Grammar：Conditionals type 2 and 3
【明報專訊】Pat has returned from a secret mission. She is having a conversation with Dr Panda.
Pat: If I had a time machine, I would travel back in time and fight better.
Dr Panda: What happened?
Pat: Eason was planning to kidnap the Prime Minister. I spotted his wicked idea and planned to protect the Prime Minister.
Dr Panda: Did you succeed?
Pat: I wouldn't have succeeded if I had not received the help from MoMo. I was on the verge of death until MoMo rescued me and the Prime Minister.
Dr Panda: That was close! Don't fight Eason alone again. You are skating on thin ice. If I were you, I would gather the whole team before I go on a mission.
Pat: Sure!
◆Type 2 conditional
if + past simple, ...would + infinitive
It is used when we talk about imaginary scenarios or something that is impossible.
e.g. If I owned a private jet, I would travel around the world.
If I were his mother, I would not force my son to attend tutorial classes after school.
◆Type 3 conditional
if + past perfect, ...would + have + past participle
It is used when we describe a situation that didn't happen and imagine the result of this situation.
e.g. If I had studied hard, I would have passed the exam.
If he had left his company earlier, the accident would not have occurred.
■Gear up
Complete the sentences below using the correct form of the verbs.
(1) If I _______ (go) to bed early last night, I would not _______ (feel) tired today.
(2)If we _______ (win) the lottery, we would _______ (buy) our own flat.
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
conversation (n) 對話
verge (n) 邊緣
imaginary (adj) 想像的
occur (v) 發生
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