Conditional Sentences
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veronica73_argConditional Sentences
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veronica73_argCONDITIONAL SENTENCES General structure and meaning
They are clauses introduced with IF. There are four types: 0, 1, 2 and 3. They consist of two parts:
If it doesn't rain, we will go on a picnic tomorrow.
IF-clause (hypothesis) Main clause (result) When the first clause is the IF-clause, we use a ,. When the IF-clause comes second, we DONT use it.
We will go on a picnic tomorrow if it doesnt rain.
Type 0
IF-clause Present simple Main clause Present simple
Use: General truths and laws of nature. Time reference: present
If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
Present simple Present simple
Type 1
IF-clause Present Simple Present Cont. Present perf. S/C
Main clause Future simple Imperative Modals
Use: Real and very probable situations. Time reference: present and future.
If we study for the test, we will pass it.
Present Simple Future simple
Type 2 IF-clause Main clause Past simple Would Past cont. Could + bare infinitive Might Use: Imaginary situations.
Time reference: present and future.
If she had a lot of money, she would buy a castle.
Simple Past would + infinitive
Type 3 IF-clause Main clause Past perfect S/C Would Might + perfect bare inf. Could Use: Regrets and criticism.
Time reference: past
If I had studied drama, I would have been a great actor.
Past perfect Would + perfect bare infinitive
Words and phrases that introduce conditional sentences
If: to show something might happen. When: to show that something will definitely happen. Unless (if not) Provided/providing (that) So/As long as On condition that What if? Suppose/supposing Otherwise But for and / or (else) -> If you do that again Even if In case of/in the event of
Some aspects to take into account
We can use will, would or should in an IF-clause
to make a polite request or express insistence or uncertainty. (check detailed explanation in the handout) We can use were for all persons in the IF-clause of conditional type 2. We can use If I were you to give advice. In conditionals type 1, 2 and 3 we can omit If and use inversion (formal English).
Were he more careful, he would make fewer mistakes.
Mixed Conditionals
IF-clause
If she got back late last night, Type 2
Main clause
she wont come to work today. Type 1
If you were more sensible,you wouldnt have missed that opportunity. Type 2 Type 3 If she hadnt missed the bus, Type 3 she would be here now Type 2
