Formal conditional inversion

The idea

Use had + subject + past participle for an unreal past; were + subject (often with to + base verb) for a hypothetical situation; and should + subject + base verb for a possible future situation.

Examples

• Had Maya seen the message, she would have called.
• Had we left earlier, we would have caught the ferry.
• Were I in your position, I would ask for advice.
• Were the bridge to close, the village would need another route.
• Should the weather change, the guide will alter the route.
• Should you need help, please contact the library.

Watch out

Do not keep if after inversion or write Had I would have known: the conditional clause takes a past participle, not would.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. ___ the team checked the map, they would have noticed the error. (Had / Should)

   Show answer or example answer

   Had

   Had introduces an unreal past: the team did not check the map.

2. Choose the correct option. ___ I to move abroad, I would miss this garden. (Were / Had)

   Show answer or example answer

   Were

   Were combines with to move to present a hypothetical move.

3. Choose the correct option. ___ any questions arise, please email the coordinator. (Should / Had)

   Show answer or example answer

   Should

   Should introduces a possible future question; the main clause gives an instruction.

Use it today

Choose the auxiliary that fits each condition, then explain the time or possibility it expresses.