Conditional SentencesComposed by 2 clauses

one that expresses the condition: introduced by the word “if”, commonly known as “if clause”.

one that expresses the consequence.

Example: If you work hard, you will succeed.

Conditional Sentences

There are 3 main types of conditional sentences:

Type 1 : probable condition

Type 2 : improbable condition

Type 3 : impossible condition

Type 1 : Probable Condition

Used for actions which are true or likely to happen

Examples:If it rains tomorrow, we shall cancel the picnic.You will be tired if you do a lot of exercises.

• Note on type 1:If + present tense, future tense

Type 2 : Improbable Condition

Used for present or future activities which are improbable or unlikely to happen

Examples:If it rained tomorrow, we should stay at home.You could start dinner if it were ready.

• Note on type 2:if + past tense, would/should/might + infinitive

Type 3 : Impossible Condition

Used for impossible activities which could NOT be true or performed

Examples:If it had rained yesterday, I would have stayed

at home.What would you have done if you had been

attacked by a monster?

• Note on type 3:if + past perfect, would/should/might + perfect infinitive

Variations Mixed conditional sentences. We can form mixed

conditionals, if the context permits it, by combining an if-clause from one type with a main clause from another.

IF-CLAUSE (type 2) + MAIN CLAUSE (type 1): If she got back late last night, she won’t come to work today.

IF-CLAUSE (type 2) + MAIN CLAUSE (type 3) : If you were more sensible, you wouldn’t have spoken to your boss like that.

IF-CLAUSE (type 3) + MAIN CLAUSE (type 2): If she hadn’t missed the bus, she would be here now.

Substitute words. We can form conditionals by using words/expressions such as unless, so/as long as, provided/providing, suppose/supposing: Unless you arrive on time you will miss the train; provided/as long as you arrive on time you won’t miss the train.

SummaryConditional sentences are composed by 2 clauses

one that expresses the condition one that expresses the consequence

3 main types of conditional sentences. Type 1 : Probable Condition Type 2 : Improbable Condition Type 3 : Impossible Condition

Variations - Mixed conditionals - Substitute words: unless, so/as long as,

provided/providing, suppose/supposing.