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Conditional clauses - Easy Learning Grammar start learning
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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. start learning
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We’ll be late if we don’t leave now. start learning
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We’ll be late unless we leave now. start learning
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If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late. start learning
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Unless we leave now, we’ll be late. start learning
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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. start learning
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If you take the first bus, you’ll get there on time. start learning
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She’ll be cold if she doesn’t wear a coat. start learning
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If you need more helpers, I can try and get some time off work. start learning
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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. start learning
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They will not finish their homework unless they start now. start learning
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If you book early, you will get a seat. start learning
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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. start learning
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If you book early, you may get a seat. start learning
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Mary might deliver your parcel, if you ask her. start learning
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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 start learning
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If Jim lent us his car, we could go to the party. start learning
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We would save £3.50 a day if we didn’t eat any lunch. start learning
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If burglars broke into my house, they wouldn’t find any money. start learning
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Would you be very angry if I failed my exam? start learning
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If I were you, I’d phone her straight away. start learning
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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. start learning
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If I won the lottery, I would buy a house in France. start learning
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(... but I don’t think I’ll win the lottery.) start learning
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If you didn’t spend all your money on lottery tickets, you could afford a holiday. start learning
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(... but you do spend all your money on lottery tickets.) start learning
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The past subjunctive is often used when giving advice to someone, especially about what the person should do. start learning
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If I were you, I’d tell them the truth. start learning
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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. start learning
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We could have had a longer holiday, if we hadn’t spent so much money on the house. start learning
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If I had known about the exam, I would have paid more attention in class. start learning
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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. start learning
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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. start learning
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If you heat water to 100°C, it boils. start learning
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Plants die if they don’t get enough water. start learning
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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. start learning
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If the alarm goes off, make your way outside to the car park. start learning
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If a red light shows here, switch off the machine. start learning
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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. start learning
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If you’re thinking of buying a lawnmower, you could try mine first. start learning
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You should turn down his radio if you don’t want the neighbours to complain start learning
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The if-clause uses will/would and the main clause uses a modal verb. start learning
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This is used to make a request or to give a polite order. start learning
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If you’ll wait a minute, the doctor can see you. start learning
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If you would sign here, please, I’ll be able to send you the books. start learning
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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. start learning
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I’d have gone if he’d invited me. start learning
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I would have gone if he had invited me. start learning
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I would’ve gone if he’d invited me. start learning
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