Exploring Grammar in Context Kiwan Sung Kyung Hee University

Unit 11. If-Constructions Part C Choosing Structures in Context

If-Constructions Describe hypothetical situations opposite to the reality or truth at present or past Subjunctive Mood Three Types -Future Ex) If it rains, I will stay in Cf) If S + should~, If S + were to~ -Past Ex) If it rained, I would stay in. -Past Perfect Ex) If it had rained, I would have stayed in.

If-Constructions Past form of Subjunctive mood: If S + Past Verb, S + would, could, should, might~ The form is the past but the meaning is present!!(Opposite to the Present) Ex) If I were rich, I could be happier! Past Perfect form of Subjunctive mood: If S + Past Perfect, S + would, could, should, might have pp~ Ex) If I had not met you, I could not have completed the task in time.

If-Constructions Other conjunctions with conditional meaning (Weekly writing assignment along with fixed expressions in P. 75) -unless~ -provided (that)~ -supposing (that)~ -on the condition that~ -whether~ -given that~ -as long as~

If-Constructions ‘if’ is more frequent than ‘whether’ ‘if’ as requests or invitation: not used with a clause Ex) If you’d like to come this way. If you’d just like to hold this for me. If you’d want to drop by some time. ( polite indirect imperatives used instead of ‘please’ or normal imperatives-things to happen without questions!!!)

If constructions ‘if’ can be used for functions such as explaining, suggesting, giving reasons Can be used alone with no main clause in spoken and informal contexts Ex) You can call such a worship an enquiry, if you like, into the spirit of like. If you’d like to talk to your counselor, you need to make an appointment in advance.

If-Constructions Fixed Expressions -If in doubt~ (if you are not certain/sure~ -If so~, If not~ Ex)Look to see if it’s raining. If so, I am not coming for a walk. (if not, I will go out for~) -If (it is) possible~, If (it is) necessary~ -If anything~ (to strengthen a statement) Ex) That’s not true. My English is improving, if anything -If only~, If ever~ (only & ever can be split.)