VOA慢速英语2015 Everyday Grammar: Introducing Conditionals
时间:2019-01-12 作者:英语课 分类:2015年VOA慢速英语(五)月
Everyday Grammar: Introducing Conditionals 2
In this week's episode 3 of Everyday Grammar, we are going to talk about conditionals. We use conditionals to show that something is true only when something else is true. Conditionals offer endless possibilities for creative and imaginative 4 expression.
Present real conditional 1
The present real conditional is the most basic kind of conditional. Basically 5, when A happens, B happens.
Here's an example of a present real conditional:
"If it rains, I bring an umbrella."
Conditionals have two parts: the if clause 6: "if it rains," and the result clause: "I bring an umbrella." You could also say "I bring an umbrella if it rains."
Poets and songwriters often use conditionals in their work. Listen for the present real conditional in this song by American songwriter Bob Dylan.
"If you see her, say hello
She might be in Tangier"
Notice that the verbs see and say are both in the present tense for the present real conditional.
Present unreal conditional
The next conditional that we're going to talk about is the present unreal conditional. Use the present unreal conditional to talk about what you would do in an unreal, or imaginary 7 situation. If A happened, B would happen. For example, "If I were you, I would take the job." The key word is would; it makes the conditional unreal. Would can only be used in the result clause of the sentence. Here's an example from American singer Johnny Cash.
"If I were a carpenter
And you were a lady
Would you marry me anyway?
Would you have my baby?"
To form a present unreal conditional, use a simple past verb in the if clause. In the result clause, use would followed by a simple present verb.
Use the verb were for all nouns 8 in the if clause of the sentence. For example, "If she were an animal, she would be a cat." In informal speech, people might say, "If she was an animal, she would be a cat." But you should avoid this in formal writing.
Future real conditional
Now let's talk about the future real conditional. If A happens, B will happen. To make a future real conditional, use will in the result clause. For example, "If your plane is late, I will wait in the car." Use the future real conditional to talk about possible situations in the future.
Speakers sometimes use the future real conditional to threaten others. Listen to actor Liam Neeson in the 2013 movie Taken. In this scene of the movie, Neeson's character is on the phone threatening the man who kidnapped his daughter.
"If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you. I will not pursue 9 you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you."
This is only a quick introduction to conditionals. In a future episode of Everyday Grammar, we will talk about past and mixed conditionals. Until then, we will leave you with country music stars Johnny Cash and June Carter.
"If I were a carpenter
And you were a lady
I'd marry you anyway
I'd have your baby"
REFERENCE – Three common conditionals (incomplete list)
If clauseResult clause
Present Real
If you see her,
Simple present
say hello.
Simple present
Present Unreal
If I were you,
Simple past
I would leave.
Would + simple present
Future Real
If your plane is late,
Simple present
I will wait for you.
Simple future
Words in This Story
conditional - n. a word, clause, or sentence that shows that something is true or happens only if something else is true or happens
imaginative - adj. having or showing an ability to think of new and interesting ideas : having or showing imagination
basic – adj. forming or relating to the first or easiest part of something
clause - n. grammar : a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb
tense - n. a form of a verb that is used to show when an action happened
unreal - adj. not real; not true
- My agreement is conditional on your help.你肯帮助我才同意。
- There are two forms of most-favored-nation treatment:conditional and unconditional.最惠国待遇有两种形式:有条件的和无条件的。
- Conditionals are used to about possible, imaginary or impossible conditions. 条件句用于谈论有可能的、想像的或不可能的状况。 来自互联网
- Macros containing conditionals will automatically update their visual feedback as appropriate during play. 宏中若有条件式存在时,会依照条件式自动更新该宏的技能、物品描述。 来自互联网
- The episode was a huge embarrassment for all concerned.这段小插曲令所有有关人员都感到非常尴尬。
- This episode remains sharply engraved on my mind.这段经历至今仍深深地铭刻在我的心中。
- The imaginative child made up fairy stories.这个想像力丰富的孩子自己编神话故事。
- Scott was an imaginative writer.司格特是位富于想象力的作家。
- His heart is basically sound.他的心脏基本上健康。
- Basically I agree with your plan.我基本上同意你的计划。
- The sentence consists of a main clause and a subordinate clause.这句中有一个主句和一个从句。
- What clause do you require in the contract?你要求在合同中订上什么条款?
- All the characters in this book are imaginary.此书中的所有人物都是虚构的。
- The boy's fears were only imaginary.这小孩的恐惧只是一种想象。
- French differs from English in having gender for all nouns. 法语不同于英语,所有的名词都有性。 来自《简明英汉词典》
- Nouns join to form compounds. 名词和名词结合构成复合词。 来自《简明英汉词典》