Arrrrgh, if only I had … Wait, you are studying.

Third Conditional

English Grammar

When we are talking about something in the past which cannot be altered now, we use:

If + Past Perfect, would have + past participle

EXAMPLE: If you had studied all of these grammar pages, you would have passed the exam.

You can not alter or change the past. You didn’t study in the past (something you cannot change now) so you didn’t pass the exam. It is an imaginary situation that didn’t happen.

• If you had been more careful, you wouldn’t have had an accident.
• If I had seen you, I would have said hello.
• If he had asked me, I would have helped him.
• If you had studied, they would have passed the exam.
• If I had known, I wouldn’t have done that.

Notice how this tense can be used to say that you regret doing something or when you are telling someone off (reproaching someone). This type of conditional can also be used when making excuses.

We can also change the word order of the sentence…

Would have + If + past perfect

EXAMPLE: You would have passed the exam if you had studied all of these grammar pages.

• I wouldn’t have left my job if I had known how difficult it is to find another one.
• I would have taken a photo if I had brought my camera with me.
• He would have died if the ambulance hadn’t arrived quickly.
• She would have gone to your birthday party if she hadn’t been sick.
• He wouldn’t have become lost if he had taken the map with him.
• The team would have won if the referee hadn’t taken the bribe.
• You wouldn’t have needed fillings if you had brushed your teeth more frequently.

 

Next activity

See our grammar notes about the following:

• Would
• Conditionals
• Zero Conditional
• First Conditional
• Second Conditional

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More Conditional Structures

Second Conditional

English Grammar

 

When we are thinking about a situation in the present or future that is hypothetical, unlikely or impossible, we use:

If + Past Simple, …Would + Verb

We use a past verb though are imagining the present or the future to be different.

The second clause of subject + would + verb (conditional verb) is conditional to the first clause happening (or will only happen if the first part/clause happens).

Example: If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world.

= It is unlikely that I will win the lottery, but I’m going to hypothetically imagine that I did win. In that situation I would travel around the world. So in order for me to travel around the world, I would need the first clause (the condition or situation) to happen, that is, for me to win the lottery first.

• If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world. (Though I am unlikely to win the lottery)
• If I knew his name, I would tell you.
• If I didn’t have a headache, I would go to the party.
• If I became President, I would reduce the salaries of all politicians. (Though it is unlikely I will become President)

Notice how we use a comma after the past tense clause.

We can also reverse the order and use:

Conditional verb (would + verb) + If + Past Simple

• I would be happy if I had more free time.
• I would tell you the answer if I knew what it was.
• There would be fewer accidents if everyone drove more carefully.
• We would have a lot of money if we sold our house.
• Would she come if I paid for her flight?
• Would you accept the job if they offered it to you?
• What would you do if you won the lottery?
• What would you do if you saw a U.F.O?

Notice how the comma is not necessary with this word order.

If I were …

Note that with the verb To Be we use IF + I / HE / SHE / IT + WERE

The reason we use WERE instead of WAS is because the sentence is in the Subjunctive mood.

• If I were not in debt, I would quit my job.
• If he were taller, he’d be accepted into the team.
• She would be still be correcting my grammar if she were still alive.

Though in informal English, you will hear some people say If I was… If he was… etc. This usage doesn’t sound good though unfortunately is common.

Could in Second Conditional sentences

COULD can be used instead of WOULD to make the hypothetical present or future more likely.

• If he trained every day, he could represent his country
• If I had a little more money, I could buy a car.

 

Next activity

See our grammar notes about the following:

• Would
• Conditionals
• Zero Conditional
• First Conditional
• Third Conditional

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If you practice, you WILL improve.

First Conditional

English Grammar

When we are thinking about a possible situation in the future, we use:

If + Present verb, future verb

This structure is common when talking about possible plans, promises, warnings, threats or for persuading someone. We are predicting a likely result in the future if a condition is fulfilled.

If + Simple Present, Will / Won’t …

• If I go to Paris next month for work, I’ll visit the Eiffel Tower (Plans)
• If I have time, I will help you. (Promise)
• If you touch that wire, you will get an electric shock. (Warning)
• If you eat my chocolate that is in the fridge, you’ll sleep outside with the dog.(Threat)
• If you take me to the mall, I’ll buy you an ice cream. (Persuasion)
• If she doesn’t go to university, her parents won’t be happy.
• If it rains, we will cancel the trip.
• If that candidate becomes President, the country will be in trouble.
• If I win the competition, I will donate half of the prize money to charity.

Notice how we use a comma after the present tense clause.

We can also reverse the order and use:

Future Verb + If + Present Simple

• I will be annoyed if they don’t arrive on time.
• You will get a better job if you can speak English.
• You will miss the bus if you don’t hurry.
• The dog will bite you if you pull its tail.
• Your boss will be angry if you don’t finish the job.
• What will you do if they fire you?
• You will feel better if you take this medicine.

Notice how the comma is not necessary with this word order.

Modal Verbs in First Conditional

Normally WILL is used in the main clause of first conditional sentences. However you can also use the modal verbs MAY, MIGHT and COULD when something is a possible consequence (and not a certain one) in the future.

• If you are nice to me, I may buy you a gift when I’m in Peru.
• If they train a little harder, they might win the match.
• If he doesn’t do his work, he could get fired.

 

Next activity

See our grammar notes about the following:

• Would
• Conditionals
• Zero Conditional
• Second Conditional
• Third Conditional

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3-2-1 …. Zero! Guide to the Zero Conditional

Zero Conditional

English Grammar

When we are thinking about facts which are generally true, we use:

If + Present Simple, Present Simple

• If you put water in the freezer, it becomes ice.
• If you stand in the rain, you get wet.
• If you heat ice, it melts.

You can see in the examples about the the condition always has the same result.

Notice how we use a comma after the first present simple tense clause.

We can also reverse the order and use:

Present Simple + If + Present Simple

• You get wet if you stand in the rain.
• Ice melts if you heat it.
• I can’t sleep if I drink coffee at night.
• Plants die if you don’t water them.

Notice how the comma is not necessary with this word order.

 

Next activity

See our grammar notes about the following:

• Would
• Conditionals
• First Conditional
• Second Conditional
• Third Conditional

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What if Conditional Clauses were easy to learn?

 

Next activity

See our grammar notes about the following:

• Would
• Conditionals
• First Conditional
• Second Conditional
• Third Conditional

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English Every Day with Everyday English

Every day vs. Everyday

English Grammar

 A common mistake in English is the correct use of the words everyday and every day. Don’t worry, this is also a mistake commonly made by native speakers too.

The word everyday (one word) and phrase every day (two words) are not interchangeable.

The difference between everyday and every day.

Everyday is an adjective so it goes before the noun it describes.

Everyday = ordinary, regular, normal or commonplace. It can refer to something done or used daily or routinely.

• You should wear an elegant dress for the wedding, not just an everyday one.
• Even though he has won some money, it hasn’t changed his everyday life.
• Some everyday activities damage the environment.
• Why do you always use those big words that are not common in everyday language?

Every day is a phrase that usually acts as an adverb.

Every day = all of the days or each day over a period of time. It can also mean very regularly.

• You’ve been wearing that same shirt every day this week. You need to change it!
• You should take a shower every day.
• Low prices, every day! (A sign in a shop)
• Woodward English publishes new material on Twitter every day.

How to know when to use every day or everyday.

To know which of the words to use in your sentence, replace the word(s) with each day.

If it sounds correct, then write every day (two words).
If it doesn’t sound correct (usually because it is before a noun) then use everyday (one word).

For example:

• I do exercises every day. (correct)
• I do exercises each day – This sound correct so we use every day (two words)

• It’s not an every day event. (incorrect)
• It’s not an each day event. – This doesn’t sound correct so we use everyday (one word)

Another way of doing this is by replacing the word(s) with ordinary.

If it sounds correct, then write everyday (one word).
If it doesn’t sound correct then use every day (two words).

For example:

• I do exercises everyday. (incorrect)
• I do exercises ordinary – This does not sound correct so we use every day (two words)

• It’s not an everyday event. (correct)
• It’s not an ordinary event. – This sounds correct so we use everyday (one word)

Another tip is that the word everyday is followed by a noun and is not used by itself at the end of a sentence.

Pronunciation of Every day and Everyday.

The main difference in pronunciation between every day and everyday is where the accent (or word stress) is placed.

Everyday: the stress is on the first syllable … EVeryday.
Every day: the stress is on the word day … every DAY.

Summary Chart

Next activities

Try our interactive game to practice the difference between Every day and Everyday.

See our notes about the difference between  All vs Every vs Each

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English Grammar – an easy and a fun review with some helpful info for any English learner

A and AN

We use A/AN (articles) with singular countable nouns.

• My brother has a dog and my sister has a cat.
• There is an accident on the corner.

A is used when the next word starts with a consonant sound.

• A book
• A guitar
• A friend
• A university (The start of the word university sounds like YOU, a consonant sound).

AN is used when the next word starts with a vowel sound.

• An apple
• An ice-cream
• An orange
• An hour (the letter H in this word is silent so it sounds like it starts with a vowel).

Learn more about Definite and Indefinite Articles.

Some and Any

We use SOME and ANY with plural nouns and uncountable nouns.

Some is generally used in positive sentences.

Any is generally used in negative sentences.

• I have some information for you about flights to Paris.
  (Positive – Uncountable)
• I don’t have any information for you about flights to Paris.
  (Negative – Uncountable)

• We met some friends for drinks after work yesterday.
  (Positive – Plural Countable)
• I didn’t see any friends there on Thursday.
  (Negative – Plural Countable)

• I think he will have some time to speak to you today.
  (Positive – Uncountable)
• I don’t think he will have any time to speak to you today.
  (Negative – Uncountable)

You can also use SOME and ANY in a sentence without a noun if the meaning of the sentence is clear.

• I didn’t eat any salad but Peter ate some. (salad)
• Sean took lots of photos of the mountains but Emma didn’t take any. (photos)

Questions with Some and Any

Generally, we use ANY in questions.

• Do you know any famous people?
• Do you have any children?

But, SOME is used in the following circumstances:

1. When we are offering something.

• Would you like some coffee?
• Do you want some sugar for your coffee?

2. When we are asking for something.

• Could I have some salt, please?
• Can I have some fries with that?

3. When we are suggesting something.

• Why don’t we watch some movies on TV tonight?
• Why don’t you give her some advice?

You can also use SOME and ANY in a sentence without a noun if the meaning of the sentence is clear.

I didn’t eat any salad but Peter ate some. (salad)

Sean took lots of photos of the mountains but Emma didn’t take any. (photos)

Next activity

Try our interactive game to practice this: Some – Any – A – An – Game

You should also see our notes about Countable vs Uncountable Nouns.

You may be interested in learning about the difference between Much, Many, Lot and Few

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Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns

Counting Sheep

English Grammar Rules

A) Most nouns have singular and plural forms. They are countable nouns.

e.g. One letter, two letters

• There is a letter on the table for you. (singular)
• There are letters on the table for you. (plural)

B) Some nouns only have one form. Most are uncountable nouns. (Note: sheep only has one form for both singular and plural, but it is a countable noun and that is why we can count them when we are having a hard time falling asleep.  Certain nouns have an identical singular and plural form. Other examples include aircraft, fish, offspring, deer. Some of these nouns end in -s: means, series, species.)

e.g. Money

• There is no money in my bank account.
• There is a lot of money in my bank account.

C) Many uncountable nouns refer to substances:

e.g. Chocolate, water, coffee, milk, sugar, salt, cheese, bread, rice, wood, glass, plastic, soap, toothpaste.

• Do you have any chocolate?
• The milk is sour – let’s make cheese.
• Rice is only edible when it has been cooked.

D) Many uncountable nouns refer to abstract ideas or emotions.

e.g. love, sadness, happiness, education, knowledge, and grammar.

• Money can’t buy love.
• We like to experience happiness.
• This education is priceless.

E) You can use a/an with singular countable nouns.

e.g. an umbrella, a wheel, a mistake.

• It’s raining so I need an umbrella.
• I made a mistake.
• This is a job for superman.

F) You can use plural countable nouns alone.

e.g. apples, bees, clouds.

• There are clouds in the sky today.
• There are bees making honey.
• We eat apples for breakfast.

G) You can’t use an article with an uncountable noun.

e.g. time, sand, electricity.

• We need electricity to use our heater.
• I lost track of time and we stayed up very late.
• The beaches in Brazil have very nice sand.

H) It is very common in English to use some / any with plural nouns and uncountable nouns (Refer to grammar notes on Some Any for more details – link coming soon!).

e.g. They don’t listen to any advice.

• We don’t have any toys for the children.
• There are many lessons in life, this is just one more.
• It is important to have some knowledge of grammar.

I) There are a range of nouns that are uncountable in English but are countable in other languages.

These include: accommodation, advice, baggage, behavior, bread, chaos, damage, furniture, information, luck, luggage, news, permission, progress, scenery, traffic, weather and work.

J) For comparison purposes, look at these sentences:

Countable	Uncountable
I’m looking for a job.	I’m looking for work.
What a beautiful view!	What beautiful scenery!
It’s a nice day today.	It’s nice weather today.
We had a lot of bags and suitcases.	We had a lot of luggage.
These chairs are mine.	This furniture is mine.
It was a good suggestion.	It was good advice.

K)  Finally, some nouns can be countable or uncountable depending on their meaning and how they are used in a sentence

For example, let’s look at the word “glass.”    singular: glass    plural: glasses

A) I drank a big glass of juice.
B) She drank two glasses.
C) He cannot see and will have to buy glasses.
D) The ball broke glass in the window.

In sentences A and B, glass is a countable noun. We are talking about a drinking glass. 

In sentence C, glasses is a countable noun We are talking about a pair of spectacles or eye glasses.                                              

In sentence D, glass is an uncountable noun. We are talking about glass as a material. The window is made of glass. The window can be counted, but this type of glass cannot be counted.

Oops!

Next activity

To practice Countable and Uncountable nouns, try this Game.

Learn the difference between Some and Any (Link to be added soon.)

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English Grammar – Quantifiers

Much – Many – Lot – Few – Little

English Grammar Rules

We use these words as quantifiers that come at the start of noun phrases and they tell us something about quantity.

A lot of vs. Lots of

A lot of and lots of are used to express that there is a large quantity of something.

We use a lot of in positive sentences, negative sentences and questions. This expression can be used with countable or uncountable nouns.

• There are a lot of dogs in the street. (Countable noun)
• I have a lot of time to answer your questions. (Uncountable noun)
• I saw a lot of people waiting in the queue. (Countable)
• We did have a lot of fun, didn’t we? (Uncountable)

We use lots of in positive and negative sentences, however it is more informal. It can be used with countable or uncountable nouns, and occasionally in questions.

• We have lots of time to catch the plane, lets relax. (Uncountable noun)
• There are lots of people in the queue today. (Countable)
• Oh my, you have spent lots of money on clothes! (Uncountable)
• I have lots of questions. (Countable)

She has a lot of money = She has lots of money

Much vs. Many

Much and Many are used to express that there is a large quantity of something.

Much and Many are used in negative sentences and questions.
Many is used with countable nouns
Much is used with uncountable nouns.

• I don’t have many CD’s in my collection. (Countable noun)
• They don’t have much money to buy a present. (Uncountable noun)
• How many brothers do you have? (Countable noun)
• Is there much milk in the fridge? (Uncountable noun)

Note: we almost never use Much and Many in positive sentences, we almost always use a lot of or lots of.

I have much money. (Incorrect because the sentence is positive / affirmative)
I have a lot of money. (Correct)

With the word “times” we use many times more than a lot of times / lots of times. It sometimes means frequently or often.

• That is my favourite book. I’ve read it many times.
• Don’t worry, I’ve done this many times.
• We have stayed at this hotel many times over the years.

Few vs. Little

We use Few and Little to suggest a small quantity.
Few is used with countable nouns
Little is used with uncountable nouns.

• There are only a few days left until Christmas. (Countable noun)
• There is little hope of finding your wallet. (Uncountable noun)

While Few and Little usually have positive meanings, very few and very little have negative meanings.

• He is sad because he has very few friends. (Countable noun)
• They have very little knowledge about politics. (Uncountable noun)

Next activity

Would you like to practice the difference between these quantifiers? Try the Much, Many, A lot of, A lot, A litte, A Few Game.

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One less day in 2016, fewer remain to achieve your New Year’s Goals

The cartoon above, which appeared in The New Yorker magazine, adeptly points out a common mistake made when using LESS vs. FEWER.  Several years ago there was also an article in The New York Times After Deadline blog which noted to the common mistakes made in usage, even listing several times the Times used this adjective incorrectly.  So today, as I thought about new year and a passing of another day, I thought I might share what I came across as one more way to help you improve your English … after all, when today is done, there will be one less day (or fewer days remaining) in 2016.

Fewer vs. Less

By

PHILIP B. CORBETT

MARCH 1, 2011 8:00 AM March 1, 2011 8:00 am 59 Comments

Notes from the newsroom on grammar, usage and style. (Some frequently asked questions are here.)

The basic rule for precise use of “less” and “fewer” is simple (though we slip often). Use “fewer” with countable, individual things, and “less” with uncountable amounts, volumes, etc. So: “I should drink less coffee,” but “I should eat fewer doughnuts.”

But it’s not as simple as plural (fewer) vs. singular (less). Sometimes “less” is correct even with a plural noun. The Times’s stylebook says this:

Also use less with a number that describes a quantity considered as a single bulk amount: The police recovered less than $1,500; It happened less than five years ago; The recipe calls for less than two cups of sugar.

We slipped on this point two days in a row recently:

•••

Jon M. Chu’s “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never’’ is billed as a concert documentary, but fewer than half of its 105 minutes are devoted to Mr. Bieber onstage.

The point was not to enumerate the number of individual minutes, but to describe the extent or span of time. Make it “less than half of its 105 minutes is …”

•••

The resignation of President Hosni Mubarak is a stunning accomplishment for the country’s courageous youth-led opposition. In fewer than three weeks, they forced a largely peaceful end to his 30-year autocracy.

Here, too, we meant to describe the extent of time, not to count the number of weeks. Make it “less.”

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