3. There are four types of conditional
sentences:
Zero-conditional 1-st conditional
2-nd conditional 3-rd conditional
4. Zero-conditional
Denotes general truths and laws of nature.
If-clause Main clause
If+ present simple present simple
Zero-conditional sentences are used to express
something which is always true.
We can use when or whenever instead of IF:
e.g. If/When it rains, the roads get slippery and
dangerous.
5. 1-st Conditional (real present)
IF- Clause Main clause
If+ present simple/ future / imperative /
present cont./ present can, may, might,
perfect / present perfect must, should,
continuous could + bare infinitive
It is used to express real or very probable
situations in the present or future:
e. g. If we work hard, we will finish the project on
time.
6. 2-nd Conditional (unreal present)
If-clause Main clause
If+past simple or would/could/
past continuous might…+bare infinitive
It is used to express imaginary situations
which are contrary to facts in the present
and, therefore, are unlikely to happen in the
present or future. They are also used to give
advice.
If I didn't have to work long hours, I wouldn't be
so tired.
7. 3-rd Conditional (unreal past)
If — clause Main clause
If+ past perfect / would/could/might+
past perfect continuous perfect bare infinitive
They are used to express imaginary situations
which are contrary to facts in the past. They are
also used to express regrets or criticism.
e. g. If I had been more careful, I wouldn't have
made such a big mistake.
8. NB!
We use IF to show that something might
happen. We use WHEN to show that
something will definitely happen.
e. g. If Steve calls, tell him I'll be back in ten
minutes (Steve might call).
When Steve calls, tell him I'll be back in ten
minutes (Steve is sure to call).
9. We can also form conditonals by
using:
Unless - Unless you help me, I
Providing / provided that won't finish on time.
So/as long as
- I'll water the plants
On conditon (that)
providing/provided
What if
(that) I have time this
Suppose/supposing afternoon.
Otherwise (=if not)
- So / as long as you
But for
promise to be back by
Or (else)
midnight, you can go
Even if
to the party.
In case of / in the event of, etc.
10. We do not normally use will, would or should
in an if-clause. However, we can use will or would
after IF to make a polite request or express
insistence or uncertainty. We can use should
after if to talk about something which is
possible, but not very likely to happen.
a) If you will wait for a minute, Mr Carrington
will be able to see you.
b) If Paul should turn up, tell him to
wait for me
11. We can form MIXED Conditionals if the context
permits it, by combining an if-clause from one type
with a main clause from another:
Main clause
If-clause
Type 1
Type 2
she won't come to work
If she got back late last night,
today.
Type 2
Type 3
If you were more sensible,
you wouldn't have spoken to
your boss like that.
Type 3 Type 2
If she hadn't missed the bus, she would be here now.
12. WISHES
We use the verb wish «I wish I were a
and the expression millionaire!»
If only... to express a
wish. If only is more
emphatic than I wish.
«If only I had more
time!»
13. Wish / If only... + past simple / past
continuous
This structure is used when we want to say that
we would like something to be different in the
present.
I wish I were smarter...
14. Wish / if only + past perfect
This structure is used to express regret that
something happened or did not happen in the
past.
I wish / If only I hadn't stolen the motorbike
15. Wish / if only + would
This structure is used:
a) for a polite imperative
b) to express our desire for a change in a situation
or someone's behaviour.
I wish you would be more attentive!
