conditional sentences

conditional sentences

1. without if

   • ways to express condition without using an if-clause
   • words that signalise conditional
     • provided
       • Provided we get the money for the project, we will continue for another year. (If we get the money…)
     • unless
       • Unless you work harder, you will fail the test. (If you don’t work harder…)
     • so long as
       • So long as the chemicals have been properly dissolved, they cannot do any harm. (If the chemicals have been…)
     • in case of
       • In case of an emergency, ring 911. (If there is an emergency…)
     • ...
   • English Newsletter 2016/2
   • reversed word order of subject and verb
     • were
       • Were this to happen, we would be in dire straights. (If this were to happen, …)
     • had
       • Had I known you were here, I would have invited you to lunch. (If i had known, ...)
     • shoud
       • Should you decide to enrol in this course, you will need to take the placement test. (If you devide to enrol ...)
     • Occasionally "if" can be dropped, provided that the word order of the subject and verb is reversed.
     • This reversal of subject and verb to express condition is similar in German, but note that it only can be used in the three cases were, had and should
   • spoken English
     • you
       • You want to get ahead in life, be sure to get a good education. (If you want to get ahead in life, be sure ...)
       • usually only used with you
   • modal verbs
     • can/could
       • If we study hard, we can improve our grades. (Conditional I)
       • If we studied hard, we could improve our grades. (Conditional II)
       • If we had studied hard, we could have improved our grades. (Conditional III)
     • may/might
     • Often modal verbs are used in the main clause to qualify or tone down what the speaker wishes to express or even to offer possibilities

2. if condition

   • if clause (type 1)
   • if clause (type 2)
   • if clause (type 3
   • English Newsletter 2016/1