Definition of Hypothetical: Founded on a theory or idea that has not been verified as true
What are Hypothetical Conditionals?
Hypothetical Conditional Sentences describe a possible future situation which depends on another future situation. The verb of the main clause uses the present conditional tense (would + infinitive, or could + infinitive);
The verb of the conditional clause usually uses the present subjunctive or preterit. It is rare that the conditional aspect of the statement can be emphasized by using the form were + to + infinitive.
Let’s look at Few examples for a clear understanding on Hypothetical Conditionals:
Examples of Hypothetical Conditional Sentences
- If you ate too much, you’d (you would) get fatter.
- You’d get fatter if you ate too much.
- If everyone worked faster, we would finish in time.
- We wouldn’t finish in time unless everyone worked faster.
- If everyone were to work faster, we could finish in time.
- If I went to London, I would visit the British Museum.
- If you visited Scotland, you could see Edinburgh Castle.
- Unless the directors increased sales, we would have to close this shop.
- If I were you, I’d go a bit slower
- If I were you, I’d put that gun down