Hypothetical Possibilities with if

Hypothetical possibilities with if

Cutting Edge Intermediate (B1+)
Ms. Nada AlQahtani
Dar Al-Hekma University

Poll

I understand what hypothetical and imaginary means

• Yes, I know what it means.

• I'm not really sure, maybe?

• hypo.. what? I don't understand this

hy-po-thet-i-cal

imagined or suggested, but perhaps not true or really happening


Can you give me an example of a hypothetical?

Condition describes the physical state of something or some one.

I'm feeling tired.

Condition

a set of circumstances in which one finds themselves in.

I've found a wallet in the street, I'm not sure what to do in this situation.

Situation

Situation vs. Condition?

How to FORM hypotheticals

If + past simple /past continuous, would + infinitive verb

1. If I found a wallet, I'd take it to the police.
2. I'd go for walk if I wasn't feeling tired.

Multiple Choice

If I ______, I'd tell Sofia as soon as possible

• were you

• 'd be you

• 'm you

Multiple Choice

Tom would be very disappointed if he _______ the match

• would lose

• lost

• will lose

Multiple Choice

What ________ if a friend asked to borrow SAR500?

• you would do

• did you do

• would you do

Real Possibilities

1. To talk about a REAL possibility, we use will

   1. If + present simple, simple future

2. Sometimes the difference is clear

   1. I'll be disappointed if we lose. = a real possibility

   2. I'd be absolutly terrified if I saw a ghost. = imaginary

Real VS. Hypothetical Possibilities

1. Sometimes it depends on how YOU see the situation

   1. If I have enough time, I will help you. = It's possible I have time

   2. If I had enough time, I'd help you. = I don't have time

Multiple Choice

If I asked Dennis for money, I think he _____ it to me

• lent

• will lend

• would lend

Multiple Choice

I'd be furious if I __________ Kim was lying to me.

• think

• thought

• 'd think

Multiple Choice

I ________ a lift to a complete stranger.

• didn't never give

• wouldn't never give

• 'd never give

Multiple Choice

I _____ sick if I wanted to take a day off work.

• 'd pretend to be

• 'd pretended to be

• was pretended to be

Open Ended

Complete the hypothetical sentences using the words in brackets:

I (never drop) litter in the street.

Open Ended

Complete the hypothetical sentences using the words in brackets:

If I (find) SAR100 in the street, I (not take) it to the police.