Conditional sentences (if-clauses, main clauses)

Conditional sentences

Definition: The verb tense that is used to indicate that an action or state of being is dependent on the occurrence of a condition. The condition does not need to be explicitly stated. For example, in the sentence “I would eat it” (Yo lo comería), the condition is not stated but would be implied by the context. The conditional tense is formed using the auxiliary verb “would,” although “would” also has other uses.

The conditional sentences are sometimes confusing for learners of English.

Watch out:

1) Which type of the conditional sentences is used?

2) Where is the if-clause (e.g. at the beginning or at the end of the conditional sentence)?

There are three types of the if-clauses.

1. Conditional sentences – type I

Use

It is possible to fulfil a condition which is given in the if-clause.

Form

Examples

The if-clause can be at the beginning or at the end of the sentence.

2. Conditional sentences – Type II

Use

It is theoretically possible to fullfil a condition which is given in the if-clause.

Form

Examples

The if-clause can be at the beginning or at the end of the sentence.

3. Conditional sentences – Type III

Use

It is impossible to fulfil a condition which is given in the if-clause.

Form

Examples

The if-clause can be at the beginning or at the end of the sentence.

Exercise

1. If they all ……(do).their best, the……….. (will) party great
2. If I don’t see him this afternoon, I ……….(will) phone him in the evening.
3. I …………..send her an invitation if I found her address.
4. If John …….(have) the money, he…….(will) buy a Ferrari.
5. If the midfielders ………..the ball more exactly, our team……………. more chances to attack.
6. If I……….. a lot of money, I ………..(will) stay here.
7. I …………….(will)come to your house if the weather……………. fine.
8. If I…………(have) studied hard, I would have passed the exam.
9. If the book is interesting, I……….. buy it
10. You…………..(may) be successful if you tried harder

Answer

1. do, will be (Type I)

2. will (type I)

3. would (fact: I don’t find her address) (typeII)

4. had, would (Fact : I don’t

5. had passed, would have had (fact:I didn’t the midfielders, so I wasn’t chances to attack) (Type III)

6. had, wouldn’t (fact : I don’t have much money.) (type II)

7. would have, had been (fact: The weather wasn’t fine, so I didn’t come to your house.)(Type III).

8. had. (fact : I didn’t study hard, so I didn’t pass the exam) (Type III)

9. will (typeI)

10. might (fact : I don’t try harder) (Type II)