This document discusses the various ways that conditional sentences are used in conversation. Section A explains how adverb clauses are sometimes used alone to complete another person's idea. Section B discusses how real conditional sentences are used to speak humorously, make offers, apologies, advice, and deals. Section C talks about how conditionals can make polite requests. Section D covers how "what if" questions imply a result clause, and how "not if" can be used to answer questions.

1. Section A

2. In conversation, we sometimes use an adverb clause
alone (without a main clause).
A: When can I go there by myself?
B: When you’re 16.
A: I don’t think I got the
job.B: Because they didn’t call back?
Sometimes the adverb clause
completes another person’s idea or
question.

3. Sometimes the adverb clause is an afterthought.
I have an idea. (pause) If you’re interested.

4. Section B

5. We often use real conditional sentences to speak
humorously or sarcastically.
If that’s Elvis, then I’m John Lennon!
We also often use real conditional
sentences in conversation to make an
offer.
If you need anything else, just holler.

6. We also often use real conditional
sentences in conversation to make an
apology.
If I’ve said anything I shouldn’t have,
I’m truly sorry.
We also often use real
conditional sentences in
conversation to give advice.
If you really want my advice, don’t bother
with making a reservation. Just go there.

7. We also often use real conditional sentences in
conversation to make a deal with someone.
If you’ll cook dinner,
I’ll wash the dishes.
If you won’t open it, I will.
Notice that we use a future from in both the main
clause and the if- clause for this special situation.

8. Section C

9. If everyone could look this way, please.
In conversation, we sometimes use conditionals to make
a polite request.
Here the if- clause is often used without a result clause.

10. If I might have your attention…
If you’ll excuse me,…
Notice that we sometimes use a future form in the
if- clause for this special situation.

11. I’d like to go to sleep now if that’s OK with you.
In conversation, we sometimes use conditionals to
show formality or request permission.

12. If you don’t mind, I’d like to eat soon.
The conditional clause softens the request or
statement by offering the listener a choice.

13. Section D

14. A: What if I run into any problems?
In conversation, we sometimes ask a question with
what if. In these questions, the result clause is
implied.
(This means, “What should I do if I run into any
problems?”)
B: Just call me.

15. A: Is fencing dangerous?
We sometimes answer a question with not if.
(This means, “It’s not dangerous if you’re wearing
the right clothes.”)
B: Not if you’re wearing the right clothes.