Four types of conditional sentences
1. The first conditional sentence (Type 1)
1.1. Form
If + S1 + V(Present Simple) …, S2 + will + V(without to) +
…
Conditional clause Result clause
If – clause Main clause
(-) don’t/ doesn’t/ will not = won’t (?) Will
*Examples:
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1.2. Use: The real conditional sentence at the present
1.3. Note: Will can be changed by an imperative sentence or other modals and future
tenses
I’ll buy you an ice-cream (Future possibility)
I’m going to be very happy (sure to happen)
If you find my money I can buy you an ice-cream (ability)
You must give it to me (strong obligation)
You should give it to me (advice)
Give it to me (command)
2. The second conditional sentence (Type 2)
2.1. Form
If + S1 + V(Past Simple) …, S2 + would / ‘d + V(without to) +
…
Conditional clause Result clause
1
If – clause Main clause
Note: “were” is used for all persons
(-) didn’t, would not = wouldn’t (?) Would
*Examples:
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2.2. Use: The unreal conditional sentence at the present
2.3. Note:
It’s sometimes difficult to distinguish the differences between Type 1 & Type 2.
Ex: Can you distinguish the differences between the two following conditional
sentences?
a. If she has enough money, she will buy this house
b. If she had enough money, she would buy this house
3. The third conditional sentence (Type 3)
3.1. Form
If + S1 + V(Past Perfect) …, S2 + would / ‘d + have + P 2 +
…
Conditional clause Result clause
If – clause Main clause
Note:‘d = had /‘d = would
(-) had not = hadn’t (?) Would
*Examples:
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3.2. Use: The unreal conditional sentence in the past
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Note: a. It is also possible to indicate a past unreal condition without using the word
“lf". In this case, the auxiliary “had" is placed before, rather than after the subject. This
clause will usually come first in the sentence.
Had + Subject + Past participle
Ex: Had we known that you were there, we would have written you a letter = If we had
known that you were there, we would have written you a letter
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b. As if / As though: These conjunctions indicate something unreal or contrary to
fact and thus are very similar in form to Conditional Sentences.
* Unreal present
S1 + V(Present Simple) … as if / as though + S2 + V (Past Simple)
…
Note: “were” is used for all persons
Ex: The old lady dresses as if it were winter even in the summer (it is not winter)
*Examples:
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* Unreal past
S1 + V(Past Simple) … as if / as though + S 2 + V (Past
Perfect) …
Ex: He looked as though he had run ten miles. (He didn’t run ten miles)
*Examples:
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4. Zero conditional sentences
4.1. Form
If + S1 + V(Present Simple) …, S2 + V(Present Simple) +
…
(-) don’t / doesn’t (?) Do / Does
*Examples:
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4.2. Use: Things that are always true
PRACTICE 1
Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tenses
1. If I see him, I (give) him a gift.
2. If I had a typewriter, I (type) it my self
3. If I had known that you were in hospital, I (visit) you
4. You could make better progress if you (attend) class
5. If I (know) his telephone number, I’d give it to you
6. If you (arrive) ten minutes earlier, you would have got a seat.
7. He could get a job easily if he (have) a degree
8. I shouldn’t have believed it if I (not see) it with my own eyes
9. If he (study) hard, he can pass the exam
10. If she had asked you, you (accept)?
PRACTICE 2
Supply the correct form of the verb in parentheses for each of the following
sentences.
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1. Henry talks to his dog as if it (understand) him.
2. If they had left the house earlier, they (not be) so late getting to the airport that they
could not check their baggage.
3. If I finish the dress before Saturday, I (give) it to my sister for her birthday.
4. If I had seen the movie, I (tell) you about it last night.
5. He would give the money if he (have) it.
6. I wish they (stop) making so much noise so that I could concentrate.
7. Had they arrived at the sale earlier, they (find) a better selection
8. We could go for a drive if today (be) Saturday
9. Joe wishes that he (spend) his vacation on the Gulf Coast next year.
10. I (accept) it they invite me to the party
11. My dog always wakes me up if he (hear) strange noises
12. If you (see) Mary today, please ask her to call me
13. Because Rose did so poorly on the exam, she wishes she (study) harder last night
14. I could understand the French teacher if she (speak) more slowly.
15 Had we known your address, we (write) you a letter.
