2. Forms & Uses
Conditional sentences consist of two clauses:
- A conditional clause
- A main clause
If the weather is fine, we’ll go sunbathing.
Conditional sentences are used to express
that the action in the main clause can only
take place if a certain condition is fulfilled in
the conditional clause.
3. FIRST TYPE
Real, likely Conditionals
They have present or future time reference.
The main clause can actually take place if the condition
happens. The condition seems realistic to happen
e.g. If I find her address, I will send her an invitation.
I want to send an invitation to a friend, I just have to
find her address.
e.g. If Peter has the money, he will buy a car.
It is very likely that Peter will have enough money to
buy that car.
4. Real, likely Conditionals
There are different kinds of real
conditionals.
Conditional clause Main clause
Present Present
e.g. If it rains, you get wet.
Present Future
e.g. If I see Peter, I’ll tell him.
Present Imperative
e.g. If you know the answer, let me know.
5. SECOND TYPE
Hypothetical, imaginary
ConditionalsThey also have present or future time reference.
The difference with real, likely conditionals is that
here, the condition is rather improbable to happen.
Conditional clause Main clause
Past Simple Conditional Simple
e.g. If I won the lottery, I’d travel to India.
e.g. If Sally arrived on time, we would be happy.
Sometimes, the condition is impossible.
e.g. If I were you, I wouldn’t go.
6. THIRD TYPE
Impossible Conditionals
These conditionals have past time reference.
They refer to things that could have happened if the
condition had taken place. This didn’t happen, so
it is impossible that the main clause happens.
Conditional clause Main clause
Past Perfect Conditional Perfect
e.g.If Paul had come, he would have done it.
7. Practice
Here you have some links to practice the different
conditionals.
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/conditional-sentences/type-1/exercises?02
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/conditional-sentences/type-2/exercises?02
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/conditional-sentences/type-3/exercises?02
