Grammar – Contrary to Fact Conditionals

A "contrary to fact conditional statement" is a type of conditional sentence (an "if...then..." statement) where the "if" clause describes a situation that is known to be untrue or impossible in reality. Because the "if" condition is not true, the "then" result is also unreal or hypothetical.

These are also often called "unreal conditionals" or "hypothetical conditionals."

Main Idea

It’s about something that isn’t true or didn't happen.

It explores what would happen, would have happened, or would be happening if reality were different.

Two Main Types

1. Present/Future Contrary to Fact (Type 2 Conditional)

Refers to a situation that is untrue now or an unlikely possibility in the future.

Structure: If + Simple Past Tense, would/could/might + base form of verb

Meaning: The "if" part is not true in the present or future.

Examples:

"If I were rich, I would travel the world."
(Meaning: I am NOT rich, so I am NOT traveling the world.)

"If she knew the answer, she would tell us."
(Meaning: She does NOT know the answer, so she is NOT telling us.)

Note: For the verb "to be" in the "if" clause of present/future contrary to fact conditionals, we usually use "were" for all subjects (even singular ones like "I," "he," "she," "it"). While "was" is sometimes used informally, "were" is grammatically preferred. (e.g., "If I were you...")

2. Past Contrary to Fact (Type 3 Conditional)

Refers to a situation that did not happen in the past. It expresses regret or a missed opportunity.

Structure: If + Past Perfect Tense, would have/could have/might have + past participle

Meaning: The "if" part did not happen in the past.

Examples:

"If you had studied harder, you would have passed the exam."
(Meaning: You did NOT study harder, so you did NOT pass the exam.)

"If it hadn't rained yesterday, we could have gone to the beach."
(Meaning: It DID rain yesterday, so we could NOT go to the beach.)

Key Characteristic

In both types, the key characteristic is that the "if" clause describes a situation that goes against the actual facts or reality.

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