The MBA Center Grammar Review for the TOEFL - part 2 doc

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TOEFL questions about conditionals are usually testing whether the second is correct.

Here is what you need to know:

“If” clause verb Second clause verb

present will/can/may + dictionary form

past would/could/might + dictionary form

past perfect would/could/might + have + past participle

If I were rich, I would buy a car.

If I had been rich, I would have bought a car.

If I am successful, I will be rich.

And notice the scientific fact exception:

“If” clause verb Second clause verb

present present OR will/can/may + dictionary form

If you heat water to 100°C, it starts boiling.

If you heat water to 100°C, it will start boiling.

Causative Verbs

A causative verb is used when a subject (person or thing) is forcing or “causing” another

subject to do something. Let’s look at the structure first, and then the specific word choice

depending on which causative verb you are using.

Subject..........(forces or causes).........subject.....verb form.

have make let get help

person dictionary dictionary dictionary infinitive infinitive or dictionary

thing participle dictionary dictionary participle infinitive or dictionary

WRONG: Robert’s professor made him to rewrite his thesis.

RIGHT: Robert’s professor made him rewrite his thesis.

WRONG: Peter wants to get his thesis finish before he goes on vacation.

RIGHT: Peter wants to get his thesis finished before he goes on vacation.

WRONG: Peter wants to have his check cash right now.

RIGHT: Peter wants to have his check cashed right now.

WRONG: Maria had the accountant done her taxes.

RIGHT: Maria had the accountant do her taxes.

WRONG: Dean Black let Victor to go to his grandmother’s funeral.

RIGHT: Dean Black let Victor go to his grandmother’s funeral.

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