Conditional Inversion

• CEFR C1
• Grammar
• Printable
• Answer key

Conditional Inversion is a printable grammar worksheet for English language learners at CEFR level C1. It covers formal alternatives to if-clauses with had, were, and should, with 5 exercises and an answer key.

Conditional inversion creates formal alternatives to if-clauses by placing had, were, or should before the subject.

Use Had + subject + past participle for unreal past conditions.

Use Were + subject + to-infinitive for unlikely future conditions, and Should + subject + base verb for possible future conditions.

Examples

• Had we known earlier, we would have acted.
• Were the system to fail, the backup would start.
• Should you need assistance, contact reception.
• Had the data been available, the conclusion might have changed.
• Were I to accept the role, I would need more support.
• Should any problems arise, inform the supervisor immediately.
• Had she been consulted, she would have objected.
• Were it not for public pressure, the plan would continue unchanged.

What's in this worksheet

1. Complete the sentence
2. Correct the mistake
3. Transform the sentence
4. Mixed practice
5. Controlled production

Common mistakes

• If had we known earlier, we would have acted.  →  Had we known earlier, we would have acted. Do not use if with conditional inversion.
• Were the system fail, the backup would start.  →  Were the system to fail, the backup would start. Use were + subject + to-infinitive.
• Should you need assistance, you contact reception.  →  Should you need assistance, contact reception. Use an imperative or result clause after should inversion.
• Had the data available, the conclusion might have changed.  →  Had the data been available, the conclusion might have changed. Use had + subject + past participle or been.