The document explains various types of conditional sentences in English, including real conditionals (zero and first conditionals) for factual situations, unreal (second and third conditionals) for hypothetical scenarios, and mixed conditionals for combining different time frames. It also discusses alternative structures, connectors, and polite requests related to conditional statements. Examples are provided for each conditional type and usage context.

1. Conditional Sentences
Advanced C Levels

2. Real Conditionals
Zero Conditional
IF+ present simple+ present simple
For a situation that is always true with a result that always
happens (common in science)
Ex.: If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.
First Conditional
IF+a present tense (1st part)
+a future tense/a modal verb or imperative (2nd part)
For something possible in the present or future:
Ex: If you study, you'll /should/ might pass.
If you've come to class, the exam isn't going to be difficult

3. Unreal/Hypothetical:
Second Conditional
Structure
IF+simple past (1st part) (or
past continuous)
+would/could/might+infinitive
(2nd part)
Usage
For something hypothetical,
unlikely in the present or
future
Examples
If you studied,
you'd/could/might pass.
If you weren't talking in class
all the time, you could
understand the conditionals
much better.
Note on 'Were'
Were is often used with all
persons (especially when giving
advice)
Ex.: If I were rich, I'd buy a
house with 15 bathrooms.

4. Unreal conditional: Third Conditional
Structure
IF+past perfect (simple or continuous)
+would have/could have/might have+past participle (the order of the clauses can be changed)
Usage
For something hypothetical about the past (totally impossible to change now)
Examples
If he had studied, he'd have/could have/might have passed.
He'd have/could have/might have passed if he hadn't been playing video games all the time,

5. Mixed Conditionals
Second conditional (1st part) with third
conditional (second part)
Ex.: If he really loved you, he'd have asked you to marry him
by now.
Present condition (he doesn't love you now), result connected
to the past
Third conditional (1st part) with second
conditional (second part)
Ex.: If he hadn't passed the exam, he wouldn't be in this class
now
Condition in the past but present result

6. Other Connectors
Unless
Meaning If not:
Ex.: Unless you work harder, you won't pass the exam.
As long as, provided/providing (that),
on condition (that), on provision that
Meaning "only if" (necessary conditions)
Ex.: You can come and live with me, provided/as
long as/ on condition you pay the rent.
Even if
unexpected or unlikely conditions
Ex: Even if I pass the exam, I´ll still need a lot time to
speak English well.
It's doubtful whether (used with negative verbs for
emphasis)
It's doutbful whether I'd pass the exam, even if I
studied
Supposing/suppose/imagine/What if/
in case
(less formal)
Ex.: Supposing you had loads of money, what
would you do?
Whether or not/regardless of whether
Lack of importance of an outcome
I'd continue studying English next year, regardless of
whether I passed the exam/whether or not I passed
the exam
In case of/in the event of+ Noun/in
the event of+clause
Possible situation/possible conditions
In case of a fire, leave the building as soon as possible
In the event that a fire starts in the building, leave
it as soon as possible

7. Alternative Structures
If it weren´t for/If it
hadn't been for
To explain a particular thing
or event that prevents a
situation from being
different.
If it hadn't been for the
teacher, I would have never
passed the course
If+subject+were+to+
infinitive
For formal predictions
If the course were to be
created, it'd be very
interesting for the school
Polite requests
If you wouldn't mind, if it isn't
too much trouble, If you
will/would be so kind
If only + past perfect
To express regret
If only I had studied English
a little bit, I would have
passed.

8. Elliptical Conditional
Structures
To refuse a request or give
advice in a polite way
Request: Could you help me with
my English homework?
I would if I had done it
Advice: Do you think it's a good
idea to read the English book?
I would If I were you
With some words; subject
+be can be omitted
If in doubt…
To avoid repetition
If you can, do the shopping