Unit 4 - Peace of Mind
Social Comparison vs. The Conditional
Combine conditional grammar with language for social comparison to discuss hypothetical scenarios diplomatically.
1. Why Compare?
Social comparisons often use conditionals to imagine different realities:
- If I had as much free time as they do, I would travel more.
- If we worked like their team, we would finish sooner.
These sentences adapt the familiar Type 2 pattern from B1 (If I had money, I would buy a car.).
2. Structures for Comparison
| Purpose | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Highlight a difference | If + Past Simple, would + base verb | If I were as confident as her, I would apply immediately. |
| Express aspiration | Wish + Past Simple | I wish I were as patient as you. |
| Admit limits | Even if + Past Simple, would + base verb | Even if we had their budget, we would still focus on quality. |
| Speculate about equality | If + Past Simple, might + base verb | If our schedules matched, we might collaborate more. |
3. Softening Comparisons
- Modal verbs: If I could manage my time like they do, I might feel less stressed.
- Adverbs: If she were almost as prepared as her colleague, she would handle the interview better.
- Comparatives: If we were more efficient, we would deliver faster.
Stay constructive
Use conditional language to focus on improvement rather than jealousy.
4. Practice
- Write three sentences comparing yourself with someone you admire, using Type 2 conditionals.
- Transform a direct criticism into a constructive conditional sentence.
- Use even if to highlight an important difference that would continue.
Quick Review
- Apply Type 2 forms to discuss imaginary improvements or changes.
- Add comparatives and modals to keep comparisons polite and solution-focused.
- Remember the B1 structure: If + Past Simple, would + base verb.