1. Exploring Grammar in Context
Kiwan Sung
Kyung Hee University

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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~

6. 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!!!)

7. 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.

8. 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.)