This document discusses different types of conditional sentences in English. There are three main types:
1) Type 0 or real conditional sentences use the present simple tense to describe general truths or facts. Examples are given such as "Water turns to ice if it freezes."
2) Type 1 or probable conditional sentences use the present simple in the if-clause and will/can + infinitive in the main clause to describe probable future events based on present conditions. An example is "If I study hard, I will pass the exam."
3) Type 2 or unreal conditional sentences use the past simple in the if-clause and would/could + infinitive in the main clause to describe improbable or hypothetical
Conditional sentences havetwo
clauses:
an IF clause and a MAIN clause.
the IF clause presents the condition
the other clause presents the results
4.
Water turns toice if it freezes.
IfIf peoplepeople don’t getdon’t get enough sleep,enough sleep,
theythey areare dangerous drivers.dangerous drivers.
5.
if clause mainclause
If you heat
water to 100
degrees,
it boils.
main clause if clause
Water boils
if you heat
it to 100
6.
if clause mainclause
If you expose
phosphorus to air,
it burns.
main clause if clause
Phosphorus
burns
if you expose
it to air.
7.
if clause mainclause
If a man
looks at
her,
she always
blushes.
if clause main clause
She always
blushes
if a man
looks at her.
• to describewhat always happens in some
situations
• to talk about scientific facts, general truth
and something which are always true.
These are
10.
IMPERATIVE + IFCLAUSE
if clause main clause
If Irene is
tired,
don’t
disturb her.
main clause if clause
Don’t disturb
Irene
if she is
tired.
12.
If James studieshard,
he will be prepared for the quiz.
YouYou will bewill be sorrysorry ifif you buy that car.you buy that car.
13.
if clause mainclause
If the phone
rings,
I will answer
it.
if clause main clause
If the
weather is
sunny later,
we can go
to the
beach.
14.
• to talkabout things that probably will happen in
the future, considering certain circumstances
• to describe possible situations and their
possible results
• to talk about “real situations” – when we are
certain that something will happen when
someone does something
These are
15.
WILL / CAN+ IF CLAUSE
if clause main clause
Present
simple,
will/can +
infinitive.
1st conditional
real / possible
17.
If I hadenough money, I would take a
trip to Hawaii.
II wouldn’t dowouldn’t do thatthat ifif II werewere you.you.
18.
if clause mainclause
If I were
rich,
I would travel
around the
world.
if clause main clause
If I studied
more,
I would pass my
English exam.
The fact is I’m very lazy. I don’t study much.
19.
2nd conditional
WOULD /COULD + IF CLAUSE
if clause main clause
Past simple,
would/could
+ infinitive.
unreal
20.
• to describepossible unreal situations and their
possible results
• to talk about “imaginary situations” – we imagine
something that we are (almost) certain that won’t
come true
• to give someone advice, using the expression
“ If I were you…”
These are
21.
Structures
Type Uses ifclause Main clause
Zero Facts
Present
simple,
Present simple
1
Real/
possible
Present
simple,
Simple future
2 Unreal Past simple,
would/could +
infinitive.
22.
A Game
Decide whatconditional each sentence is,
then complete the missing part with your
own ideas.
23.
1. If thestorm hadn’t happened, …
2. If …., it will break.
3. The earth’d be cleaner if …
4. I’ll send her your regards if …
5. My Ipad wouldn’t have been stolen if …
6. If …, I’d travel around the world.
7. If I had wings, …
8. If it’s snowy, …
9. If my wish came true, …
10.We will call you if …
Example: If I were you, …
24.
ALTERNATIVES FOR IF
1.As long as= only if this happens
Ex: I will do every thing for you as long as you love
me.
2. Assuming/ Suppose/ Supposing
/Provided/ providing that= imagine that this happens
Ax: Assuming that you had two wishes, what would
you wish?
3. Unless = if …not
Ex: The criminal wouldn’t have done that unless he
had been deadly drunk.
4. On condition that = if this happens
Ex: You can go to the party on condition that you
finishes all of your homework.
25.
1. If sheleaves you, what will you do?
2. I would let him have the flat if he got rid of that dog.
3. I’ll take you to the show if you finish your homework in time.
4. I'm going swimming tomorrow if it doesn't rain.
5. The strike will be successful if we all stay together.
6. The Head promised me the post if I took on the school play.
7. If he’s still alive, how old would he be now?
8. I hope to go to college next year if I pass my exams.
Group Work
Rewrite the sentences using the alternative for ‘if’,
you can only use 1 alternative one time.
26.
Mixed conditionals
Use: Totalk about a past action and its
result in the present
Structure: if + past perfect and would not +
infinitive:
Ex: If he hadn't done well on the training
courses, he wouldn't be a Project leader
now.