Complete Grammar Syllabus (145 Units)

Grammar Mastery

Comprehensive reference, real-world IELTS band-boosting tips, clear structural formulas, and interactive short quizzes for intermediate to advanced English learners.

Conditionals (Second & Third) and Wish

Hypothetical present/future situations (If I knew), unreal past situations (If I had known), and expressing regrets with wish.

Core Structure & Formula

2nd Conditional (Unreal Present): If + Past Simple, would/could/might + Infinitive

3rd Conditional (Unreal Past): If + Past Perfect (had done), would have + Past Participle

Wish (Present Regret): I wish + Past Simple / could (I wish I spoke French)

Wish (Past Regret): I wish + Past Perfect (I wish I hadn't missed the deadline)

Wish (Annoyance / Desired Action): I wish + would + Infinitive (I wish the traffic would ease)

ASecond Conditional (Imaginary Present/Future)

We use if + past tense to imagine a hypothetical condition, with would in the main clause.

•If I won a research grant, I would buy new lab equipment. (not if I will win)

•If I were you, I wouldn't accept that offer without negotiating.

•What would you do if the airline cancelled your flight?

BThird Conditional (Unreal Past)

Imagining how a past event could have turned out differently.

•If I'd known you were in the hospital, I would have visited you. (but I didn't know)

•If the roads hadn't been icy, the accident wouldn't have happened.

CUsing "Wish"

'I wish I knew' (present regret). 'I wish I had known' (past regret). 'I wish you wouldn't' (complaint about repeated behavior).

•I wish I had more time to prepare for the presentation. (I don't have enough time now)

•I feel embarrassed. I wish I hadn't forgotten her name. (I forgot it earlier)

•I wish you wouldn't keep checking your phone during lectures. (please stop doing it)

IELTS Band 7–9 Exam Impact

Conditionals are heavily evaluated in IELTS Writing Criterion "Grammatical Range" to showcase complex sentence variety.

Common Candidate Errors

✗ If I would have money, I would travel.

✓ If I had money, I would travel.

Never use 'would' inside the if-clause.

✗ I wish I will pass the exam.

✓ I hope I will pass the exam. / I hope I pass.

Use 'hope' for desirable future possibilities; use 'wish' for counter-factual desires.

Unit 39 Interactive Short Quiz

Test your understanding with 3 verified practice exercises.

Question 1 of 3

If I ______ his phone number, I would call him about the meeting.

Question 2 of 3

If the driver ______ more carefully, the accident wouldn't have happened.

Question 3 of 3

This traffic is unbearable. I wish it ______ ease up.