Lexis
Using Hypothetical Language: Past Tenses and Subjunctive Forms
1. Present and Future Hypotheticals with Past Simple
✓ We use the past simple to talk about imaginary situations in the present or future
✓ The structure is: If + past simple, would/could/might + base verb
Examples:
– If it was raining (but it isn’t), I wouldn’t go out
– If I had more time (but I don’t), I would learn Japanese
✓ Note: In formal English, use ‘were’ instead of ‘was’ after ‘if’
– If I were you, I would accept the job offer
Key Terms
hypotheticalimaginary or supposed situation that is not realbase verbthe simplest form of a verb without any endings
2. Past Hypotheticals with Past Perfect
✓ We use the past perfect to talk about imaginary situations in the past
✓ The structure is: If + past perfect, would/could/might + have + past participle
Examples:
– If I hadn’t been wearing a seatbelt, I might have been killed
– If we had known about the party, we would have come
✓ This structure always refers to things that didn’t actually happen
Key Terms
past perfecthad + past participlepast participlethird form of the verb (e.g., gone, written, been)
3. Special Subjunctive Forms
✓ The phrase ‘it’s (high) time’ is followed by the past simple, even when talking about the present
✓ Common patterns:
– It’s time you got a job
– It’s high time we went home
– It’s about time he started studying
✓ Other subjunctive expressions:
– I wish I were taller
– If only she knew the truth
Key Terms
subjunctiveverb form used for hypothetical or wished-for situationshigh timeexpression meaning something should have been done already
💬 Typical Conversations
Career Advice
A friend giving advice about job hunting
Sarah: “I really hate my current job situation.”Mike: “If I were you, I’d start looking for a new job right away.”Sarah: “If I had better qualifications, I would apply for that management position.”Mike: “It’s high time you got some additional certifications then!”
Missed Opportunity
Discussing a past situation
Tom: “If I had known about the scholarship, I would have applied for it.”Anna: “If you had checked the university website more often, you wouldn’t have missed the deadline.”Tom: “You’re right. If I were more organized, these things wouldn’t happen.”
📝 Key Vocabulary Recap
hypothetical→imaginary or supposed situationpast perfect→had + past participle, used for past before pastsubjunctive→special verb form for unreal situationshigh time→expression meaning something should have happened earlierif clause→the part of the sentence starting with ‘if’main clause→the part of the sentence containing would/could/might