Riddle of the Week

Answer: the letter "M"

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/tricky-riddles-for-adults.html

Quote of the Week

15 Most Useful Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verbs with Look

Third Conditional

While the first conditional and second conditionals talk about the future. With the third conditional we talk about the past. We talk about a condition in the past that did not happen. That is why there is no possibility for this condition.
The third conditional is also like a dream, but with no possibility of the dream coming true.

Examples:

-If I had worked harder at school, I would have got better grades.

-If I had had time, I would have gone to see him. But I didn't have time


Notice that the main clause can contain 'would', 'could' or 'might.

-If I had seen him at the meeting, I would have asked him.
(But he wasn't there so I didn't.)

-If I had seen him at the meeting, I could have asked him.
(But he wasn't there so it wasn't possible.)

-If I had seen him at the meeting, I might have asked him.
(But I'm not sure. Perhaps if the opportunity had arisen.)

We can use the Third Conditional to talk about 'impossible' conditions, impossible because they are in the past and we cannot change what has happened. 

Examples: 

If she had studied, she would have passed the exam 

(but, really we know she didn't study and so she didn't pass) 

If I hadn't eaten so much, I wouldn't have felt sick 

(but I did eat a lot, and so I did feel sick). 

If we had taken a taxi, we wouldn't have missed the plane

Second Conditional Sentences in The Big Bang Theory

Second Conditional

The Second Conditional is used to talk about "impossible” situations in the future.

Examples:

-If we were in London today, we would be able to go to the concert in Hyde Park.

-If I had millions dollars, I'd give a lot to charity.

Note that after I / he/ she /it we often use the subjunctive form 'were' and not 'was'. (Some people think that 'were' is the only 'correct' form but other people think 'was' is equally 'correct‘)

-If she were happy in her job, she wouldn't be looking for another one

-If I were rich, I could travel all around the world.

-If he were any smarter, he would take that job.


The Second Conditional is also used to talk about 'unlikely‘ situations.

Examples:
-If I went to China, I'd visit the Great Wall.

-If I were the President, I'd reduce taxes.

Note that the choice between the first and the second conditional is often a question of the speaker's attitude rather than of facts.

Compare these examples:
Otto thinks these things are possible, Peter doesn't.

Otto – If I win the lottery, I'll buy a big house. (first conditional)
Peter – If I won the lottery, I'd buy a big house. (second conditional)

Note that the 'If clause' can contain the past simple or the past continuous.

-If I were still working in Brighton, I would commute by train.

Note that the main clause can contain "would" "could" or "might".

-If I had the chance to do it again, I would do it differently.

-If we met up for lunch, we could go to that new restaurant.

-If I spoke to him directly, I might be able to persuade him.


IF + SUBJECT + SIMPLE PAST CLAUSE, SUBJECT + WOULD/COULD/MIGHT + VERB IN INFINITIVE