English Conditionals, Wishes and Effective Report Writing
English Conditionals and Wish Expressions
Zero conditional
Zero conditional: If you stand in the rain, you get wet. / If you heat ice, it melts. Present simple + present simple
Uses: Facts which are generally true or scientific facts. The condition always has the same result.
First conditional
First conditional: If it rains, we will cancel the trip. / If you study, you will pass the exam.
Form: Present simple + will/won’t + verb
Uses: A possible situation in the future. Predicting a likely result in the future (if the condition happens).
Second conditional
Second conditional: If I won the lottery, I would travel a lot. / If they sold their house, they would be rich.
Form: Past simple + would + verb
Uses: Hypothetical or unlikely situations. Unreal or improbable situation now or in the future.
Third conditional
Third conditional: If you had studied, you would have passed the exam. / If I hadnt been sick, I would have gone to your party.
Form: Past perfect + would have + past participle (third column)
Uses: The person is imagining a different past. Imaginary situations that did not happen.
Wish / If only
Wish / If only:
- + past simple — Things we’d like to be different now or in the future: If only I were a bit taller. I’d be in the team. I wish I could be there for you tomorrow.
- + past perfect — Things that happened in the past and we regret: I wish I hadn’t quit my job two years ago. If only we hadn’t wasted all that money.
- + would — Things that annoy us; we’d like them to change or stop: I wish you would stop biting your nails. I hate it! If only it would stop raining! It’s been ten days!
Note: Do NOT use “wish + would” to wish about yourself.
Negative conditionals
Should you not consent to sharing this information, you may inform our company at any time. (= If you don’t consent …)
Were I not good at maths, I’d find this homework very challenging. (= If I wasn’t good at maths …)
Had I not been busy this morning, I would have attended the meeting. (= If I hadn’t been busy …)
1. Introduction
This report examines [topic] by looking at what is working well and what areas need improvement. The purpose of this report is to give a clear and balanced view of [topic]. It will cover the positive aspects, the issues or challenges, and finally suggest ways to make [topic] better. By analyzing both sides, this report aims to help [target audience or organization] understand how to keep the good parts and improve the weaker ones.
2. Positive Aspects
This section highlights the positive aspects of [topic]. It focuses on the strengths and successful elements that bring value to [topic]. These may include [mention some specific strengths, such as high quality, ease of use, positive impact, etc.]. By understanding these strong points, we can appreciate what makes [topic] effective and how it benefits [target audience or purpose].
3. Issues and Problems
Despite the positive aspects, there are some issues and problems with [topic] that need attention. This section identifies the main challenges that may limit its effectiveness or make it difficult to reach desired goals. These challenges could include [mention a few specific problems, such as lack of resources, user complaints, inefficiencies, etc.]. Understanding these problems is important because they prevent [topic] from reaching its full potential and delivering better results.
4. Suggestions for Improvement
Based on the issues mentioned above, this section provides suggestions to help improve [topic]. Each recommendation is designed to address a specific problem and offer practical ways to make [topic] more effective or user-friendly. Suggestions may include [mention specific suggestions, such as adding more resources, improving communication, or providing more training]. These improvements can make a positive impact on [topic] and help overcome the challenges identified earlier.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, this report has provided an analysis of [topic] by examining both its strengths and its weaknesses. By understanding the positive aspects, we can see what is already working well. At the same time, the issues and problems show where there is room for improvement. The recommendations included offer practical steps to help make [topic] even better. Overall, this balanced approach highlights the importance of both keeping the strengths and addressing the weaknesses to achieve the best possible outcomes.