Express the Same Ideas with Different Grammar II - Kenneth | Learn English at EnglishCafe

This is the second in a series of posts looking at how different English structures can express the same idea.  

Variations on Conditional Forms

Conditional II - Unreal Conditional / Wish / If only

The second conditional expresses situations that are unreal or imaginary. Often, it's possible to use 'wish' or 'if only' to express a similar idea. For example:

If I had more free time, I would play more golf.

->  

I wish I had more free time, then I would play more golf.

If only I had more free time, I could play more golf.

Conditional III - Unreal Past Conditional / Wish / If only

The third conditional expresses imaginary past situations. Often, it's possible to use 'wish' or 'if only' to express a similar idea. For example:

If Sharon had asked Bob, he would have advised her to not buy that car.

->

Sharon wishes she had asked Bob because he would have advised her to not buy that car.

If only Sharon had asked Bob she wouldn't have bought that car.

Modal Verbs of Deduction / Perhaps, Sure, Etc.

Modal verbs of deduction are used to express an opinion you have about a situation. They are used in both the present and the past. For example:

She might be at work.

Tom must have got that hat in Tucson.

It's also possible to use phrases and expressions such as 'maybe', 'perhaps', 'I'm sure that...' to express the same idea. Let's take a look at the first two example sentences:

She might be at work.

->

Perhaps / Maybe she is at work.

Tom must have got that hat in Tucson.

->

I'm sure Tom got that hat in Tucson.

Alternate Verbs to Reported Speech

When using reported speech we change verbs, pronouns and time expressions appropriately. For example:

Peter told me he was going to take the day off work.

Frank said he wanted to get a new car.

It's also possible to use a wide range of alternate reporting verbs to express the same ideas:

Peter told me he was going to take the day off work.

->

Peter informed me he was going to take the day off work.

Frank said he wanted to get a new car.

->  

Frank admitted he wanted to buy a new car.