conditional sentences are real terms in English. Conditional sentences in English - Conditional Sentences

Sometimes we are not very happy with the current state of affairs and realize that we would like to change it. For example:

“If only I knew English. If only it weren't raining now. If only I could meet you."

Such offers for English language are built using the if only construct. In this article I will tell you how to use it correctly.

The if only construction in English

The expression if only is translated as “if only.” We use it when we talk about strong desire so that the situation would turn out differently. That is, about unrealistic situations.

This construction adds emotional coloring to your speech. Then you express strong emotions and feelings.

Using this construction, we can say that:

• We really regret something
• We would really like something (but we don’t have it)
• We were really expecting something (but it didn’t happen)

For example:

If only I had agreed to that job back then.

If only I could talk to him.

If only she would come.

We can use this construction in the present, past and future tenses.

Let's look at how.

Let's start from the present time.

Using the if only construct in the present tense

In the present tense, we use the if only construction when we talk about some events or situation that we would like to change right now.

For example:

If only he made more (he'd like to make more right now).

How to construct such a sentence in English? Let's get a look.

1. Our If only comes first

3. We put the action itself in the past tense (Past Simple), that is, we add the ending -ed to the correct verbs, and we put the incorrect ones in the second form

Note: Whether a verb is correct or incorrect you can look it up in the dictionary

Let's look at the diagram of such a proposal:

If only + actor+ action in past tense

	I
	you
	they	knew
If only	we	told
	she	bought
	he
	it

For example:

If only we could leave now.
If only we could leave now.

If only I spoke English.
If only I spoke English.

Now let's look at how such sentences are used in the past tense.

Using the if only construction in the past tense

We use the If only construction in the past tense when we talk about the desire to change something that has already happened.

For example:

If only I had followed your advice (but I didn’t and now I regret it).

How to construct such sentences in English?

Exactly the same as in the present tense. Only now we put the action during the Past Perfect (past complete).

This means that we:

• We put the auxiliary verb had before the action
• Depending on the verb (action), we add the ending -ed if the verb is correct or put it in the 3rd form if the verb is irregular

The outline of such a proposal looks like this:

If only + actor + had + action in 3rd form

	I
	you
	they		known
If only	we	had	done
	she		called
	he
	it

Now let's look at the future tense.

Using the if only construction in the future tense

We use the If only construction in the future tense when we talk about wishes for the future, in which we show the contrast between the way things are and the way we want them to be.

For example:

If only he had called me (at this moment he doesn't call).

Such proposals are easy to construct.

Just like in other tenses, we put If only and the actor. Next comes would and the action (verb) in the initial form (that is, we do not change it in any way).

Let's look at the diagram:

If only + actor + would + action

	I
	you
	they		talk
If only	we	would	buy
	she		do
	he
	it

If only he would marry me.
If only he would marry me.

If only I would talk to him.
If only I had talked to him.

So, we've looked at the English construction, now let's practice using it.

Reinforcement task

Translate the following sentences into English. Leave your answers in the comments.

1. If only he got a job.
2. If only she lived here.
3. If only they knew the truth.
4. If only I had gone with you.
5. If only I had bought that car.

One of the complex topics that English grammar includes is Conditionals. This section requires detailed consideration. An analogue of such constructions in Russian are sentences in However, in English there are a number of features that must be taken into account when translating.

Null type

This type implies cause-and-effect relationships. It is used in cases where it is necessary to indicate a real condition, the result of which is always relevant. Most often, Zero conditional mood in English is used if you need to point out specific facts, established order, habits, and when advice or instructions are given. Type zero does not refer to any single case, but implies scientific facts, patterns, well-known truths, and everyday repetitive actions.

The construction scheme is as follows:

Such constructions are translated into Russian with the words “if” or “when”, without the particle “would”.

• If people eat more, they become fat. - If people eat more, they gain weight.
• If you set yourself a goal, you must try hard to achieve it. - If you set a goal for yourself, you must strive hard to achieve it.
• If you want to be in good trim, don't eat much. - If you want to be in good shape, don't eat too much.

First type (real present)

First condition is used in cases where we are talking about a real condition and further consequences. Implies probable future developments. This type is used if it is necessary to convey prediction, irrational prejudices, forecasting, intention, warning, future plans, possibilities.

In this case, the following scheme is used:

According to the context, the first part of the conditional sentence means the future tense and, as a rule, is translated into Russian in the future tense (in the English version, this part of the sentence is presented in the present form).

• If you don"t hurry, you"ll be late for the dinner. - If you don't hurry up, you'll be late for lunch.
• If I miss the plane today, I "ll stay at home. - If I miss the plane today, I will stay at home.
• If you can get a ticket for me, I"ll go to the cinema with you. - If you can get a ticket for me, I will go to the cinema with you.
• If you see my friends later, will you tell them to call me? - If you see my friends later, can you tell them to call me?

Second type (unreal present)

This type expresses hypothetical possibilities in the present or future tense. We may also be talking about something unlikely or practically impossible. Construction scheme:

Note: in similar sentences was needs to be replaced with were. However, occasionally in everyday colloquial speech one can also find was.

First and second conditionals in English may be close in meaning, but the 2nd type assumes that the probability of performing a particular action is much less than in a conditional sentence of the 1st type. This construction can be used when you imagine a different version of the existence of the current reality or express desires related to the present time. In Russian, in such cases there is a subjunctive mood using the words “if”. When translating, one should take into account the features that the English language implies. Second conditional is also called hypothetical.

• If I were you, I would apply for a job. - If I were you, I would apply for a job.
• If I were president, I would make the life in our country better. - would make life in our country better.
• If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go out every night. - If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go for a walk every evening.
• If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly. - If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly.

Third type (unreal past)

This type involves hypothetical situations from the past. As a rule, we are talking about events that did not happen in the past. This structure used when talking about an imaginary situation that is the opposite of real facts that happened in the past. Often used to express criticism, regret and indignation.

To use this design, the following scheme is used:

If the word order changes, if is not used.

• If I had worked harder, I would have bought an expensive camera. - If I worked harder, I would buy an expensive camera.
• If I had been invited to her birthday, I would have bought a gift for her. - If I was invited to her birthday, I would buy a gift for her.
• If I had set the alarm, I wouldn't have overslept. - If I set the alarm, I wouldn't oversleep.

Mixed type

Mixed conditionals in English imply a comparison of the second and third types. As a rule, such constructions are used if one part of the sentence refers to the past tense, and the second to the present.

Scheme 1: the condition refers to the past tense, and the consequence - to the present.

Scheme 2: the consequence refers to the past tense, and the condition - to the present.

Mixed conditionals in English, examples of which are presented below, will require more detailed study, since at first glance this topic may seem somewhat complicated.

• If I knew that actor, I would have spoken to him. - If I knew that actor, I would talk to him. (In this example, the first part containing the condition represents type 2, and the main part is type 3).
• If Gabriela had found a job, she wouldn't be searching for one know. - If Gabriela had found a job, she would not be looking for it now. (The conditional part belongs to the third type, and the main part to the second).

Punctuation features

If a subordinate clause containing a condition appears before a chapter, a comma is placed between them. If the order is reversed, there is no comma.

For example:

• If you had called him, he would have come immediately. - If you called him, he would come immediately.
• He would have come if you called. - He would have come if you called him.

Understanding the topic of Conditionals in English and learning to define certain ones in the original language is quite easy if you devote enough time to this issue. However, difficulties may arise when translating from Russian. Here are some tips on what to look for:

• Sentences containing the words “if” and “if” are conditional, which means that when translating into English you will have to take into account
• It must be determined whether the implied condition is real or unreal. If the particle “would” is present, then the condition in this phrase is unreal.
• What time does the conditional part refer to? If to the past - this is the third type. If to the present or future - the second.
• In cases where one part complex sentence refers to the past, and the second - to the present, a mixed type is used.

Conditionals in English: exercises with answers

Completing various tasks will help you absorb information faster:

Exercise 1:

a) compare parts of sentences and determine the type of condition;
b) translate into Russian.

1. If you had taken my advice...	A. ... I"ll win.
2. If you are ill...	B. ... I would put on a coat.
3. If I enter the competition...	C. ... you woudn"t have got into such trouble.
4. If he had found out...	D. ... see a doctor.
5. If I were you...	E. ...he would have been angry.
6. If you make a mistake...	F. ...teacher will correct it.

Task 2: translate into English, determine the type:

1. If you had called me, I would have known about it.
2. If you want to win, you need to try harder.
3. If he loved books, he would read them.
4. If people go to the gym, they feel better.
5. If it rains when we arrive, we will cancel the picnic.

Answers 1:

1. C. If you had listened to my advice, you would not have such troubles. (3)
2. D. If you are sick, consult a doctor. (0)
3. A. If I go to the competition, I will win. (2)
4. E. If he found out, he would be angry. (3)
5. B. If I were you, I would put on a coat. (2)
6. F. If you make a mistake, the teacher will correct you. (1)

Answers 2:

1. If you had called me, I would have known about it. (3)
2. If you want to win, you have to try harder. (1)
3. If he liked books, he would read them. (2)
4. If people go to the gym, they feel better. (0)
5. If it is raining when we arrive, we"ll cancel the picnic. (1)

The topic of Conditionals in English is quite easy to understand. In order to freely use various grammatical formulas and constructions in everyday speech, accurately determining the type of conditional sentence, it is extremely important to consolidate the acquired knowledge in practice. In addition to performing exercises on translation and comparison of phrases, you need to include such structures in your everyday speech, find them in the process of reading literature in the original and use them in writing.

There are several varieties in the subjunctive mood of the English language. They differ from standard grammar in terms of formation and use of tenses. The basis of any conditional sentence is two parts: the main (principal, or main clause) and the subordinate (subordinate, or if-clause). The conditional sentence itself is visible in the subordinate part, where there are conjunctions that introduce the condition - if, in case, as soon as, etc. – and time – when, till (until), before, after, etc.

There are 4 main types of such structures. In addition, there are also mixed types of Conditionals, where the main and subordinate parts of different types. Next we will talk about the first two types: Zero conditional and the First Conditional.

Features of zero type conditional sentences

It is worth saying that the zero type of conditional sentences is called so because there is no condition here as such, there is only an action that inevitably follows from another action.

Zero type education

In type 0 conditionals, both parts usually have the same tense form. More often this is, but sometimes you can also find it when we are talking about something in the past. The structure of such structures is as follows:

If + Present/Past Simple + Present/Past Simple

Using Conditional 0

Type zero conditionals are needed to express an action that directly follows from another action. Often similar examples can be found when describing the laws of nature, physical phenomena, as well as everything that inevitably entails an obvious result:

· If you heat water, it boils – If you heat water, it boils
· If it is sunny outside, it is warm – If it is sunny outside, it is warm there

Examples with Zero Conditional with the past tense are less common, but they are also possible and convey the same essence, with the only difference that we are talking about events in the past, about actions that followed from other actions earlier:

If father brought us sweets in our childhood, we shared them equally – When father brought us sweets in childhood, we shared them equally

Note: in the case of Past in Zero Conditional, the if conjunction is often translated as “when”, as it looks more natural.

Features of the first type of conditional sentences

Conditional sentences of the first type differ from the second and third in that the action expressed here is absolutely real and may well happen.

Education First conditional

Here the tenses in the main and subordinate parts are different. The action in the First conditionals refers to the future tense (less often to the present), which means that the Future form will be used in the principal clause.

Despite the fact that in Russian both parts of the conditional sentence are in the future tense, in English it is important to follow a certain rule and use conditions or tenses beginning with if, when, etc. in subordinate parts. present time. This is a fairly common mistake among Russian-speaking people, but compliance with this norm is fundamental, otherwise the sentence will be constructed incorrectly.

Note: it is impossible to say that both parts of type 1 are characterized exclusively by Simple. This form is usually used, but if we are talking about duration, then the Continuous comes to the rescue, and if the result and perfection are emphasized, then the English language provides for the use of the perfect. This is typical for both the main and subordinate parts.

You can display the first type structurally like this:

(Subordinate clause) (Principal clause)
If + Present Simple/Continuous/Perfect + Future Simple/Continuous/Perfect

Note: as for punctuation in conditional sentences, the situation here is quite simple: if the subordinate part comes first, then there should be a comma after it, and if the main part, then there is no punctuation mark.

Using Conditional 1

The 1st Conditionals are relevant when it is necessary to demonstrate a condition that is quite likely to occur. As already mentioned, in such conditional sentences in English it is permissible to use both the continuous and perfect tenses, the main thing is that this is due to the situation. For example:

· If she comes, we will set off immediately – If she comes, we will leave immediately
· If it is raining, Jim will not come to us - If it rains, Jim will not come to us
· I will call you as soon as I have finished doing my homework - I will call you as soon as I finish doing my homework

The use of perfect and continuous forms is possible both in subordinate and main parts.

Note: the rule for using the perfect in conditional sentences in subordinate clauses provides for its absence in the case when the main verb is a verb of sensory perception (see, smell, hear, etc.):

In case she sees this painting, she will most likely buy it. If she sees this painting, most likely she will buy it.

Correct use of these types of conditional sentences in practice will allow the speaker to express his thoughts competently and correctly, because the linguistic composition of the Russian language does not provide for such constructions, and in English they occur quite often.

With the help of conditional sentences, we say that something will/will not happen or could happen under certain conditions:

“If the weather is good, we will go for a walk. If she knew English, she would have found new job. If he hadn't missed the plane, he would have been here."

There are four types of conditionals in English: 0, 1, 2 and 3.

So that you do not get confused and can use all these types correctly, in the article we will analyze each of them, and I will give you a general table of their use.

From the article you will learn:

What are conditional sentences in English?

Conditional sentences- these are sentences where there is a certain condition under which an action will occur or could happen/not happen.

For example: If he fixes the car, we will go out of town (the action will only happen if he fixes the car).

All conditional sentences consist of 2 parts:

1. The main part is the event itself

2. Condition - an event under which the action in the main part would be possible

Conditional sentences can be used when we say:

• ABOUT real events

For example: If they go to the cinema, they will call me (if the condition is met - the event will happen).

• About unreal events

For example: If he had money, he would buy this phone (the event is unrealistic, since he has no money).

There are 4 types of conditional sentences in English.

Let's look at each of them.

Zero type of conditional sentences in English

Zero Conditional

When are type zero conditionals used?

We use this type of conditional sentences when we describe events, things, phenomena that are always real and true.

It can be:

• Scientific facts
• Nature laws
• Commonly accepted statements
• Obvious statements
• Actions that always occur under such conditions

For example:

If you hit yourself hard, you will bruise (obvious statement)

How are type zero conditional sentences constructed?

This conditional type of sentence is the easiest.

Since we are talking about events that are always true, both parts use Present Simple.

The outline of such a proposal:

Actor + action + if + actor + action

Attention: If we are talking about one person (he, she, it), do not forget to add the ending -s/-es to the action.

If you heat ice, it melts.
If you heat ice, it will melt (this always happens).

If she cleans in a flat, she listens to the radio.

Now let's move on to conditional sentences of the 1st type.

The first type of conditional sentences in English

First Conditional

When are conditional sentences of the first type used?

Such sentences are used when we talk about real events in the future. That is, if the condition is met, then the action will occur in the future.

For example:

If we meet on the weekend, we will go to the museum (the action will occur if the condition is met).

How are conditional sentences of the first type constructed?

Let's look at how the main and conditional parts are built in such a sentence.

The main part contains an action that will or will not happen in the future. Therefore, in this part we use the Future Simple tense, which is formed using the verb will.

For example:

I will buy this dress….
I will buy this dress...

He will pass an exam….
He will pass the exam...

The conditional part contains a certain condition, upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of which the action from the main part will occur.

In this part we use the Present Simple tense (simple present), despite the fact that we translate it into Russian into the future tense.

For example:

If she studies hard...
If she studies hard...

If they come…
If they come...

The outline of such a proposal:

Actor + will + action + if + actor + action

She will come if she feels well.
She will come if she feels good.

They will help you if you ask them.

The second type of conditional sentences in English

Second Conditional

When is the 2nd type of conditional sentence used?

We use such sentences when we talk about imaginary situations in the present and future. Events about which we're talking about in such sentences are unlikely or unrealistic.

For example:

If it were warm, we would go for a walk in the park (but now it’s cold, so these events are unrealistic).

How are type 2 conditional sentences constructed?

Let's look at both parts.

The main part is formed using would. When constructing a sentence, we put would after the actor, and then comes the verb in the initial form.

For example:

She would buy the phone...
She would buy this phone...

They would come...
He would come...

In the conditional part we use Past Simple tense.

Depending on the verb, this tense is formed as follows:

• if the verb is regular, we add the ending -ed (cook - cooked)
• if the verb is not regular, we put it in the 2nd form (see - saw).

For example:

If she had enough money...
If only she had enough money...

If they knew English…
If only they knew English...

The outline of such a proposal would be:

Actor + would + action + if + actor + regular verb ending -ed or 2nd form irregular verb

They would go to the cinema if he bought tickets.
They would go to the cinema if he bought tickets.

She would cook dinner if she had enough time.
She would cook dinner if she had time.

The third type of conditional sentences in English

Third Conditional

When is type 3 conditional used?

We use this type of conditional sentence when we talk about unrealistic situations that might or might not have happened in the past under certain conditions.

For example:

He would not have been late for work if he had caught the bus (but he did not have time and was late, so these events are unreal and cannot be changed).

How are type 3 conditional sentences constructed?

Let's look at both parts.

The main part is formed using:

• would
• 3rd form of irregular verb or regular verb ending -ed

For example:

They wouldhave passed the exam...
She would have passed this exam….

He would have come…
He would come...

In the conditional part we use Past Perfect tense (past perfect tense), which is formed using:

• auxiliary verb had 3rd form
• irregular verb or regular verb ending -ed

For example:

If she had worked hard...
If only she worked hard...

If they had found out the truth…
If they found out the truth...

The outline of such a proposal would be as follows:

Actor + would + have + action in 3rd form + if + actor + had + action in 3rd form

They would have won that game if they had trained enough.
They would have won that game if they had practiced enough.

She would have lived abroad if she had got married him.
She would live abroad if she married him.

General table for using conditional sentences

Now let's look at a general table to reinforce the use of these sentences.

Conditional Sentence Type	When to use	How is the main part formed?	How is the conditional part formed?	Examples
Null	When we describe events, things, phenomena that are always real and true.		Using Present Simple tense	If she cleans in a flat, she listens to the radio. If she is cleaning the apartment, she listens to the radio (this always happens).
First	When we talk about real future events	Using the Future Simple tense	Using Present Simple tense	They will help you if you ask them. They will help you if you ask them.
Second	When we talk about imaginary situations in the present and future. These events are unrealistic or unlikely.	With would, the action remains in its initial form	Using Past Simple	He would buy the car if he won the lottery. He would buy a car if he won the lottery.
Third	When we talk about unrealistic situations that might or might not have happened in the past under certain conditions.	By using: would 3rd verb form	Using Past Perfect	They wouldhave passed the exam if they had studied hard. They would pass this exam if they studied hard.

So, we've covered the theory, now let's move on to practice.

Reinforcement task

Translate the following sentences into English. Leave your answers in the comments below the article.

1. They will make a cake if they go to the store.
2. She would go to the cinema if he called her.
3. If she works, she gets up early.
4. If he had graduated from that university, he would have worked here.
5. She will buy a new laptop if she sells the old one.

), conditions second type (Conditional 2)- unrealistic. Conditional sentences of the second type are used to express imaginary situations in the present and future; situations that contradict the facts. Actions that convey conditional sentences of the second type, unrealistic or unlikely.

Conditional sentences always have two parts: conditional (if-clause) And main (main clause). Conditional sentences of the second type are formed very simply:

IN conditional part(after IF ) is used only past tense, and in basic: would with infinitive without the particle to (first form of the verb, V1).

If the conditional part comes before the main part, it is separated by a comma. If the conditional part comes after the main part, it is not separated by a comma.

To correctly understand the essence of using conditional sentences of the second type, let's imagine:

1. If I lived by the sea, I would sunbathe every day.
2. If we had a million, we would help the poor.
3. If he knew English, he would find a good job.

All these situations are unrealistic because:

1. I don’t live by the sea and it’s unlikely that I will.
2. We don’t have a million and won’t have it in the near future.
3. He doesn’t know English yet, but he’s working on it.

To translate these sentences into English, we use a sentence scheme:

IFPast Simple,
If I lived near the sea,		sunbathe every day.
If we had a million,
If he knew English,		find a good job.

As you can see, in the conditional part both Russian and English use the past tense (If I lived... - If I lived...), and for all persons (I, he, we) we use would with a verb in the first form.

EXERCISE: Complete these sentences yourself and come up with a few more imaginary situations:

If I lived near the sea, ...

If I had a million, ...

If I knew English very well, ...

In conditional sentences of the second type, it is permissible to replace was with were for all persons:

If I were very rich, I would buy what I want. But I'm not so rich. - If I were rich, I would buy everything I want. But I'm not so rich.

If he were strong, he would lift this box. Unfortunately, he is not strong enough. - If he was strong, he would have lifted this box. Unfortunately, he is not strong enough.

If she were here, she would help us. She is not here now, so she can't help us. - If she were here, she would help us. She is not here now, so she cannot help us.

Although there is no difference in meaning between was and were, in sentences that indicate unlikely actions(as in the first and second examples), were sounds more formally. And in sentences indicating incredible actions(as in the third example), it is preferable to always use were .

These were the basic rules that are given at the pre-intermediate level, they are quite simple and you should not have problems using Conditional 2 at this stage. Next we will look at what changes can occur in the main and conditional parts of conditional sentences of the second type.

Conditional part

In addition to Past Simple, Past Continuous can be used in the conditional part, if we imagine the action occurring at the moment of speech:

IF Past Continuous,

If she were now was walking to the store, she would buy you some sweets, but she’s going to work. -If she were going to the shop now, she would buy you some sweets, but she is going to work.

If I were now led car, I would drive slowly. And you're driving fast. - If I were driving, I would drive slowly. And you are driving fast.

Main part

In the main part, instead of would , you can find modals verbs could and might.

Could expresses ability (ability), A might- possibility, probability (possibility):

IF Past Continuous,

If people had wings, they could fly. - If people had wings, they could fly.

If I were taller, I might be a good basketball player. - If I were taller, I could be a good basketball player.

Now let's take a look various designs, which are used in Conditional 2 and their functions. Each design has its own characteristics and meanings.

If I were you...

Conditional 2 is used to to give advice. To do this, put yourself in the place of another person: If I were you (his/her/your) I would... .

Only in the English version the word “place” is not present in the sentence, but instead they say: If I were you... - If I were you,... :

If I were you, I would accept this job offer. - If I were you, I would accept this job offer.

What would you do if you were me? - What would you do if you were in my place?

If I were him, I would tell the truth. - If I were him, I would tell the truth.

The question arises! How to correctly: If I were him/her or If I were he/she ?

We can say that both options exist, but the option with he/she described in old grammar reference books, it is offered as a formal, “written” version. In modern spoken English it is acceptable to use him/her.

Instead of If I were you you can say If I were in your position:

If I were in your position, I would stay at home. - If I were you, I would stay at home.

If I were in his position, I wouldn't get angry. - If I were in his place, I wouldn't get angry.

It is also possible to use the inverted version, without if: Were I you ... :

Were I you, I would call them back. - If I were you, I would call them back.

Were I you, I wouldn't spend so much time surfing the net. - If I were you, I wouldn't spend so much time on the Internet.

If it were not for...

There is also a construction If it were not for (If not...), indicating why something happened or did not happen.

If it were not for your help, I would be unemployed. - If it weren't for your help, I would be unemployed.

If it weren't for Mary, we wouldn't know the truth. - If it weren’t for Mary, we wouldn’t know the truth.

This design can be inverted(reverse), without if: Were it not for (If not...). The inverted version is used in formal contexts and, unlike the direct one, never does not use short form (weren"t):

Were it not for your urgent measures, we would have problems. “If it weren’t for your urgent measures, we would have had problems.”

Were it not for his support, I would be still depressed. “If it weren’t for his support, I would still be depressed.”

You can add for the fact that to both constructions:

If it weren't for the fact that you helped me, I would be unemployed. - If it weren't for the fact that you helped me, I would be unemployed.

Were it not for the fact that he supported me, I would be still depressed. “If it weren’t for the fact that he supported me, I would still be depressed.”

Please note that in the above constructions unacceptable use was instead were.

If I were to...

If you want to emphasize that the situation in the present, which the conditional part of the sentence describes, unlikely, unrealistic or very unpleasant, then instead of a semantic verb in the conditional part, you can use the If I were to construction:

If I were to lose all my money, I would be in despair. - If I lost all my money, I would be desperate. (It's an unpleasant thought)

If she were to have a car accident, she would call her husband. - If she had an accident, she would call her husband. (This is a bad situation)

This design can also refer to future actions, indicating that a future action is unlikely or very unpleasant:

If I were to immigrate in the future, I would miss my country. - If I had to move to another country in the future, I would miss my country. (I'm not planning to move, that's unlikely)

If she were to tell my secret, I would not be on speaking terms with her. “If she told me my secret, I wouldn’t talk to her.” (I'm sure she won't tell)

If only...

If you want to express regret about a current or future situation, you can use If only ... clauses:

If only I had some free time - If only I had free time/It’s a pity that I don’t have free time.

If only I knew English. - If only I knew English./It’s a pity that I don’t know English.

Offers with If only identical in meaning to sentences that use the construction I wish. You can find out more about such offers with I wish from.

Here, perhaps, is all the basic information about conditional sentences of the second type (Conditional 2). Let's summarize:

1. Conditional sentences of the second type (Conditional 2) denote unlikely, imaginary, unreal actions in the present and future.

2. In the conditional part (after IF) used only past tense(Simple or Continuous), and in the main one: would with infinitive. Except would, in the main part can be used modal verbs could And might.

3. In the conditional part, was is replaced by were.

4. Constructions with Conditional 2 have various functions:

Design
If I were you... If I were in your position... Were you...	We give advice: If I were you...
If it were not for (the fact that) ... Were it not for (the fact that) ...	We say why something happened or didn’t happen: If not....
If I were to...	We emphasize that the situation is very unlikely or very unpleasant: If...
If only...	We express our regret regarding the current or future situation: It's a pity that... If only....

To consolidate the rules you have learned, make several own examples and write them down. If the examples are from your personal experience, it will be easier for you to remember them. Good luck in learning English!

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