conditionals

Conditional clauses - Easy Learning Grammar

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Conditional sentences consist of a main clause and a conditional clause (sometimes called an if-clause). The conditional clause usually begins with if or unless. The conditional clause can come before or after the main clause.

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We’ll be late if we don’t leave now.

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We’ll be late unless we leave now.

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If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late.

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Unless we leave now, we’ll be late.

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There are three main types of conditional sentence. Type 1The main clause uses will, can, may, or might + the base form of a main verb. The if-clause uses the present simple tense.

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If you take the first bus, you’ll get there on time.

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She’ll be cold if she doesn’t wear a coat.

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If you need more helpers, I can try and get some time off work.

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Type 1 sentences refer to the future. They suggest that the action in the main clause is quite likely to happen.

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They will not finish their homework unless they start now.

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If you book early, you will get a seat.

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The use of the modal verb may or might in the main clause suggests that there is some doubt whether the main verb action will be achieved.

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If you book early, you may get a seat.

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Mary might deliver your parcel, if you ask her.

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Type 2The main clause uses would, could, or might + the base form of a main verb. The if-clause uses the past simple tense

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If Jim lent us his car, we could go to the party.

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We would save £3.50 a day if we didn’t eat any lunch.

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If burglars broke into my house, they wouldn’t find any money.

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Would you be very angry if I failed my exam?

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If I were you, I’d phone her straight away.

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Type 2 sentences refer to an imaginary situation. They imply that the action in the if-clause will probably not happen.

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If I won the lottery, I would buy a house in France.

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(... but I don’t think I’ll win the lottery.)

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If you didn’t spend all your money on lottery tickets, you could afford a holiday.

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(... but you do spend all your money on lottery tickets.)

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The past subjunctive is often used when giving advice to someone, especially about what the person should do.

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If I were you, I’d tell them the truth.

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Type 3The main clause uses would, could, or might + have + the past participle of a main verb. The if-clause uses the past perfect tense.

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We could have had a longer holiday, if we hadn’t spent so much money on the house.

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If I had known about the exam, I would have paid more attention in class.

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In Type 3 sentences the speaker is looking back from the present to a past time and event. The speaker is talking about what might have happened but did not, either because the wrong thing was done or because nothing was done.

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The if-clause uses the present simple tense and the main clause uses the present simple tense. This is used to refer to universal truths.

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If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.

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Plants die if they don’t get enough water.

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The if-clause uses the present simple tense and the main clause is in the imperative. This is used to give advice or orders for particular situations or sets of circumstances.

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If the alarm goes off, make your way outside to the car park.

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If a red light shows here, switch off the machine.

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The if-clause uses the present continuous or present simple tense and the main clause uses a modal verb. This is used to make suggestions and give advice.

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If you’re thinking of buying a lawnmower, you could try mine first.

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You should turn down his radio if you don’t want the neighbours to complain

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The if-clause uses will/would and the main clause uses a modal verb.

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This is used to make a request or to give a polite order.

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If you’ll wait a minute, the doctor can see you.

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If you would sign here, please, I’ll be able to send you the books.

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Note that a ’d in the main clause is the contracted form of would. However, a ’d in an if-clause is the contracted form of had.

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I’d have gone if he’d invited me.

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I would have gone if he had invited me.

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I would’ve gone if he’d invited me.

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I could’ve I might’ve

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