CONDITIONAL CLAUSES
Conditionals are clauses introduced with the conjunction IF. There are three types of
conditional clauses: type 1, type 2 and type 3. There is also another common type, 0.
Conditional clauses consist of two parts: the IF-clause (hypothesis) and the main clause
(result). When the IF-clause comes before the main clause, the two clauses are separated
with a COMMA (,). When the IF-clause comes before the IF-clause, then no comma is
necessary.
If I see Tim, I'll give him his book. = I'll give Tim his book if I see him.
IF-clause
(HYPOTHESIS) Main clause (RESULT) USE
TYPE 0
-
GENER
AL
TRUTH
IF + present simple Present simple
To express something
which is always true. We
can use WHEN
(=whenever) instead of IF.
If the temperature falls below 0ºC, water turns into ice.
TYPE 1
- REAL
PRESEN
T
IF + present simple
* Also: present
continuous or present
perfect
Future WILL
* Also: imperative, may,
might, must, should,
could.
To express real or very
probable situations in the
present or future.
If he doesn't pay the fine, he will go to prison.
If you need help, come and see me.
If you have finished your work, you can have a break.
We can use UNLESS instead of IF (IF + negative verb = UNLESS + positive
verb)
If you don't leave now, you'll miss the bus = Unless you leave now, you'll miss the bus.
TYPE 2
-
UNREA
L
PRESEN
T
IF + past simple
* Also: past continuous
WOULD + infinitive
* Also: could / might.
To express imaginary
situations which are
contrary to facts in the
present and, therefore, are
unlikely to happen in the
present or future.
To give advice (If I were
you, ...)
If I had time, I would take up sport. (but I don't have time -untrue in the present)
If I were you, I would talk to my parents about it. (giving advice)
We can use WERE instead of WAS for all persons in the IF-clause. It is
compulsory to use WERE in the clause If I were you, ...
TYPE 3
-
UNREA
L PAST
IF + past perfect WOULD + HAVE + past
participle
* Also: could / might.
To express imaginary
situations which are
contrary to facts in the
past.
To express regret or
criticism.
If she had studied harder, she would have passed the test. (but she didn't study hard in the past)
If John hadn't got up late, he wouldn't have missed the bus.
The following expressions can be used instead of IF: provided / providing that, as long
as, suppose / supposing, ...
You can see Mr Carter provided you have an appointment. (=If you have an appointment,...)
