Learn · Sentences Hypothetical Sentences

If they hadn’t been so busy, they would have helped us with the presentation.

B2

Sentence

Narrator

If they hadn’t been so busy, they would have helped us with the presentation.

Study notes

How to use in different contexts

Giving Advice

If you weren't so busy, you could help with the project.

Describing Habits

They're usually helpful, but their busy schedule prevented them from assisting.

Asking About Others

Would they have helped if they hadn't been so busy?

Sharing Hypotheticals

If they had more free time, they would have gladly helped.

Rephrased versions

Formal

Their lack of available time prevented them from assisting with the presentation.

Casual

They would've helped us out if they weren't so swamped.

Simpler English

They would have helped if they weren't busy.

Phrases to learn

hadn't been so busy

If they had not been occupied with many tasks or activities.

would have helped

Indicates a past action that would have occurred under a different circumstance.