Inversions
We use conditionals to describe the result of a condition. Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.
Inversions
We can invert conditional sentences and remove the if, to give the sentence more formality. Remember, we create conditionals using ‘if’…
We can invert the first, second and third conditionals:
First conditional
Recap: The first conditionals are used to describe situations that could be possible.
I’m going to the shops, call me if you need me.
If there is a problem, you can call me at the shops.
Inversion: We replace if with should and the verb is changed to the infinitive form. This is often used to make the request seem more polite or formal.
I’m going to the shops, call me should you need me.
Should there be a problem, you can call me at the shops.
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Second conditional
Recap: The second conditional is used when we want to describe a situation a is unlikely or impossible.
Where do you think you would go if you had a million dollars?
If you had to run a marathon tomorrow, do you think you could?
Inversion: Inverting these sentences is done by changing if with were and the verb form to to + infinitive.
Where do you think you would go were you to have a million dollars?
Were you to have to run a marathon tomorrow, do you think you could?
If a sentence uses the verb be, we can replace the be with were, and swap the subject and verb.
If the weather was sunny I would go out.
Were the weather sunny I would go out
Third conditional
Recap: Third conditional sentences are used to when we want to change something in the past to effect the present.
If I went out this morning, I would feel better now
I would have skipped lunch, if I known we were going out for dinner.
Inversion: For third conditional sentences, take out if and swap the subject and verb had.
Had I went out this morning, I would feel better now
I would have skipped lunch, had I known we were going out for dinner.
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