Understanding Conditionals, Passive Voice, and Inversions
Conditionals
Zero Conditional: If + present simple, present simple. We use it for universal truths or situations that always happen.
First Conditional: Unless/If + present simple, future simple/modal verb/imperative. We use it for probable or unlikely situations. If the condition is met, the result will occur.
Second Conditional: Unless/If + past simple, would/could/might + infinitive verb. It is used for unlikely situations. It is also used to give advice (If I were…).
Third Conditional: If + past perfect, would have + past participle. It is always used to talk about past, impossible situations.
Mixed Conditionals
1st Mixed Conditional: Unreal condition in the past and its probable result in the present: Condition: If + past perfect; Result: would/could/might + infinitive.
2nd Mixed Conditional: Unreal condition in the present and its probable unreal result in the past: Condition: If + past simple; Result: would/could/might + have + past participle.
Inversion
Inversion can be used in sentences with ‘had’, ‘were’, and ‘should’.
Examples:
- If it were my photo, I wouldn’t publish it. -> Were it my…
- If I had considered it, I would have made the right decision. -> Had I considered it,…
- If you are dissatisfied with the product… (less formal) -> If you should be dissatisfied with the… (more formal) -> Should you be dissatisfied with the product (the most formal).
Conditional Clauses – Alternatives to ‘If’
Unless, provided (that)/providing (that), as long as (meaning ‘only if’). Imagine/suppose/supposing (in questions). In case/in case of.
Passive Voice
The passive voice is formed with the verb ‘to be’ (conjugated) + the past participle of the main verb.
Passive with Two Objects
Example:
- Tom gave Jill a car. -> 1st option: A car was given to Jill by Tom. 2nd option: Jill was given a car by Tom.
Have Something Done
Have + something + past participle. Example: I had my room painted by Antonio.
Impersonal Passive
Example:
- Doctors believe that the flu is a serious problem. -> 1st option: It is believed that… -> 2nd option: The flu is believed to be a serious problem.
Passive Forms with Modal Structures
Examples:
- Peter can read a book. -> A book can be read by Peter.
- Peter must have bought this chair. -> This chair must have been bought by Peter.
Passive Infinitive and -ing Forms
(be interested in, can’t stand, don’t mind, enjoy, get tired of, hate, like/dislike, love, miss) + being + past participle.
(can’t afford, choose, decide, hope, need, prefer, pretend, refuse, want, would like) + to be + past participle.
Subject + Passive Verb (Present or Past) + to Have + Past Participle
Example: People believe that the earthquake has killed more than 1,000 people. -> The earthquake is believed to have killed more than 1,000 people.
There + Passive Verb (Present or Past) + to Be
Example: People expect that there will be a rise in the number of jobs offered across the UK. -> There is expected to be a rise in the number of jobs offered across the UK.
There + Passive Verb (Present or Past) + to Have Been
Example: People think that there were over twenty inventors who invented various light sources before Edison. -> There are thought to have been over twenty inventors who invented various light sources before Edison.