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Conditional Sentences

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Conditional Sentences

Uploaded by

darovann77
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Conditional Sentences

The use of the conditional implies that one action in a sentence depends on the other.
The conditionals are used to speak about both real and imaginary situations. Conditional
sentences are also known as “if clauses”. Keep in mind that there is no conditional verb
tense in English as there is in other languages. Instead, we use the auxiliary verb
"would*" to form the conditional*.

There are four types of conditional sentences and the use of one type over the other
reflects the probability of the dependent action happening.

1. Zero Conditional: The zero conditional is used when the condition and the results
are always true, such as with scientific facts.

IF Condition Result

if present simple present simple


If you heat water to 100° C, it boils. / Water boils if you heat it to 100° C.
If I don’t practice the piano everyday I play poorly. / I play the piano poorly if I don’t
practice everyday.
Does your mom get mad if you don’t call her? / If you don’t call your mom, does she get
mad?

Note: We can change the order of the clauses without changing the meaning. Also, with
this type of conditional, we can substitute “when” for “if” without changing the meaning.

2. First Conditional: We use the first conditional for expressing the future and in
cases when the condition is very likely to occur.

IF Condition Result

if present simple future simple (“will”)


If Bill studies, he will pass the exam. / Bill will pass the exam if he studies.
If it doesn’t rain, we will go to the beach. / We will go to the beach if it doesn’t rain.
Will you take the train if you miss the bus? / If you miss the bus, will you take the
train?

Note: We can use certain modal verbs instead of “will” to change the probability of the
condition or to express an opinion. For more information, see the lesson on modal verbs.
If it doesn’t rain, we may go to the beach.(Meaning: With the use of “may”, the
meaning of this sentence changes. The speaker here recognizes that they can go to the
beach, but they are not sure if they will.)
If it doesn’t rain, we should go to the beach.(Meaning: In this case, the use of “should”
expresses the opinion of the speaker.)
If it doesn’t rain, we can go to the beach.(Meaning: “Can” here indicates that it is
possible to go to the beach, but says nothing of the probability.)

3. Second Conditional: The second conditional is used to express an unreal


possibility in the present, such as a wish or dream, or for an action in the future
that is not very probable.

IF Condition Result

If past simple “would” + infinitive


If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world. / I would travel around the
world if I won the lottery.
If Rachel had more time, she would learn to play the guitar. / Rachel would learn to
play the guitar if she had more time.
Would you be happy if you were to get married? / If you were to get married, would
you be happy?

Note: As with the first conditional, we can use other modal verbs instead of “would” to
change the meaning or possibility of the clause.

4. Third Conditional: As opposed to the first and second conditionals, the third
conditional is used to speak about a condition in the past that has not occurred.

IF Condition Result

If past perfect “would have” + past participle


If I had known then what I know now, I would have done things differently. / I would
have done things differently if I had known then what I know now.
Suzanne wouldn’t have had the heart attack if she had gone on a diet as her doctor
recommended. / If Suzanne had gone on a diet as her doctor recommended she
wouldn’t have had the heart attack.
Would you have liked to go to university if you had been able to afford it? / If you had
been able to afford it, would you have liked to go to university?

Note: As with the first and second conditionals, we can use other modal verbs instead of
“would” to change the meaning or possibility of the clause.

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