NOTES

TEST (CAE)

In order (not) to, so as (not) to, so (that)

1. So that (but not in order that) can also mean ‘with the result that’:
The birds return every year around March, so that April is a good time to see them.

I’ll go by car so that I can take more luggage.

I’ll post the CD today so that you get it by the weekend. (or so that you will get it …)

I’ve made some sandwiches so (that) we can have a snack on the way.

We left a message with his neighbour so that he would know we’d called.

If you are walking at night, wear white so that cars can see you.


2. In order may be followed either by an infinitive clause, which is introduced by the infinitive complementizer (for...) to, or by a tensed clause, which is introduced by the complementizer that.

We are all servants of the laws in order to be free.

He left early in order for Mary to make the presentation.

We will send you a reminder in order that you arrive on time for your appointment. (or … so that you arrive on time … or … so that you’ll arrive on time …) 

In order that you can sign the form, please print it out and mail it to this address.

He left early in order that there would be enough light to drive.

He left early in order that we would be free to follow him.

I am doing it (in order/so as) to get it. Sería lo mismo que: I am doing it so that I/she can get it.

I'm studying so as to pass the exam.


3. Pronoun / there plus "To" infinitive.

I want there to be peace in the world. * He wants there to be more people there next time. * I don't want there to be any problems. * Do you really want there to be a picture of a frog on the front cover?

I wouldn't like you to be treated as I have been treated and as others have.

Would you like there to be better mobile coverage in your village / more trees where you live?

Would you like there to be less pollution?

Would you like there to be a next time, Anna?  

Conditionals

If it was / were up to you, would you like there to be a god?

If my teacher had been stricter with me when I was young, I would have studied harder.

What would have you done if the boss had asked you to work overtime?

We would have gone for a picnic if the weather had been better.

Second or Third Conditional?
Compare these two sentences:
If I went to the party, I would be tired tomorrow. (second)
If I had gone to the party, I would have been tired. (third)
In the first sentence, we use the second conditional because the party is in the future and we are imagining what the situation would be. In the second sentence, the party is in the past. We didn't go but we are imagining what would have happened if we had gone to it.
Don't use would in the if part of the sentence. With if, we must use the past perfect:
If I had seen Hugo, I would have said hello.
NOT If I would have seen Hugo, ....

Mixed Conditionals

Compare these two sentences:
If I had gone to the disco on Saturday night, I would have met Sarah. (third)
If I had gone to the disco on Saturday night, I would be tired now. (mixed 3ª & 2ª)
In the first sentence, we use the third conditional - a past possible action with the past result.

In the second sentence however, we use a mixed third and second conditional to describe a past possible action (third conditional) with a present result (second conditional).

* Look at these other possible situations:

If I had gone to university, my mother would have been happy.
If I had gone to university, I would be a lawyer now.

If we had gone to that new restaurant, we wouldn't have got a table as it was so busy.
If we had gone to that new restaurant, we wouldn't be hungry now.


* Alternatives to "Would".

If it hadn't rained, we would have gone for a walk.
Here we are saying we definitely would have gone for a walk if it hadn't rained. No rain = walk. Now compare with this:
If it hadn't rained, we could have gone for a walk.
This is a little different and means that the possibility to go for a walk would have existed. No rain = possible walk.
If it hadn't rained, we might have gone for a walk.
Here the possibility is smaller still. No rain = maybe walk. We can also use "may" in this sentence.