Lesson Content
Grammar Focus
We use the Present or Future Unreal Conditional to describe situations that are imaginary, unlikely, or not true right now or in the future. These sentences talk about dreams, hypothetical ideas, or situations that probably won’t happen—but we imagine what would happen if they did.
Form:
If + past tense, would/might/could + base verb
Even though we use the past tense, the meaning refers to the present or future.
🔹 Examples:
- If I had a million dollars, I would travel around the world.
- If she studied more, she might pass the class.
- If it rained tomorrow, we could stay inside.
- If I were you, I would take that job offer.
✅ Use “were” for all subjects in formal writing:
“If I were you” (not “If I was you”)
⚠️ Don’t confuse this with real future events (e.g., “If it rains, we will stay home.”)
This grammar is great for talking about dreams, giving advice, or imagining what could be different in your life.
🗣️ Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking
Unreal conditional sentences help you speak indirectly and politely. They allow you to express wishes, advice, regrets, or imaginative ideas—very useful in everyday English conversations.
🔹 Why it’s useful:
- It softens your message and makes you sound more polite.
- It helps you dream, imagine, or give advice without sounding rude.
- It’s common in social and casual situations.
✅ Real-life speaking situations:
- Talking about dreams:
“If I had a car, I would drive to the beach every weekend.” - Giving advice:
“If I were you, I’d call her now.” - Showing regret:
“If I studied earlier, I might not feel so stressed.” - Social conversations:
“If we lived in Spain, we could eat dinner at 10 p.m. like locals!”
✅ Listening tip:
When you hear someone use “if” + past, listen for the rest—would/might/could + verb. This shows they’re not talking about real life but imagining something. Recognizing this helps you understand tone, emotion, and politeness.
Let’s Practice
Language Game
Now, practice your language skills with this interactive game.
🎧🗣️ Listening & Speaking Practice Questions
Talk About Unreal or Imaginary Situations
Use phrases like “If I had…”, “If I were…”, and “I would…” to answer. Try to ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going!
🔹 Dream Life
If you had a million dollars, what would you do?
➤ “I would buy a big house. I would help my family.”
🔹 Giving Advice
If your friend felt sad, what would you do?
➤ “I would listen. I would take them out for dinner.”
🔹 City and Country Changes
If you could change something in your city, what would it be?
➤ “I would build more parks. I would make buses free.”
🔹 Time Travel
If you could go to any time in history, where would you go?
➤ “I would visit ancient Rome. I would meet famous people.”
🔹 Famous People
If you were a celebrity, what would you do every day?
➤ “I would travel. I wouldn’t worry about money.”
🔹 Moving
If your family moved to another country, how would you feel?
➤ “I would be nervous. I would be excited too.”
🔹 School Schedules
If school started at 11 a.m., what would you do in the morning?
➤ “I would sleep longer. I would make breakfast.”