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Present Unreal Conditionals The basic formula for a present unreal conditional has the simple past or past continuous tense in the dependent clause and a modal [usually would, could, should, or might plus a base verb in the independent clause as can be seen in the diagram below. 
*Special Note: A less commonly used variation on this formula involves using a present continuous modal in the independent clause. [would be verb-ing] Present unreal conditionals are basically used to describe things that are imagined, or put another way, things we don't think would actually happen. Thus the choice of using a future real or a present unreal can usually tell us what the speaker/writer believes about the situation. For example, if we say... If Tom won the lottery, he would buy a huge McBurger restaurant. ...we really don't believe Tom will ever win the lottery, and thus, he will never own his dream restaurant. ...while if we say... If Tom wins the lottery, he will buy a huge McBurger restaurant. ...we think he has a chance at winning, and thus of getting his McBurger franchise. *Special Note: Students sometimes get confused by the name of this particular conditional. Specifically, they wonder why it's called a present unreal when we use past tense verbs. I have found it helpful to let them know that the present aspect is in the fact that the action in the independent clause would happen now or after the condition in the dependent clause were met. Present Unreal Practice Exercise: A good production-based way for students to practice the present unreal conditional is by creating a list of ten short situations and asking students to make present unreal conditionals about the situations. For example...
As always, you can determine the number of sentences you want them to write, and whether or not you wish them to work alone or with a partner. Before assigning any practice though, it might be helpful to learn more about some... Special Issues With Present Unreal Conditionals |
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