【明報專訊】Pat has returned from a secret mission. She is having a conversation with Dr Panda.

Pat: If I had a time machine, I would travel back in time and fight better.

Dr Panda: What happened?

Pat: Eason was planning to kidnap the Prime Minister. I spotted his wicked idea and planned to protect the Prime Minister.

Dr Panda: Did you succeed?

Pat: I wouldn't have succeeded if I had not received the help from MoMo. I was on the verge of death until MoMo rescued me and the Prime Minister.

Dr Panda: That was close! Don't fight Eason alone again. You are skating on thin ice. If I were you, I would gather the whole team before I go on a mission.

Pat: Sure!

◆Type 2 conditional

if + past simple, ...would + infinitive

It is used when we talk about imaginary scenarios or something that is impossible.

e.g. If I owned a private jet, I would travel around the world.

If I were his mother, I would not force my son to attend tutorial classes after school.

◆Type 3 conditional

if + past perfect, ...would + have + past participle

It is used when we describe a situation that didn't happen and imagine the result of this situation.

e.g. If I had studied hard, I would have passed the exam.

If he had left his company earlier, the accident would not have occurred.

■Gear up

Complete the sentences below using the correct form of the verbs.

(1) If I _______ (go) to bed early last night, I would not _______ (feel) tired today.

(2)If we _______ (win) the lottery, we would _______ (buy) our own flat.

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

conversation (n) 對話

verge (n) 邊緣

imaginary (adj) 想像的

occur (v) 發生

[Smarties' Power English 第260期]