Scribd
Upload
44 views3 pages

Conditional Sentences, If-Clauses Type I, Ii, Iii

There are three types of conditional sentences: Type I) condition possible to fulfill; Type II) condition theoretically possible; Type III) condition not possible. Type I uses simple present in if-clause and will-future in main clause. Type II uses simple past in if-clause and would + infinitive in main clause. Type III uses past perfect in if-clause and would + have + past participle in main clause. Examples are given for each type with the if-clause in initial or final position and both affirmative and negative forms. Modal verbs like could, might, may, should, must can substitute for would.

Uploaded by

Daniel Sanchez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
44 views3 pages

Conditional Sentences, If-Clauses Type I, Ii, Iii

There are three types of conditional sentences: Type I) condition possible to fulfill; Type II) condition theoretically possible; Type III) condition not possible. Type I uses simple present in if-clause and will-future in main clause. Type II uses simple past in if-clause and would + infinitive in main clause. Type III uses past perfect in if-clause and would + have + past participle in main clause. Examples are given for each type with the if-clause in initial or final position and both affirmative and negative forms. Modal verbs like could, might, may, should, must can substitute for would.

Uploaded by

Daniel Sanchez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Conditional sentences, if-clauses type I,

II, III
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 *


type if-clause main clause

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.

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

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

I
If I study, I will not fail the exam. If I study, I won't fail the exam.
-
If I do not study, I will fail the exam. If I don't study, I'll fail the exam.

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

II
If I studied, I would not fail the exam. If I studied, I wouldn't fail the exam.
-
If I did not study, I would fail the exam. If I didn't study, I'd fail the exam.

If I had studied, I would have passed the


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

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

* We can substitute could or might for would (should, may or must are sometimes possible, too).

 I would pass the exam.

 I could pass the exam.

 I might pass the exam.

 I may pass the exam.


 I should pass the exam.

 I must pass the exam.

You might also like