Conditional sentences

Introduction

 

 

Conditional sentences

Conditional sentences are sometimes confusing for learners of English as a second language.

Watch out:

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

There are three types of conditional sentences.

type condition
I condition possible to fulfill
II condition in theory possible to fulfill
III condition not possible to fulfill (too late)

 

1. Form

type if-clause main clause

I Simple Present will-future or (Modal + infinitive)

II Simple Past would + infinitive *

III Past Perfect would + have + past participle *

2. Examples (if-clause at the beginning)

type if clause main clause

I If I study, I will pass the exam.

II If I studied, I would pass the exam.

III If I had studied, I would have passed the exam.

Mind the comma after the if clause.

 

3. Examples (if-clause at the end)

type main clause if-clause

I I will pass the exam if I study.

II I would pass the exam if I studied.

III I would have passed the exam if I had studied.

4. Examples (affirmative and negative sentences)

type Examples

    long forms short/contracted forms

I + If I study, I will pass the exam. If I study, I'll pass the exam.

- If I study, I will not fail the exam.

If I do not study, I will fail the exam.

If I study, I won't fail the exam.

If I don't study, I'll fail the exam.

II + If I studied, I would pass the exam. If I studied, I'd pass the exam.

- If I studied, I would not fail the exam.

If I did not study, I would fail the exam. If I studied, I wouldn't fail the exam.

If I didn't study, I'd fail the exam.

III + If I had studied, I would have passed the exam. If I'd studied, I'd have passed the exam.

- If I had studied, I would not have failed the exam.

If I had not studied, I would have failed the exam. If I'd studied, I wouldn't have failed the exam.

If I hadn't studied, I'd have 

Task
  1. You              (PAY) a higher insurance if you buy a sports car.

 

  1. You                 (BE ABLE) to see better if you turn on the lamp.

 

 

  1. If they                   (NOT GET) up early, they can't go jogging. 

 

  1. If you                 (NOT PUT) too much sugar in your coffee, you won't put on too much weight.
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