Unreality in Adverbial Clauses of Comparison

 

In clauses of comparison with conj. as if or as though Past Indefinite (or were) or Past Perfect is used:

§ He asked me the question as if the answer were really impor­tant to him.

§ They passed her in silence as though she did not exist.

Note: in present-day English the form were is replaced by was in singular:

§ He behaves as if he was the boss here.

 

Past Perfect (-Continuous) shows that the action of subordinate clause precedes the action of the principal clause:

§ Bob gazed at him as though he had not heard.

 

If the action of the subordinate clause follows the action of the principal clause would * +Infinitive is used and rules of sequence of tenses are not observed:

§ She began to weep as though her heart would break.

 

Note: compare clause of comparison in Russian and in English:

 

§ Она смотрела на меня так, словно не узнавала меня.	She looked at meas if she did not recognise me.
§ Он говорил о фильме так, будто он сам его видел.	He spoke of the film as if he had seen it.

 

 

EXERCISES:

 

Ex. 101. Explain the use of the verb forms in object clauses after to wish and translate the sentences into Russian:

1. I wish I had a lab of my own. 2. She almost wished she hadn't asked them to dinner. 3. I wish I could drop the whole matter. 4. I wish it had happened to anyone but you. 5. I wish you had brought your sister with you. 6. "I wish Paul could have stayed a few minutes," I said. 7. He wished they would let him enjoy his dinner in peace. 8. Oh, how I wish it would rain! 9. I wish you wouldn't be so horrid, Willy, just when I'm so miserable.

Ex. 102. Supply the necessary forms of the verbs in brackets in object clauses after to wish:

1. Bill, you're up to something. I wish I (to know) what it is. 2. Mel wished he (to know) earlier what Tom had just told him. 3. He wished that it all never (to happen) at all and that things (to be) as they once had been. 4. I wish I (can) settle down to something. 5. I wish I (to have) a jeep, that's all. 6. I wish I (to be) quite sure that she is altogether honest. 7. "I wish I (to have) a cigarette. That's more important to me just now," said Jack. 8. We wish to goodness the thing (can) be patched up. 9. I wish you (to go) up and (to see) Willy. 10. I now began to wish that I (not to take) Monty into my confidence. 11. I wished he (not to ask) that question. 12. "Have you got my letter?" "Yes. I wish you (not to write) it." 13. She almost wished it (to be) an ordinary day and that there (to be) no such things as holidays. 14. I wish I (can) go round the world. 15. I wish you (to ask) her a question or two about her parents. 16. At the first sight of his host Andrew almost wished he (not to come).

Ex. 103. Translate the following into English using the appropriate verb forms in object clauses after wish:

1. Как бы я хотел, чтобы твоя дочь была немножко похожа на тебя. 2. Я бы хотел, чтобы ты пришел к тому или иному решению. 3. Ему очень хотелось, чтобы этот вечер уже кончился. 4. Я иногда жалею, что ты решил написать эту книгу, Хью. 5. Мне бы хотелось, чтобы у нас был настоящий сад. 6. О, Боже, как я жалею, что сделал это. 7. Я бы очень хотел, чтобы Вилли изменил свое решение и не брался за немецкий, язык. 8. Он просто не знал, как утешить жену. 9. Я бы хотел, чтобы ты снова начал писать стихи. 10. Я бы очень хотел, чтобы у большего числа людей у нас на работе было твое чувство юмора, Джек. 11. Ей было жаль, что она не могла слышать, что говорилось внизу. 12. Как бы мне хотелось, чтобы он перестал писать мне. 13. Как жаль, что я не застал его дома. 14. Я пожалела, что рассказала им о себе.

Ex. 104. Translate the following into English using the appropriate verb forms in object clauses after it is time:

1. Пора бы нам идти. 2. Ему давно пора бы объяснить нам, что он задумал. 3. Его давно пора проучить. 4. Когда я проснулся, я почувствовал, что мне самое время вызвать доктора. 5. В самом деле, нам пора пообедать. 6. Ему было сказано на людях, что пора бы ему научиться делать так, как ему велят. 7. Тебе давно пора выбросить эту старую мебель. 8. Как ты думаешь, не пора ли нам вернуться к гостям?

Ex. 105. Supply the necessary forms of the verbs in brackets in object clauses after expressions of fear:

1. "It's time you went to bed, dear." "I'm afraid my husband (to call) me up from New York yet." 2. I'm afraid we (to have) bad news for you. 3. She was afraid (to leave) without seeing her. 4. When the plane touched down he began to have apprehension lest he (to miss) her in the crowd. 5. She was overcome with fear that I (to let) her down. 6. She was overcome with fear lest I (to let) her down. 7. I'm afraid you (not to have) a pleasant journey. 8. He feared lest his landlord (to betray) him to the Germans. 9. Paula, fearful that the opening door (to strike) the little girl, pulled her aside. 10. I had a feeling of terror lest he never (to be) able to play in public again. 11. They had made a date for the following Friday night and he feared lest she (not to come).

Ex. 106. Revision: supply the necessary forms for the verbs in brackets:

1. It was agreed that he (to start) on his new job on Monday. 2. I'm afraid I (not to make) my point clear. 3. I wish you (to have) a serious talk with Paula. 4. Then he asked if I (to be) a foreigner to these parts. 5. I suggested that she (to take) off her coat and (to move) to­wards the fire. 6. It was surprising that she (to make) friends with our boys. 7. It's important that I myself (to speak) with your captain. 8. I feared lest I (not to get) back in time. 9. It outraged me that he (to remind) me of my duty. 10. She was disappointed that he (not to come) to the party. 11. Do you prefer that I (to stay) here as if nothing had happened? 12. I'm afraid they (to misunderstand) my intention. 13. It's odd how little, if at all, our days (to vary) here. 14. I wish I never (to meet) you. 15. Tom seemed very worried, and insisted that we (to stop) play­ing and (to go) home. 16. I'm afraid I (not to sleep) well. 17. It was arranged that Mr Dodd (to have) a room at the local pub. 18. It's about time we (to hear) from him. 19. I was determined that Charles (not to do) anything more to upset his father. 20. It's important that children (to teach) to know the right things from the very beginning. 21. I wish you (to think) of something else. 22. It surprised me that after such a journey he (to look) in first-class physical condition. 23. It's funny that you (to think) so. 24. I wish her face (not to make) up so heavily. She's not on the stage. 25. I thought that he (to change) very much. 26. It's high time Bill (to be) back home. 27. I felt puzzled why he (to be) so troubled. 28. He turned sharply to see if I (to cry) or something. 29. I wish you (to be) serious, Clare. We haven't much time before the train starts. 30. They recommended that I (to go) and (to see) him at once. 31. I wish you (to stop) laughing. 32. It's not at all necessary that I (to explain) anything to you. 33. I was afraid that Father (to be) upset when I broke the news to him. 34. Of course it was quite possible that Mrs Lee (to be) badly ill. 35. I wish you (not to catch) that dreadful cold. 36. He wanted to ask if Lament (to be) left-handed. 37. It's advisable that you (to talk) to the old man in a quiet relaxed tone. 38. I wished he (to come) to a decision. 39. It's necessary that you (to find) a specialist who could deal with it. 40. The officer ordered that the bridge (to destroy) at dawn. 41. It's surely advisable that you (not to quarrel) at a time like this. 42. He thought it (to be) quite proper that his children (to go) to a public school. 43. He was anxious that you (to know) the truth. 44. He decided that his son (to have) a proper education. 45. They demanded that the doctor (to tell) them what was the matter. 46. He had given instructions that everything possible (to do). 47. I do wish it (to rain). 48. I was ashamed that he (to tell) lies. 49. I did wish I (to bring) my camera with me.

 

Ex. 107. Supply the necessary forms of the verbs in brackets in the follow­ing appositive and predicative clauses:

1. He had to satisfy the editor's requirements that a short story (not to exceed) one hundred lines. 2. The arrangement was that they (to take) the Fishers to a play and to supper at the Savoy afterwards. 3. I got the impression that his family (to be) rather indifferent to him. 4. My desire was that he (to leave) off his work and go on a holiday. 5. She accepted Dick's suggestion that she (to dismiss) her taxi and ride back with him. 6. He conceived the idea that by copying any printed matter he (to improve) his spelling. 7. His only request was that he (to allow) to visit his son. 8. She was filled with a great desire that her husband (to see) her new dress. 9. He handed me over to his secretary with the instruction that I (to give) a room for the night. 10. The difficulty was that he (not to fit) in with the other people there. 11. I told him of the chief's request that he (to see) to the matter himself. 12. The trouble was that he (to move) out of the house. 13. They came to the agreement that they (to meet) for talks twice a year. 14. The suggestion is that I (to make) her stay with us a little longer. 15. The fact is that Mr March (to catch) him in a lie. 16. The idea they arrived at was that they (to get) themselves introduced to the pretty girl. 17. Bill rejected the proposal that he (to buy) an estate with the money.

Ex. 108. Supply the necessary forms of the verbs in brackets in the follow­ing clauses of purpose:

1. She stirred on her sofa, shifting her weight so that she (to look) down at the playing cat. 2. He gave Stella another glance, from the corner of his eye, so that she (not to see) he was looking at her. 3. Then she went over to the captain and leaned over him so that she (to speak) into his ear. 4. She put the coat back and placed some other clothes on it so that it (to look) as though it had not been disturbed. 5. I like to know what new books are being published so that I (to ask) for them at the public library. 6. You ought to hear it from his own lips so that you (to judge). 7. I went to the desk and asked for my key so that I (to go) straight up to my room. 8. Uncle Nick's effects had to be moved out of his room so that it (to re-let). 9. He waded out cautiously, so that he (not to trip) against a coral rock. 10. He carefully took note of the furniture in the room so that he (not to knock) against a chair or a table in the dark and (to make) a noise. 11. Mrs Tinker was arranging apples on the counter so that the spots (not to show). 12. I had a book hidden in the barn, so that I (to read) without fear of being caught. 13. I took her to a theatre, so that we (to get) back home late enough.

Ex. 109. Translate the following into English using the appropriate verb forms in clauses of purpose:

1. Я сообщаю тебе обо всех этих вещах, чтобы мы могли по­нять друг друга. 2. Он велел нам сесть на заднее сиденье машины, чтобы мы могли поговорить. 3. Он притворился, что разговаривает с кем-то, чтобы слуга не подумал, что он один в комнате. 4. Девочка не закрывала окно ни днем, ни ночью, чтобы кош­ка могла приходить к ней в комнату, когда той вздумается. 5. Мы пошли погулять, чтобы я мог увидеть лес до того, как стемнеет. 6. Она понизила голос, чтобы ее мать не услышала нас. 7. Грейс предприняла необходимые меры, чтобы они могли сразу же пожениться. 8. Он отошел в сторону от театральной кассы, чтобы я мог поговорить с кассиром. 9. Позвони мне, когда ты будешь выезжать, чтобы я знал, когда ждать тебя. 10. Она дала мне ключ, чтобы я мог отпереть дверь.

 

Ex. 110. Supply the necessary forms of the verbs in brackets in the follow­ing clauses of comparison and predicative clauses introduced by as if and as though:

1. Her lips were parted as if she (to be) out of breath. 2. Hugh laughed awkwardly, as if he (to say) something indecent. 3. Then he rolled his eyes in his head, as if he (to do) an exercise. 4. He looked down at his feet as though he (to be) unconscious of the company. 5. Bateman felt as though someone (to give) him a violent blow. 6. She sounded as if she (to talk) to someone distasteful. 7. He couldn't move his legs as if they (to be) stuck on the floor. 8. "It sounds as though there (to be) three or four men down there," said my father. 9. She spoke of this and that as though she (to make) conversa­tion with a stranger. 10. He looked as if he already (to decide) on some action. 11. He went into the house by the back door and sneaked up the stairs as though he (to have) something to hide. 12. It looked as though he (to be) filled with an overwhelming joy. 13. The sky looked as though it (to be) grey for months. 14. Robert's voice sounded hoarse, as though he (to shout) into the wind for hours. 15. Her stillness and her strange words made me feel as if I still (to dream). 16. Jones greeted me as though I (to be) an old school-friend whom he had not seen for years. 17. Her eyes were sparkling as though she (to laugh) at us. 18. She was breathing fast and deep, as though she (to run). 19. Her face was red and swollen as though she (to choke). 20. He looked as though he (not to move) since I left him the previous night.

Ex. 111. Translate the following into English using the appropriate verb forms in clauses of comparison and predicative clauses introduced by as if or as though:

1. Он сидел за столом, как если бы писал, но он не писал и не читал. 2. Он смотрел на меня так, как будто не понимал меня. 3. Собака приветствовала Франка, как будто они давно не виделись. 4. Они не разговаривали, как будто они были так счастливы быть вместе, что разговоры были излишни. 5. У него был такой вид, как будто он вот-вот расплачется. 6. Она чувствовала себя очень усталой, как будто она очень долго гуляла. 7. Она продолжала оглядывать комнату, как будто искала кого-то. 8. Они разговаривали друг с другом тихими голосами, как будто они были в церкви. 9. Морис сидел не шевелясь, словно он не расслышал Джека. 10. Он застегнул пальто, как будто ему было холодно. 11. О да, у меня такое чувство, как будто я знаю тебя годы. 12. Она обычно выглядела так, словно она недавно плакала. 13. Было похоже, что переговоры продлятся еще несколько дней.

UNIT 17

 

Complex Sentences with a Subordinate Clause of Condi­tion

type	principle clause	if- clause
1 real (Future)	I shall go to the country (Future Simple)	if the weather is fine. (Present Simple)
tense check		it may be fine…
2 unreal (Future/Present)	We should go to the country (Present Conditional Mood)	if the weather were fine. (Past Indefinite)
tense check		but it is bad
3 unreal (Past)	He would have gone to the country (Past Conditional Mood)	if the weather had been fine. (Past Perfect)
tense check		but it was bad
mixed	The cucumbers would taste fine (Present Conditional Mood)	if you had not put so much salt. (Past Perfect)
tense check	but they don’t	but you did put

Conditional sentences may be divided into two groups: sen­tences of real and unreal condition. In sentences of real condition we find the Indicative Mood. They usually refer to the future:

§ You won't be believed if you tell the truth. (future)

 

Sentences of real condition may also refer to the present or past, though not very often:

§ I always lose money if I bet. (present)

§ In the evenings we strolled about if it was fine. (past)

 

Conditional clauses are called if - clauses, but other conjunctions may be used:

unless (means 'if...not' - если только не),

§ We never part, unless we need to go on business.

 

*But unless cannot be used in the follow­ing sentence:

§ If your wife doesn't like the ring, I'll be happy to exchange it.

in case - на тот случай, если

§ I'd like the doctor handy in case she feels worse.

supposing (that) and suppose (that) - предположим

§ What will his uncle think of him, supposing it's true?

providing (that) and provided (that) - при наличии, при условии

§ We are ready to sign the agreement providing that you guarantee the quality.

on condition (that) - при условии

§ I will agree on condition that we drop this busi­ness in future.

If the sentence of unreal condition refers to the present (2), Past Indefinite is used in the if -clause, and Present Conditional Mood in the principal clause:

§ How nice it would be for Mother if we had a car.

 

Sentences of unreal condition (type 2) may refer to the future:

1) Past Indefi­nite is used in the if -clause and Present Conditional Mood in the principal clause:

§ People would distrust you if you went away at such a moment.

2) modal verb were to (= to be to) in the if -clause and Present Conditional Mood in the principal clause:

§ If we were to take this man in hand he would become as soft as wax.

3) should * + Infinitive is used in the if- clause and Future Simple in the principal clause:

§ I don't expect any telephone calls. But if anyone should call, the butler will say I've gone. (Если кто-нибудь случайно позвонит... Если так случится, что кто-нибудь случайно позвонит... Если вдруг кто-нибудь позвонит...)

 

The Imperative Mood may also be used in the principal clause:

§ If she should leave, keep an eye on her.

 

4) Sometimes would * + infinitive is used in the if -clause and Present Conditional Mood in the principal clause:

§ If he would only trust me, we would get on much better.

When the sentence of unreal condition refers to the past (3), we find Past Perfect in the if -clause and Past Conditional Mood in the principal clause:

§ It would have been too wonderful if he had said that. But he didn't.

 

The if -clause and the principal clause may refer to different times – this is called a split (mixed) condition.

§ If you were not so indifferent to him you would have noticed that there was something happening to him.

 

Modal verbs can and may are also found in con­ditional sentences, when reference is made to the past, they are com­bined with Perfect Infinitive:

§ If I could be a writer I should write detective stories.

§ If she could have seen me there, she would have been a little puzzled.

The following construction may be used with reference to the present or to the past.

§ If it weren't for my mother I should be unhappy at home. Если бы не…

§ If it were not for his friend, he would be in financial difficulties.

Clauses in conditional sentences may be joined asyndetically with inversion, in this case conditional clause precedes the principal clause:

§ Had Ann been present, the family would have been complete.