Open conditions

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 417.

These describe events that are a real possibility. Various verb forms are possible, and time references can be mixed, as with hypothetical conditions.

1 Underline the verb forms in each clause in the following sentences and complete the notes.

1 If something the size of a barn door could slip away without being missed, the fate of little-known species is likely to be worse. (could + future)

2 If you stand on the tip of Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland today, you can look out on the remnants of the richest fishery on Earth. (present + …………)

3 If the world's waters are pure for humans to drink but contain no fish, then we haven't really solved our environmental problems. (………… + …………)

4 If we are to avoid the catastrophic effects of global warming, we must take action now. (………… + …………)

5 In the past, if men didn't find animals to kill, they went hungry. (………… + …………)

6 If it will help, I will join an environmental group. (………… + …………)

2 Which of the completions a)-c) are grammatically possible? Tick all the possible options.

1 If people continue to hunt tigers,

a) they will have become extinct in ten years.

b) our children may never see one.

c) they must have died out by now.

2 If prehistoric tribes chose to settle in villages,

a) they would have been able to grow crops.

b) they couldn't survive by hunting alone.

c) they needed to domesticate animals.

3 If he went to the meeting yesterday,

a) we'll hear all about it tomorrow.

b) he had heard the news.

c) he's probably still considering what to do.

4 If you'll bring some food to the party,

a) I can do the rest.

b) you'll have done your share.

c) I'll bring something to drink.

5 If you're going to make a fuss,

a) we won't do it.

b) we've done something about it.

c) we'd better not do it.