| Element | FORM/USE: 'IF'-CLAUSE + 'POSSIBLE', POLITENESS |
|---|---|
| SuperCat | MODALITY |
| SubCat | adjectives |
| Lexical Range | N/A |
| Level | B1 |
| Cando | Can use 'if-' clauses + 'possible', as a politeness strategy. |
| Corrected Learner Example | If it is possible I would like to pay by credit card. (B1 THRESHOLD; 2003; ; Pass) If possible, please re-deliver the same goods right now. (China; B1 THRESHOLD; 2002; Chinese; Pass) I'm not free at 6 so I'd change it to 9 if it's possible. (Libya; B1 THRESHOLD; 2008; Arabic - Meghreb; Pass) If it's possible, could you send the cards to my office in London? (Sweden; B1 THRESHOLD; 2000; Swedish; Pass) I would prefer the 15th of July if it is possible. (Austria; B1 THRESHOLD; 2009; German; Pass) The opening hours are quite convenient but, if possible, I would like the pool to open a bit earlier - at 8.30 am, for example. (Greece; B2 VANTAGE; 2004; Greek; Pass) |
| Uncorrected Learner Example | If it is possible I would like to pay by credit card. (B1 THRESHOLD; 2003; ; Pass) If possible, please re-deliver the same goods through another road line right now. (China; B1 THRESHOLD; 2002; Chinese; Pass) I'm not free at 6 so I'd change it to 9 if it's possible. (Libya; B1 THRESHOLD; 2008; Arabic - Meghreb; Pass) If it's possible, could you send the card's to my office in London? (Sweden; B1 THRESHOLD; 2000; Swedish; Pass) I would prefer the 15th of July if it is possible. (Austria; B1 THRESHOLD; 2009; German; Pass) The opening hours are quite convenient but, if possible, I would like the pool to open a bit earlier - at 8.30 am, for example. (Greece; B2 VANTAGE; 2004; Greek; Pass) |
| Comments | In spoken language especially, 'if it is possible' is sometimes tagged on after a statement and often ellipted to ‘if possible’. |
