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Key Word Transformations 3: Conditionals and Wish

Students practise Reading and Use of English Part 4 with conditionals, conditional linkers and wish, building from controlled practice to two exam-format sets.

Use of english · Conditionals · Wish · Transformations

B2 First preparationKey Word Transformations 3Key Word Transformations 2 Key Word Transformations 4

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Plan at a glance

Aims

Recap how Reading and Use of English Part 4 works and how it is marked
Learn and use 18 words and phrases in 3 sets: Conditional linkers, Wish and preference, Phrases with if
Use first, second, third and mixed conditionals, wish, if only, would rather and it's time accurately
Complete two exam-format sets of Part 4 within the word limit

Stages · 80 min

5 minLead-in: Pairs finish two sentences: 'I wish I…' and 'If I hadn't…, I wouldn't be… now.' Share a few with the class.
10 minLanguage focus: Go through the grammar notes: the four conditionals, the linkers that replace if, and the time each wish form refers to.
15 minControlled practice: Ex. 1–3
15 minAccuracy practice: Ex. 4–6
20 minExam practice: Ex. 7–8
15 minWriting: Ex. 9

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Grammar notes

Part 4: a quick reminder

Write between two and five words, including the key word. Contractions count as two words.
Never change the key word.
Each answer is worth two marks, so it usually tests two things, for example a conditional form and a negative.

Conditionals

First (real future): if + present simple, will + verb. If it snows, the school will close.
Second (imaginary now): if + past simple, would + verb. If I lived by the sea, I'd swim every day.
Third (imaginary past): if + past perfect, would have + past participle. If you had called, I would have answered.
Mixed (past cause, present result): if + past perfect, would + verb. If I had saved more, I'd have a car now.
Mixed (present fact, past result): if + past simple, would have + past participle. If I were braver, I would have said something.

Other ways to say if

unless = if … not: I won't go unless you come too.
as long as = only if: You can borrow it as long as you bring it back.
otherwise = if not, after an instruction: Hurry up, otherwise we'll be late.
even if = whether or not. in case = because something might happen (not a conditional).
if it weren't for + noun = without (now): If it weren't for my sister, I'd be lost. If it wasn't for is also correct.

Wish, if only, would rather, it's time

wish / if only + past simple or could: a wish about now. I wish I knew the answer.
wish / if only + past perfect: a regret about the past. If only we had brought a map.
wish + someone + would: annoyance at someone else's behaviour. Don't use it about yourself.
I'd rather + infinitive (your own preference); I'd rather + someone + past simple (another person).
It's time + subject + past simple: something should happen now. It's time we left.

Study tips

Learn the linkers with their meaning: unless = if not; as long as = only if.
With wish or if only as the key word, first decide whether the wish is about now (past simple) or the past (past perfect).

Glossary

Conditional linkers6 items
Wish and preference6 items
Phrases with if6 items

See every word and its meaning

Complete the exercises, then check your answers.

Which conditional?

Which type of conditional is each sentence? Put each one in the right group.

a
If it rains tomorrow, we'll cancel the barbecue.
b
If I had more free time, I'd learn the guitar.
c
If we had left earlier, we wouldn't have missed the train.
d
If I had moved to Leeds, I'd be living near my cousins now.
e
Unless you hurry, you'll be late for the match.
f
If she weren't so shy, she would have spoken to him at the party.
g
If I were you, I'd talk to your manager.
h
Even if it rains on Saturday, the race will go ahead.
i
She would have passed if she had revised.
j
If he hadn't broken his leg, he would be playing in the final today.
k
If I won the lottery, I'd buy a farm.
l
We would have helped if you had asked us.
m
We'll lend you the van if you return it by Sunday.

Which linker or phrase?

Complete each sentence with a word or phrase from the box. Use each one once.

Word box

Tap a gap, then a word, or type the answer.

a
You won't get a table you book in advance.
b
Leave now; you'll miss the last bus.
c
I'll go running tomorrow it's raining. Nothing will stop me.
d
Write down my number you get lost.
e
, I'd accept the job in Leeds. It's a great chance to learn.
f
my alarm clock, I'd never wake up on time.
g
You can stay out late you text me when you're leaving.
h
Is the museum open on Mondays? , we could go then.
i
I can work late on Friday , but I'd prefer not to.
j
Could you send me the photos today, ? I'd like to print them tonight.
k
the train is cancelled? How will we get home?

Wishes and regrets

Complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

a
I'm so tired. I wish I (not / stay) up so late last night.
b
If only I (know) how to fix this; I'd do it myself.
c
I wish my neighbours (stop) playing loud music every night. It's driving me mad.
d
My flat is tiny. I wish it (be) a bit bigger.
e
It's time we (leave). The taxi's outside.
f
I'd rather you (not / tell) anyone about this yet.
g
If only I (listen) to your advice. Then I wouldn't be in this mess now.
h
I'd rather (walk) than wait forty minutes for a bus.
i
She wishes she (can) speak Italian, so that she could talk to her grandparents.

Fix the answer

Each sentence has one mistake. Find it and write the correction.

a
If I would have known, I would have told you.
Correction:
b
I wish I can come to your party on Saturday, but I'm working.
Correction:
c
Unless you don't hurry, you'll miss the start of the film.
Correction:
d
I wish I would be taller.
Correction:
e
If she hadn't missed her flight, she would be here yesterday.
Correction:
f
Take an umbrella in case it will rain.
Correction:

Guided transformations

Complete the second sentence using the word given. The start of the sentence is already there to help you. Use between two and five words, including the word given.

a
You won't get in if you don't have a ticket.
UNLESS
You won't get in a ticket.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
b
I regret not learning to swim as a child.
WISH
I to swim as a child.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
c
We should go home now. It's getting late.
TIME
It's home now.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
d
Please don't call me after ten.
RATHER
I'd me after ten.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
e
He's in trouble now because he lied to his boss.
LIED
If he to his boss, he wouldn't be in trouble now.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
f
I only finished on time because you helped me.
HELPED
If you , I wouldn't have finished on time.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.

Which answer gets both marks?

Choose the answer that is correct, uses the key word unchanged and has no more than five words.

a
I'm sorry I missed your party. (WISH) I ___ to your party.
b
The road is closed, so we can't drive to the coast. (WERE) If the road ___, we could drive to the coast.
c
You can borrow my car, but only if you fill it up with petrol. (LONG) You can borrow my car ___ fill it up with petrol.
d
My brother speaks no Spanish, so he couldn't understand the guide yesterday. (SPOKE) If my brother ___, he would have understood the guide yesterday.

Exam practice: set A

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. Use between two and five words, including the word given.

Exam task: Reading and Use of English, Part 4

Tip: Before you write, decide whether each part of the first sentence is about the past, the present or the future. The two halves of a conditional don't always refer to the same time.

a
I didn't know you were vegetarian, so I made chicken soup.
KNOWN
you were vegetarian, I wouldn't have made chicken soup.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
b
I'd prefer not to go to the cinema tonight.
RATHER
I to the cinema tonight.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
c
The match will only be cancelled if the pitch is flooded.
UNLESS
The match won't be cancelled flooded.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
d
It annoys me that my brother keeps borrowing my clothes without asking.
WISH
I borrowing my clothes without asking.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
e
It's a pity I can't afford a new laptop.
ONLY
If afford a new laptop.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
f
I didn't take the job in Paris, so I'm not living in France now.
TAKEN
If I in Paris, I would be living in France now.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.

Exam practice: set B

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. Use between two and five words, including the word given.

Exam task: Reading and Use of English, Part 4

Tip: When you have finished, read the whole second sentence again. Check that it means the same as the first, including whether it is positive or negative.

a
Without my sister's help, I wouldn't be able to run the café.
FOR
If it my sister's help, I wouldn't be able to run the café.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
b
Take a jacket because it might get cold later.
CASE
Take a jacket cold later.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
c
The manager let me have Friday off, but only if I worked on Saturday instead.
LONG
The manager let me have Friday off on Saturday instead.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
d
I regret telling my friends about my new job.
WISH
I my friends about my new job.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
e
You really should tidy your room; you've been putting it off for weeks.
TIME
It's your room.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
f
Sam isn't very organised, so he forgot his passport.
MORE
If Sam , he wouldn't have forgotten his passport.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.

Write your own

Write four transformations of your own, like the ones in this lesson.

Write four Part 4 tasks for a partner. Use a different key word in each one, for example UNLESS, WISH, RATHER or ONLY. Write the first sentence, then the second sentence with a gap, and the answer on the back. Swap with a partner and check each other's answers and word counts.

Suggested minimum: 60 words

0 words · aim for at least 60

Spotted a mistake in this lesson?· tell us the exercise and item

Revise with a game

This lesson's own words and questions. Play on your own, or in teams on the classroom screen.

Glossary

The 18 words and phrases this lesson teaches, in 3 sets.

Conditional linkers

unless: if … not; don't add another negative after it
as long as: only if: You can come as long as you're quiet.
otherwise: if not; it starts a new clause after an instruction or suggestion
even if: whether or not; the result stays the same
in case: because something might happen, so you are ready for it
if so: if that is true; it links back to the sentence before

Wish and preference

wish: want something that isn't true now (wish + past simple) or didn't happen (wish + past perfect)
if only: a stronger, more emotional way of saying I wish
would rather: would prefer; + infinitive for yourself, + another person + past simple
I'd prefer: a polite way to say what you want: I'd prefer + to-infinitive, I'd prefer not to + verb
it's time: now is the right moment: it's time + subject + past simple, or it's time to + verb
regret: feel sorry about something you did or didn't do: regret + -ing

Phrases with if

if I were you: used to give advice
if it weren't for: without something now; if it weren't for + noun says what makes the present situation possible
if necessary: if it is needed
if possible: if it can be done; a polite way to soften a request
what if: used to ask about something that might happen, often something bad
only if: on this condition and no other; in Part 4 it often becomes as long as or unless

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Key Word Transformations 3: Conditionals and Wish

Students practise Reading and Use of English Part 4 with conditionals, conditional linkers and wish, building from controlled practice to two exam-format sets.

Use of english · Conditionals · Wish · Transformations

Or download everything as a ZIP (2 PDFs)

This lesson plan and its PDFs are free.

Plan at a glance

Aims

Recap how Reading and Use of English Part 4 works and how it is marked
Learn and use 18 words and phrases in 3 sets: Conditional linkers, Wish and preference, Phrases with if
Use first, second, third and mixed conditionals, wish, if only, would rather and it's time accurately
Complete two exam-format sets of Part 4 within the word limit

Stages · 80 min

5 minLead-in: Pairs finish two sentences: 'I wish I…' and 'If I hadn't…, I wouldn't be… now.' Share a few with the class.
10 minLanguage focus: Go through the grammar notes: the four conditionals, the linkers that replace if, and the time each wish form refers to.
15 minControlled practice: Ex. 1–3
15 minAccuracy practice: Ex. 4–6
20 minExam practice: Ex. 7–8
15 minWriting: Ex. 9

Printables

Click a page to preview it, download it or open it in a new tab.

Download all (ZIP, 2 PDFs)

Grammar notes

Part 4: a quick reminder

Write between two and five words, including the key word. Contractions count as two words.
Never change the key word.
Each answer is worth two marks, so it usually tests two things, for example a conditional form and a negative.

Conditionals

First (real future): if + present simple, will + verb. If it snows, the school will close.
Second (imaginary now): if + past simple, would + verb. If I lived by the sea, I'd swim every day.
Third (imaginary past): if + past perfect, would have + past participle. If you had called, I would have answered.
Mixed (past cause, present result): if + past perfect, would + verb. If I had saved more, I'd have a car now.
Mixed (present fact, past result): if + past simple, would have + past participle. If I were braver, I would have said something.

Other ways to say if

unless = if … not: I won't go unless you come too.
as long as = only if: You can borrow it as long as you bring it back.
otherwise = if not, after an instruction: Hurry up, otherwise we'll be late.
even if = whether or not. in case = because something might happen (not a conditional).
if it weren't for + noun = without (now): If it weren't for my sister, I'd be lost. If it wasn't for is also correct.

Wish, if only, would rather, it's time

wish / if only + past simple or could: a wish about now. I wish I knew the answer.
wish / if only + past perfect: a regret about the past. If only we had brought a map.
wish + someone + would: annoyance at someone else's behaviour. Don't use it about yourself.
I'd rather + infinitive (your own preference); I'd rather + someone + past simple (another person).
It's time + subject + past simple: something should happen now. It's time we left.

Glossary

The 18 words and phrases this lesson teaches, in 3 sets.

Conditional linkers

unless: if … not; don't add another negative after it
as long as: only if: You can come as long as you're quiet.
otherwise: if not; it starts a new clause after an instruction or suggestion
even if: whether or not; the result stays the same
in case: because something might happen, so you are ready for it
if so: if that is true; it links back to the sentence before

Wish and preference

wish: want something that isn't true now (wish + past simple) or didn't happen (wish + past perfect)
if only: a stronger, more emotional way of saying I wish
would rather: would prefer; + infinitive for yourself, + another person + past simple
I'd prefer: a polite way to say what you want: I'd prefer + to-infinitive, I'd prefer not to + verb
it's time: now is the right moment: it's time + subject + past simple, or it's time to + verb
regret: feel sorry about something you did or didn't do: regret + -ing

Phrases with if

if I were you: used to give advice
if it weren't for: without something now; if it weren't for + noun says what makes the present situation possible
if necessary: if it is needed
if possible: if it can be done; a polite way to soften a request
what if: used to ask about something that might happen, often something bad
only if: on this condition and no other; in Part 4 it often becomes as long as or unless