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Understanding Conditional Sentences

The document discusses conditional sentences and different types of conditionals. It explains that conditional sentences consist of an if-clause which introduces a condition, and a main clause which presents the result. There are two common structures: condition + result with a comma, or result + condition without a comma. It then describes the four main types of conditionals: Zero conditional for facts, First conditional for possible future situations, Second conditional for hypothetical or unlikely situations, and Third conditional for imagining different past situations. The Zero conditional uses present simple verbs, the First conditional uses present simple and will/won't, the Second conditional uses past simple and would, and the Third conditional uses past perfect and would have.

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25 views2 pages

Understanding Conditional Sentences

The document discusses conditional sentences and different types of conditionals. It explains that conditional sentences consist of an if-clause which introduces a condition, and a main clause which presents the result. There are two common structures: condition + result with a comma, or result + condition without a comma. It then describes the four main types of conditionals: Zero conditional for facts, First conditional for possible future situations, Second conditional for hypothetical or unlikely situations, and Third conditional for imagining different past situations. The Zero conditional uses present simple verbs, the First conditional uses present simple and will/won't, the Second conditional uses past simple and would, and the Third conditional uses past perfect and would have.

Uploaded by

Cindrey Mae Itong
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Conditional

Conditional Sentences and IF clauses

Conditional sentences consist of an if-clause (condition) and a main clause (result). The
if-clause introduces a condition, while the main clause presents the result of that condition.
These sentences can be structured in two ways: condition + result (with a comma after the
condition) or result + condition (without a comma). The order of the clauses determines the
usage of a comma, and both orders are grammatically correct.

For example:
If it is a sunny day, we will play basketball.
If it a sunny day …. is the if-clause (the condition)
An if-clause begins with IF and has a subject and a verb.
We will play basketball …. is the main clause (the result)
If introduces a condition. This is something that may or may not happen, depending on the
circumstances. We don’t know exactly if it is going to be a sunny day so we say… IF it is a
sunny day, And what is the result of this condition? We will play basketball. There is always
a condition and a result. The IF-clause introduces a condition. The main clause is the result of
that condition. What happens in the main clause is conditional to what happens in the if-clause.
In other words, the main clause only happens when the events in the if-clause happen.

There are two ways of ordering a conditional sentence either it going to a Condition, +
Result (with a comma after the condition) or Result + Condition (without a comma)
Using the first example that has been given.
If it is a sunny day, we will play basketball. (Condition + Result)
We will play basketball if it is sunny day. (Result + Condition)

TYPES OF CONDITIONALS
The four main types of conditionals are: The Zero Conditional, the First Conditional,
the Second Conditional, and the Third Conditional. Sometimes these are called Type 0, Type
1, Type 2, and Type 3 Conditionals.

The Zero Conditional


This involves the present simple + present simple This is used for facts that are
generally true or scientific facts. The condition always has the same result. If you stand in the
rain, you get wet. (This is generally true) If you heat ice, it melts. (This is a fact)

The First Conditional


This involves the present simple + will / won’t + verb. This is used to express a possible
situation in the future. We are predicting a likely result in the future if the condition happens.
For example:
If it rains, we will cancel the trip.
If you study, you will pass the exam.

The Second Conditional


This involves the past simple + would + verb. This is used for hypothetical or unlikely
situations. Also for unreal or improbable situations now or in the future.
If I won the lottery, I would travel a lot.
(It is unlikely that I will win the lottery. But in this hypothetical, though improbable situation,
this is what I would do)
If they sold their house, they would be rich.
(It is unlikely that they will sell the house because they like living there. However, in this
improbable situation of them selling the house, they would become rich)
The Third Conditional
This involves the past perfect + would have + past participle. This is used when a
person is imagining a different past, an imaginary situation that did not happen in the past.
If you had studied, you would have passed the exam.
(I imagine that if you had done this in the past, the result would have been different)
If I hadn’t been sick, I would have gone to your party.
(I’m imagining the situation of NOT being sick in the past… something that I cannot change
now)

In general:
Zero conditional refers to facts.
First conditional and Second conditional refer to the present or future. However, the second
conditional sentences suggest it is less probable or imaginary.
Third conditional refers to the past.
There are MORE than these 4 types of conditional sentences though these are the ones that are
used the most. We will look at other types in future lessons.

Reference:

Woodward English (2003-20234),Conditional Sentences and IF clauses – Introduction.


https://www.woodwardenglish.com/lesson/conditional-sentences-if-clauses-introduction/

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