Hello! Today, we're going to explore a type of question that helps us talk about hypothetical or imaginary situations – things that are *not* true in reality. These are called "contrary to fact conditional questions." They are also sometimes known as "second conditional questions" (for present/future situations) or "third conditional questions" (for past situations).
What Does 'Contrary to Fact' Mean?
"Contrary to fact" means the opposite of what is true. So, a "contrary to fact conditional question" asks about what would happen if a situation were different from how it really is, or how it really was.
Two Types of Contrary to Fact Conditional Questions
1. Questions about Imaginary Present or Future Situations (Second Conditional)
These questions ask about what would happen if a current or future situation were different. The condition (the "if" part) is impossible or very unlikely in the present or future.
- Structure:
- Question word (optional) + would + subject + base verb + if + subject + simple past verb?
- (If "to be" verb is used in the "if" clause, we usually use "were" for all subjects.)
- Example: If you won the lottery, what would you buy?
(This implies you haven't won the lottery and probably won't, but we're imagining it.)
- Example: Would you help me if I were in trouble?
(This implies I'm not in trouble right now, but I'm imagining a situation where I am.)
- Example: Where would you live if you could choose anywhere in the world?
(This implies you can't just choose anywhere right now.)
2. Questions about Imaginary Past Situations (Third Conditional)
These questions ask about what would have happened if something in the past had been different. These situations are impossible to change because the past has already happened.
- Structure:
- Question word (optional) + would have + subject + past participle + if + subject + past perfect (had + past participle)?
- Example: If you had studied harder, what would have happened?
(This implies you did *not* study harder in the past, and we're regretting or wondering about the consequence.)
- Example: Would you have gone to the party if you had known about it?
(This implies you did not know about the party, so you did not go.)
- Example: What would you have done if you had missed your flight?
(This implies you did not miss your flight, but we're imagining the past consequence.)
Why are Contrary to Fact Conditional Questions Important?
- Discussing Hypotheticals: They allow you to discuss imaginary scenarios, dreams, regrets, and possibilities that aren't real.
- Expressing Regret/Criticism: Especially the third conditional helps express regret about past actions or criticize past decisions.
- Understanding Nuance: Mastering these questions adds sophistication to your English and helps you understand complex conversations.
- Common in Conversation: Native speakers frequently use these questions to explore different ideas and situations.
Don't be afraid to practice forming these questions. Think about your own imaginary situations, both in the present/future and the past, and try to ask questions using these structures. It takes practice, but you'll get there!