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21

Unit 21: When and if
Unfinished conditional sentences

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  1. 1Go beyond intermediate with our new video course
  2. 2Reported speech in 90 seconds!
  3. 3If or whether?
  4. 45 ways to use 'would'
  5. 5Let and allow
  6. 6Passive voice
  7. 7Unless
  8. 8Mixed conditionals
  9. 9The zero article - in 90 seconds
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  11. 11The. That's right - the! Learn all about it in 90 seconds
  12. 12The continuous passive
  13. 13Future perfect
  14. 14Need + verb-ing
  15. 15Have something done
  16. 16Wish
  17. 17Word stress
  18. 18Different ways of saying 'if'
  19. 19Passive reporting structures
  20. 20The subjunctive
  21. 21When and if
  22. 22Inversion
  23. 23Phrasal verbs
  24. 24The future
  25. 25Modals in the past
  26. 26Narrative tenses
  27. 27Phrasal verb myths
  28. 28Conditionals review
  29. 29Used to - review
  30. 30Linking words of contrast

Session 4

We normally think of a conditional sentence as having two parts. Sometimes though, English speakers will only say the conditional clause, the 'if' part. Tim explores this topic in this video.

Wayiitiwwan marii boqonnaa kana keessaa

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    Activity 1
  1. Activity 1

Activity 1

Stop Saying!

Not finishing conditional sentences

If you do something, something will happen. That's an example of a typical conditional sentence. It has two parts. An 'if clause' and a main clause. In spoken English, in particular circumstances, it's possible to leave out the main clause. Tim looks at how and when this happens in this video.

Vidiyoo daawwadhuuti shaakala kana xumuri

Summary

The main clause of a conditional sentence can be left out when its meaning is clearly understood. This can often be the case with:

  • polite requests
    If you could just help me with this.
    If you wouldn't mind passing me the stapler.
    If you could get here by four.

  • angry threats
    If you do that one more time!
    If you don't tidy your room up!
    If you're late again!

  • regrets and recriminations
    If only I hadn't sold the car.
    If you hadn't left it so late to book the flight.
    If only she'd been more careful with her wallet.

 

To do

Can you tell the difference between a polite request and an angry comment? Try the quiz to find out.

 

Angry or polite?

5 Questions

For each unfinished sentence decide whether it is an angry comment or a polite request and drag it to the correct box.

Baga gammadde! Qormaata xumurteetta
Excellent!Great job!Carraa badaa!Qabxii argatte:
x / y

Angry or polite?

5 Questions

For each unfinished sentence decide whether it is an angry comment or a polite request and drag it to the correct box.

Baga gammadde! Qormaata xumurteetta
Excellent!Great job!Carraa badaa!Qabxii argatte:
x / y

End of session

Congratulations, you've reached the end of this session.

Many thanks to the staff and students of Bell London for their help with this feature.

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Caasluga kutaa kanaa

  • The main clause of a conditional sentence can be left out when its meaning is clearly understood. This can often be the case with:

    polite requests
    If you could just help me with this.
    If you wouldn't mind passing me the stapler.
    If you could get here by four.

    angry threats
    If you do that one more time!
    If you don't tidy your room up!
    If you're late again!

    regrets and recriminations
    If only I hadn't sold the car.
    If you hadn't left it so late to book the flight.
    If only she'd been more careful with her wallet.

Wabii caasluga guutuu agarsiisi

Session Vocabulary

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Wiirtuu gadi-buufatan

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