General English C1 · Lesson 6B

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

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Grammar focus of this lesson

conditional sentences

1 structure

Conditional sentences
The full range, including mixed time frames and formal alternatives.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›Zero / first / second / third, plus mixed: If we'd invested, we'd be profitable now.
- ›Alternatives to if: unless, provided that, as long as, supposing, otherwise.
- ›Inversion: Had it not been for the delay… / Should you require…
- ›Modals in the result clause grade likelihood: could, might, may well.
Examples
- “Provided that legal signs off, we'll close on Friday.”
- “Had we diversified earlier, we wouldn't be exposed today.”
- “Supposing they walk away, what's our fallback?”
Watch out · unless already means if not — unless you don't is usually wrong.
Your own example