CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

1. CONDITIONAL TYPE ZERO

   • 'IF' + present + another present
     • If you eat ice, it turns to water
   • 'IF' + present + imperative
     • If you go out, buy some milk

2. CONDITIONAL TYPE TWO

   • The verb in the ‘IF’ clause is in the past tense; the verb in the main clause is in the conditional tense ‘WOULD’ + verb.
     • If I had a map, I would lend it to you.
   • Note: ‘IF’ [ I/He/She/It ] + ‘WERE’ can be used instead of ‘WAS’ and it is considered the most correct form.
   • Possible Variations: ‘IF’ + past simple + ‘MIGHT’ / ‘COULD’ (instead of would).
     • If you tried again you might succeed.

3. CONDITIONAL TYPE THREE

   • The verb in the IF clause is in the past perfect tense; the verb in the main clause is in the perfect conditional.
     • If I had known that you were coming I would have met you at the airport.
   • The condition cannot be fulfilled because the action in the IF clause didn’t happen and is already past.
   • Possible variations: ‘COULD’ / ‘MIGHT’ instead of ‘WOULD’.
     • If we had found him earlier we could have saved his life.

4. CONDITIONAL TYPE ONE

   • The verb in the IF clause is in the present tense; the verb in the main clause is in the future simple. It doesn’t matter which comes first.
     • If he runs he’ll get there in time.
   • The action in the IF clause is quite probable.