Listen for untrue conditions

Some text here about the topic of discussion

If she were at home, she

could do it.* [not at home]

​

If she weren't at home, she

could do it. [at home]

​Example

An affirmative condition implies

a negative reality.

​

A negative condition implies an

affirmative reality.

Point​

​Remember that were is used instead of was in untrue conditions: "If I were there, I would help."

If I had money, I would buy it.

[do not have money]​

​

If I had had money, I would

have bought it. [did not have money]

​Example

A past tense implies a present

reality.

​

A past perfect verb implies a

past reality.

Point​

Had I had money, I would

have bought it**

​Example

Had can be used without if.

Point​

​This has the same meaning as "If I had had money "

Note that the subject and "had" are inverted.