Conditionals (also called "if clauses") are used to describe the result of a situation that happened or could have happened.
EXAMPLE: If you try, you may succeed
The "if " clause expresses the condition ("if you try"), while the main clause describes the result ("you may succeed"). Most of the times, the order of the clauses does not change the meaning of the entire sentence.
 |
BASIC CONDITIONALS
Zero conditional (present + present): Situations that are always true (present).
E.G: If I work all day, I fell tired
Second conditional (past + past): Situations that were always true (past).
E.G: If it rained, we missed gym class
First conditional (present + future): Real and possible situations.
E.G: If too many people turn up, there won´t be enough food for all of us
Third conditional (past perfect + "would have" + past participle): To describe the results of a situation that didn´t happen.
E.G: If you hadn´t missed the plane, you would have arrived on time
CONDITIONALS WITH MODALS
Present + conditional + present: Possible situations in the present.
E.G: If you come early, you can choose where you want to sit
Past perfect + conditional + present perfect: Hyphotetical past situations.
E.G: I might have forgotten if you hadn´t sent me that e-mail
Past + conditional: Hyphotetical present situations.
E.G: If I knew the answer, I could help you
VARIATIONS OF CONDITIONALS
Were to: Makes an event seem more hypothetical.
E.G: How would you fell if you were to get the job after all?
Supposing/suppose + if: Hyphotetical situations.
E.G: Suppose/supposing you won the prize, what would you do?
If + should: Expresses unlikeliness.
E.G: If you should change your mind about the deal, let my lawyer know
Happen to: Emphasizes chance possibilities.
E.G: If you happen to see Louis at school today, tell him to give me a call
If only: Adds emphasis to hypothetical situations (present events) or a sense of regret (past events).
E.G: If only my car was working, I could give you a lift.
If only I hadn´t drunk so much last night, this wouldn´t have happened.
Unless: Means "only if not", "except if".
E.G: Unless you give me an answer this afternoon, you will be fired
Even if: Describes that the situation will happen whatever the condition.
E.G: The Roarers would have won even if the Knights had made another goal
Past Perfect + would: Describes events with results in the present.
E.G: She would be cured by now if she had seen a doctor when the symptoms first appeared
Will/would: Adds a sense of politeness or emphasis.
E.G: If you will/would wait here, I´ll call Miss Sawyer
If you will stay out late, no wonder you are tired!
If it were not/hadn´t been for: Describes how one event depends on another.
E.G: If it weren´t for Josephine, this shop would be in a mess
If it hadn´t been for Jared´s goal, our team would have lost
Comments