A conditional sentences consists of two clause, they are the if-clause and the main clause. The if-clause can come first or second. When it comes first, we usually put a comma between the two clauses.
Examples:
- If I have enough money, I will go to Hongkong.
- I will go to Hongkong, If I have enough money.
- Conditional Sentences Type 1
Type 1: If Clause Main Clause Meaning
Simple Present Simple Present True in the present or possible
If you work hard, You Succeed. in future
Simple Future It's possible to happen in the future
You will succeed.
And when do we use conditional sentences type 1?
a. We use conditional sentences type 1 to talk about possible situations in the present or future.
- If you leave earlier, you will not be late.
- If you open the windows, I will come to your party.
b. We often use conditional type 1 to talk about facts or processes.
- If you heat water to 100 degrees, it will boil.
- If we stare into the sun, we will hurt our eyes.
*Note: Other modal verbs can also be used in place of will and would
- If it rains like this all day, the river might flood. (might = will possibly)- If it rains like this all day, the river could flood. (could = will be able to)
- Conditional Sentences Type 2
Type 2: If Clause Main Clause Meaning
Simple Past Would + Simple Form Untrue in the present
If you worked hard, You would succeed. Fact: You don't work hard,
Past Continuous Would be + Present so you don't succeed.
If it were not raining Participle Fact: It's raining now, so I'm
now, I would be going out for not going out for a walk.
a walk.
And when do we use conditional sentences type 2?
Conditional sentences type 2 is used to talk about actions or situations that are not talking place in the present or future, but we can imagine the probable result.
- If I were you, I would accept him. (In fact, I'm not you, so I will not accept him)
- If he were here, I would tell him about my plan. (In fact, he isn't here)
*Note: - Were' is used for both singular and plural subjects.
- The use of type 2 conditional in "If I were you, I would......." is a common form of advice.
- Conditional Sentences Type 3
Type 3: If Clause Main Clause Meaning
Past Perfect Would have + Past Untrue in the past
If you had worked hard, Participle Fact: You didn't work hard,
Past Perfect You would have so you didn't succeed.
Continuous Succeeded. Fact: It was raining yesterday
If it had not been Would have been + afternoon. I was not going out
raining yesterday Present Participle for a walk.
afternoon, I would have been going
out for a walk.
And when do we use conditional sentences type 3?
Conditional sentences type 3 is used to talk abut actions or situations that did not take or were not taking place in the past, but we can imagine the probable result.
- If he had not been late this morninf, his teacher would not have punished him. (In truth, he was late)
- If I had studied hard, I would have passed the exam. (In fact, I didn't study hard, so i would not pass the exam).
Sources: