If you won the lottery...

If you won the lottery… - Grammar practice 📖 

I did a little experiment a few days ago.

If you’ve ever seen any of my videos online, you’ll know I usually post quick tips and tricks to help your business English, but on Thursday I posted a much longer lesson taking a deep dive into the conditionals…or rather, how to say sentences beginning with “if”, and it got a great response!

Turns out you all love learning grammar. Who knew!? 😜 

So, I thought I’d follow up with a bit of extra practice with some exclusive material just for you English Breakfasters.

1. Here’s the video in case you missed it. ⬇️ 

@danieltannerenglish

Sai usare “the conditionals” in inglese? #learnenglish #english #speakenglish #englishtips #inglese #ingleseperitaliani #businessenglish ... See more

2. Let’s check your understanding. Can you match the meanings a-d with the conditionals 0-3? Let’s go! (Answers at the end-no peeking! 👀 )

Meanings

a. Hypothetical present - used to talk about ideas that aren’t real

b. Hypothetical past - used to complain about things in the past that can’t be changed

c. General situation or fact that’s always true

d. Future possibility

Zero conditional - meaning a, b, c or d?

“If you jump in a pool, you get wet.”

If + present simple, present simple

First conditional - meaning a, b, c or d?

“If you practice every day, you’ll get better.”

If + present simple, future

Second conditional - meaning a, b, c or d?

“If I were taller, I’d be better at basketball.”

If + past simple, would/could/should

Third conditional - meaning a, b, c or d?

“If I hadn’t driven so fast, I wouldn’t have got a fine.”

If + had + past participle, would/could/should + have + past participle

3. OK, now it’s time for some more practice. Think of an appropriate way to end these sentences. Reply to this email with your answers and I’ll reply with any corrections. Hint: follow the structures above.

If I had more free time,  …………………………………………………………

If I could read anyone’s mind,  …………………………………………………………

If I’d been born in England, …………………………………………………………

If it’s nice this weekend, …………………………………………………………

If you don’t pay your taxes, …………………………………………………………

Answers ✅ ❎ :

Zero conditional - General situation or fact that’s always true

First conditional - Future possibility

Second conditional - Hypothetical present - used to talk about ideas that aren’t real

Third conditional - Hypothetical past - used to complain about things in the past that can’t be changed

What happens to unclaimed lottery tickets? - Listening practice 🎧️ 

Time has run out for one not-so-lucky lottery winner to claim their £1,000,000 prize.

The winning ticket was bought in Wales. Last month, the National Lottery appealed for winner to get in touch by the 13th of October, but they never did.

Here’s what happens next.

Let’s learn an idiom 🗣️ 

Did you hear the presenter say this sentence at the end of the video?

“How gutted would you be?”

Which of the following sentences has the same meaning?

a. “How angry would you be?“

b. “How disappointed would you be?“

c. “How good-spirited would you be?“

Reply to this email with your answer! ✉️ 

Something to watch  👀 

Let’s end with some good vibes. What makes a good business? Watch the video to find out.

Task: Try to find 3 words or phrases in the video that you didn’t know or that you’d like to remember.