Conditionals & Hypothetical Structures

Conditionals on the TOEIC

TOEIC tests conditionals in business contexts: what happens if conditions are met, what would happen in hypothetical situations, and what would have happened differently. French speakers mix up conditional forms because French uses the conditionnel in both the "if" clause and the result — English never does.

The three conditionals TOEIC tests

"Wish" and "suggest" — subjunctive traps

TOEIC also tests: "I wish I had more time" (past form for present wish) and "The manager suggested that she attend the meeting" (subjunctive — no "s" on "attend," no "should"). French speakers find this unnatural because French uses the subjonctif form, which looks different.

Common mistake

French speakers often say "If I would have more time, I would study harder" — say "If I had more time" instead. Never use "would" in the "if" clause. French puts the conditionnel everywhere; English keeps it out of "if."