Sentence conditions in English examples. Conditionals

Conditional sentences ( Conditional Sentences ) is the topic of more than one lesson.Conditionals in English language divided into different types, and each of them has its own rules of formation and use.

It will take a lot of practice to feel comfortable among all types of conditional sentences. But first, you need to break down what each type of Conditionals looks like and in what cases they are used. To do this, we have sorted out the rulesGrammar Conditionals in English, collected examples for each case and formed for everyone Conditionals table . Memorize the designs, review the differences between types, and practice!

Conditional Sentence Structure

Conditional sentences consist of two parts: the condition itself (air conditioning in English) and the consequences of fulfilling this condition (the main part of the sentence). A consequence states the action that should occur if the condition is met. You can also determine what meaning each part has based on a formal sign: the condition most often begins with the word if - if.

The two parts of a sentence can appear in any order: the condition can be said first, then the consequence, or vice versa. The order of the message does not affect the meaning of the message. However, a syntactic rule comes into play here: the order affects the placement of a comma in a sentence. If the condition comes first in a sentence, it is separated by a comma. If the consequence comes first, then a comma is not needed.

I will tell Gordon about it if I see him tomorrow - I will tell Gordon about this if I see him tomorrow.

The part with the if condition is a subordinate sentence, therefore questions in such constructions are asked to the main part of the sentence, that is, to the consequence.

Will you tell Gordon about it if you see him tomorrow? -Will you tell Gordon about this if you see him tomorrow?

Types of Conditional Sentences

There are 5 types of conditional sentences in English. They differ in the nature of the conditions in the sentence and the correlation of the event with reality and are formed using different grammatical rules.

English Conditionals:

• Zero Conditional - Zero type of conditional sentence
• First Conditional - First type
• Second Conditional - Second type
• Third Conditional - Third type
• Mixed Conditional - Mixed type

The choice of one of these types is determined by two parameters. First, the speaker needs to determine whether the fulfillment of the situation is real, or whether the fulfillment of the condition is possible only in an unreal world. Second, determine the tense for each part of the sentence. In conditional sentences, the time in the condition and consequence do not depend on each other and each is determined by the meaning of the situation.

For example, when we're talking about about a real condition, about the order of things in the world, then simple verb tenses are sufficient for constructions. When a sentence refers to unrealistic situations that do not occur in life, subjunctive mood. In this case, an unreal event can relate to the present and future or to the past.

Let's look at each typeconditional sentences in English with examples: educational design and the contexts in which they are used.

Zero Conditional

Let's start our review of conditional sentences with Zero Conditional. In such constructions, the appearance of if has minimal effect on the grammatical form of the verb.

Constructions of the zero type of conditional sentences appear in contexts where the message indicates general truths or a recognized state of affairs. Typical uses of these sentences are instructions, guidelines, descriptions of laws.

The scheme for forming such sentences is the simplest. Most often, the verb here is placed in the simple present tense in both parts of the sentence.Zero Conditional Examples:

If you take the ice out of the refrigerator, it melts - If you take ice out of the refrigerator, it melts.

If you click on this icon, the dialogue box appears - If you click on this icon, a dialogue box appears.

If I wake up at 6 o’clock, I feel awful - If I wake up at 6 o’clock in the morning, I feel terrible.

The typical verb form for Zero Conditional is Present Conditional . However, not only the Present Simple can appear here: other present tenses can be used to describe regulations or the established order of things. The choice of a specific verb form is determined by what stage of the event the speaker wants to highlight. For example, when it is necessary to emphasize the process of performing an action, the Continuous form appears:

If you are driving a car, you need to be very attentive - If you are driving a car, you need to be very attentive.

When talking about the result, the Perfect form appears:

If you have heard an alarm, you should leave the place immediately - If you heard an alarm, you should leave the room immediately.

In the main part of Zero Conditional, modal verbs are often used: can (to be able) / may (to be able to, have permission) / should (should) / must (must). Modal verbs describe an action that occurs with a certain degree of probability.

When we ask a question to sentences like Conditional 0 , you need to pay attention to which verb is used in the main part. If there is “to be” or modal verbs, then you need to move it to the first place in the sentence. If other forms are used, then you need to add auxiliary do / does at the beginning of the question, and put the semantic one in the infinitive.

Does the ice melt if I take it out of the refrigerator? - Does ice melt if you take it out of the refrigerator?

Should I leave the place immediately if I have heard an alarm? - Do I need to leave the premises immediately if I hear an alarm?

Because the zero conditional is often used as advice or guidance, the verb in the main clause can be in the imperative mood. The above examples Conditional Zero can be reformulated using an imperative verb:

If you are driving a car, be very attentive - If you are driving a car, be very attentive.

If you have heard an alarm, leave the place immediately - If you hear an alarm, leave the room immediately.

Mandatory Zero Conditional

Unlike types 1, 2, 3 conditions, in the zero type of conditional sentences there is no element of assumption. They only state facts that occur and are binding. The if conjunction in such constructions can be replaced by the when conjunction.

When you take the ice out of the refrigerator, it melts - When you take the ice out of the refrigerator, it melts.

When you have heard an alarm, you should leave the place immediately - When you heard the alarm, you should leave the room immediately.

When you are driving a car, you need to be very attentive - When you drive a car, you need to be very attentive.

When you click on this icon, the dialogue box appears - When you click on this icon, a dialogue box appears.

When I wake up at 6 o’clock, I feel awful - When I wake up at 6 o’clock in the morning, I feel terrible.

Under zero condition ( zero condition ) can also be replaced if with every time (every time), if the sentences describe habits and imply repeated actions:

Every time I wake up at 6 o’clock, I feel awful - Every time I wake up at 6 o’clock, I feel awful.

First Conditional

In sentences with First Conditional, the role of the condition is more obvious. It contains an assumption about the course of events, and if it is fulfilled, then the action from the main part of the sentence can be carried out.

The first type of construction refers to the future tense: if the condition occurs, then the consequence will occur. In this case, the probability of the event occurring is high. This is the type of sentence that this example applies to:

If I see Gordon tomorrow, I will tell him about it - If I see Gordon tomorrow, I will tell him about it.

First Conditional education includes present and future tenses. After if there is a Present, and in the part of the consequence - a Future. Please note that after if there is no verb in the future tense, despite the fact that the meaning of the condition describes an event that can only happen. In Russian, both parts of a sentence are most often translated into the future tense, and this often confuses English learners. You need to remember that in English the Future is placed only as part of the consequence.

I will pass the exam if I work hard - I will pass the exam if I work hard.

The point of using conditional sentences of the first type is to communicate the likely course of events, but leaving uncertainty that the situation will definitely occur. This distinguishesFirst and Zero Conditional rule. In sentences of the first type, the conjunction if cannot be replaced by when without changing the meaning.

If we try to put the conjunction when in an example familiar to us, the meaning of the phrase will change. With the word when, the sentence takes on the connotation of the speaker's confidence that the event will happen.

When I see Gordon, I will tell him about it - When I see Gordon, I will tell him about it.

Despite the fact that the Present Simple in the conditional part of a sentence is the most common tense for1st Conditional rules, other forms of the present tense are also possible here. For example Present Continuous:

If she is sleeping, I will wake her up - If she is sleeping, I will wake her up.

All types of conditional sentences often use modal verbs. They replace will in the main part of the sentence.First Conditional Exampleswith modal verbs:

• can - can (has the opportunity): If we hurry up, we can catch the last train - If we hurry, we can catch the last train.
• may - may (allowed): If you finish all your work today, you may have a day off tomorrow - If you finish all your work today, you can take a day off tomorrow.
• should - must: If she wants to get this job, she should be ready to work hard - If she wants to get this job, then she must be ready to work hard.
• must - must: If it rains, you must stay at home - If it rains, you must stay at home.

As in the zero type of conditional sentence, it is possible to use the imperative mood in the main part. Suchexamples of the First Conditional ruleis the same as the Zero Conditional type, and the difference in meaning is inferred from the context.

If you see her, send my regards - If you see her, say hello from me.

Second Conditional

The second type of conditional sentences in Englishdescribes unrealistic situations in the present or future tense, the probability of which is very low.

Such constructions are characterized by a special verb form - the subjunctive mood. It can refer to the past, present or future. Second Conditional expresses the meaning of present and future tenses.

In the subjunctive mood we are talking about unreal situations that relate to the plane of our expectations, ideas, desires. IfZero and First Conditional rulereferred to real events, then this type of sentence characterizes the unreal world. In Russian, this meaning is expressed by the particle “by”.

If I had a thousand years to live, I would become an expert in many spheres - If I lived a thousand years, I would become an expert in many fields.

This example is a typical conditional sentence Conditional II with an unreal situation. It is in the plane of our dreams or expectations, but not in the plane of reality: a person cannot live for a thousand years.

Although, according to the meaning of the sentences of the second type of conditions, they relate to the plan of the present or future time, Conditional 2 rule requires the verb to be put in the past tense. The use of past forms is also typical for the Russian language:

If I lived in Italy, I wouldn’t try to spend every holiday at the seaside - If I lived in Italy, I wouldn’t try to spend every holiday at the seaside.

For Second Conditional ruleformation combines the past tense in the condition and the subjunctive mood in the consequence. In the conditional part, the verb is placed in the Past Simple, and in the consequential part, the verb would appears, followed by a semantic verb in the infinitive without the particle to. The peculiarity of these sentences is that the past tense of the verb to be in the condition is put in the form were, regardless of the number and person of the subject.

If I were a king, I would live in this palace - If I were a king, I would live in this palace (but I’m not a king and I’m unlikely to become one).

We would be friends if Carol were a little more optimistic - We would be friends if Carol were a little more optimistic.

Often a condition describes an event that is equivalent for both the future and the past, since we are talking about an imaginary world. In Russian, the form “be” is appropriate in such sentences: If I were a king - Be I a king.

Unlike types Zero and First,second air conditioning in Englishimplies that the condition is unlikely to occur. The difference between such situations can be demonstrated using an example from the first type of conditional sentences, if you change the verb forms in the statement:

If I saw Gordon, I would tell him about it - If I see Gordon, I will tell him about it.

In this example, the speaker states that the situation is very unlikely and the meeting refers rather to an unrealistic plan.

If I saw mister President on the street, I wouldn’t know what to think - If I saw the president on the street, I wouldn’t know what to think.

A typical situation in which the second conditional arises is when we want to convey what we would do in another person’s place. There is no way we can become a different person, so the choice of an unreal conditional sentence is clear. This formulation is often used as advice:

If I were you, I wouldn’t behave like this - If I were you, I wouldn’t behave like this.

In sentences of the second type, the would form can be replaced by various modal verbs, but their forms are somewhat different from those previously discussed. Let's look atSecond Conditional exampleswith modal verbs:

• could - maybe: I could become a star if I were more lucky - I could become a star if I were luckier.
• might - can: If we had more money, we might stop work - If we had more money, we could stop working.
• should - follows: If I had time, I should go to the gym - If I had time, I should go to the gym.
• must - must: I must be in school at this time of day if I were a child - At this time of day I should be at school if I were a child.

Third Conditional

The construction of the third conditional also refers to the unreal plane. However, unlike the second type, we are talking about the past tense. Often such sentences are used to convey regret about actions done or not done or to criticize events that have occurred.

If I had known it in advance, I wouldn’t have said such things - If I had known about it in advance, I would not have said such things.

If in the case of the second typeconditions in Englishwe are talking only about supposed events, then from the construction of the third conditional sentence we learn that in reality the events did not develop the way they are presented in the sentence.

The main part of the sentence is formed using the construction would have and the past participle. The verb in the condition is put in the Past Perfect form. The shortened form of the verb would looks like 'd, which is the same as the shortened form of the verb had.

If I had called him that day, we would have solved this problem = If I’d called him that day, we’d have solved this problem - If I had called him then, we would have solved this problem.

Construct sentences of the third typeconditions in Englishpossible in the form of inversion, that is, using reverse order words To do this, the conjunction if is omitted from the condition, and the verb had is placed in the first position in the sentence:

Had I called him that day, we would have solved this problem - If I had called him then, we would have solved this problem.

Modal verbs in the Third Conditional have the same form as in sentences of the second type and replace the verb would in the main part of the phrase. As examples, we can consider sentences already familiar to us, placed in the third type of conditions:

• could - can (has the opportunity): If we had hurried up, we could have caught the last train - If we hurry, we could catch the last train.
• might - may (allowed): If you had finished all your work, you may have had a day off today - If you had finished all your work, you could take a day off today.
• should - must: If she had wanted to get this job, she should have been ready to work hard - If she wanted to get this job, she should have been ready to work hard.
• must - must: If it had rained, you must have stayed at home - If it rained, you should have stayed at home.

Mixed Conditional

The mixed type combines different types of conditional sentences. However, not all types are involved in such designs. conditions 0 1 2 3 , but only the second and third.

In Mixed Conditional, one of the parts - condition or consequence - refers to the past. The mixed type of conditional sentences can be divided into two types:

1. a combination of Second Conditional in the condition and Third Conditional in the consequence.
2. combination of Second Conditional in consequence and Third Conditional in condition.

Let's give examples for each case.

1. If + Second Conditional / Third Conditional

If I were clever enough, I wouldn’t have done this - If I were smart enough, I wouldn’t have done this.

In the Third Conditional there is the main part of the sentence that does not correspond to the real past (I wouldn't have done this - “I wouldn't have done this”), and the condition is characterized by a situation that is also true for the present (If I were clever enough - “If I were smarter ", Second Conditional).

1. If + Third Conditional / Second Conditional

If I had won that lottery, I would now live in France - If I had won that lottery, I would now live in France.

In this sentence, the main part refers to the present tense (I would now live in France - “I would now live in France”), but the condition for its implementation is determined by the failed past (If I had won that lottery - “If I won that lottery ").

Conditions table

The topic of Conditionals is extensive and requires regular repetition of material. To better understand the differences between the five types, let us summarize intable of conditional sentences in English:

We use zero conditionals when we talk about something that is always true. For example, about scientific facts or something obvious.

If you take a stone in your hand and unclench it, the stone will fall down. You'd be surprised if this didn't happen.

In the article I will tell you how to build conditional sentences in English, I will give diagrams and examples of use.

What are conditional sentences?

Conditional sentences- these are sentences where there is a certain condition under which an action will occur or could happen/not happen.

For example: “If he fixes the car, we will go out of town” (the action will occur only if he fixes the car).

All conditional sentences consist of 2 parts.

1. The main part is the event itself.

2. Condition - an event under which the action in the main part would be possible.

Conditional sentences can be used when we speak

• About real events.

For example: “If they go to the cinema, they will call me” (if the condition is met, the event will occur).

• About unreal events.

For example: “If he had money, he would buy this phone” (the event is unrealistic, since he has no money).

There are 4 types of conditional sentences in English. Today we will look at the very first and simplest type - conditional sentences type 0.

Attention! Confused about English rules? Find out in Moscow how easy it is to understand English grammar.

Zero Conditional or conditional sentences of zero type

We use conditional sentences of type 0 when we describe events, things, phenomena that are always real and true.

It can be:

• scientific facts,
• Nature laws,
• generally accepted statements
• obvious statements
• actions that always occur under such conditions.

For example

If you hit it hard, you will get a bruise (obvious statement).

How are conditional sentences of type zero formed?

This conditional type of sentence is the easiest.

Since we are talking about events that are always true, both parts use Present Simple.

The outline of such a proposal:

Actor + action + if + actor + action.

Attention! If we are talking about one person (he, she, it), do not forget to add the ending -s/-es to the action.

Examples

If you heat ice, it melts.
If you heat ice, it will melt (this always happens).

If she cleans in a flat, she listens to the radio.
If she is cleaning the apartment, she listens to the radio (this always happens).

Let's look at how negative sentences of this type are constructed.

Conditional sentences of zero type with negation in English

How is negation formed in conditional sentences of type 0?

Since in both parts we use present time Simple, then the negation is formed using the auxiliary verb do/does (depending on the character) and the negative particle not.

Note. We use do when the character is I, you, they, we. We use does when the character is she, he, it.

Negative ones can be:

• main part,
• condition,
• both parts.

To make one part negative, we put do/does and not there (abbreviated don’t/doesn"t) after the character.

The outline of such a proposal:

Actor + don’t/doesn’t + action + if + actor + don’t/doesn’t + action.

For example

If he doesn't eat, he gets hungry.
If he doesn't eat, he becomes hungry.

If children watch TV in the evening, they don't sleep.
If children watch TV in the evening, they do not sleep.

How to ask a question with a type 0 conditional clause

When we ask a question, we only change the main part. In it we put do/does first. The part containing the condition does not change.

The outline of such a proposal:

Do/Does + actor + action + if + actor + action?

For example

Do people get fat, if they eat too much?
Do people get fat if they eat too much?

Does he get angry, if you come home late?
Does he get angry if you come home late?

So, we've looked at the rules for using Zero Conditional, now let's practice writing such sentences.

Reinforcement task

Translate the following sentences into English. Leave your answers in the comments below the article.

1. If you drop this vase, it will break.
2. If he drinks coffee in the evening, he does not sleep.
3. If a child is hungry, does he cry?
4. If she doesn't clean the house, her parents scold her.
5. If he comes, we have a family dinner.

Conditional sentences are difficult sentence, which consists of two parts: conditions and results. There are 4 types of conditional sentences in English: zero (Zero Conditional), first (First Conditional), second (Second Conditional) and third (Third Conditional). All types use different tenses.

Conditionals (type 0) are used to express generally accepted or scientific facts. In this type of conditional sentence, you can use when instead of if.

Type 1 conditional sentences

Conditionals (type 1) used to express real situation in present And future time.

Conditional sentences of type 2

Conditionals (type 2) are used to express an imaginary and unlikely situation in the present and future tense. In a subordinate clause with if in the 1st and 3rd person singular(I, he, she, it) verb used were.

Conditional sentences type 3

Conditionals (type 3) are used to express an unreal situation in the past (the situation could have happened under certain conditions in the past, but did not happen, and is therefore considered unreal).

Conditional clauses are usually introduced using if, unless (= if not), providing, provided (that), as long as until then), on condition (that), but for + -ing form/noun (if not), otherwise (otherwise), or else (otherwise), what if (what if), supposing (what if), even if (even if), only if (if only).

• Unless she starts studying harder, she is going to fail her exams. If she Not If she starts studying more diligently, she will fail her exams.
• Get up now or else you will miss your flight. Get up or you won't catch your flight.
• Put your jacket on, otherwise you will get cold. Throw on a jacket or you'll catch a cold.
• They will leave on Friday supposing the weather is fine. If the weather will be fine, they are leaving on Friday.

Note

1. If a sentence begins only with Only if, the subject and predicate of the main sentence change places: Only if she is dressed formally, will she be allowed in. Only if she is dressed formally will she be allowed through.
2. If the offer is if stands before the main clause, the two parts of the sentence are separated by a comma: If you are feeling tired, you must rest. If you feel tired, you should rest. BUT: You must rest if you are feeling tired.
3. In sentences with if will, would or should not used: If he stay up late, he can get into trouble. If he goes to bed late, he will be in trouble. BUT: in sentences with if will, would or should are used when it comes to a request, as well as to express irritation, doubt, uncertainty, persistence.
4. If she should need help, ask her to call me. I doubt she'll need help, but tell her to call me. If you will stop arguing, we will find a solution. Please stop arguing and we will find a solution.
5. If can be omitted if should (cond. 1), were (cond. 2) and had (cond. 3) stand before the subject.

• If he should pass the exam, he will apply to university. — Should he pass the exam, he will apply to university. If he passes the exams, he will go to university.
• If there were an election tomorrow, who would you vote for? — Were there an election tomorrow, who would you vote for? If there are elections tomorrow, who will you vote for?
• If I had known, I would have told you. — Had I known, I would have told you. If I knew, I would tell you.

Expression of desire (Wishes)

The I wish/If only constructions are used to express desire and regret. Equivalent phrases in Russian - it would be nice, if only, if only.

Verb form	Examples	Use
I wish/if only+Past Simple/Past Continuous	I wish I was not working right now (but I am). I wish I wasn’t working now (but I am working). If only I were going to the concert tonight (but I am not). It would be nice to go to a concert today (but I won’t go).	to express a desire to change the current situation
I wish/if only+Past Perfect	I wish I had studied harder (but I didn't). If only I had studied more diligently (but I didn’t study diligently). If only I had not been so foolish (but I was). If only I weren't such a fool.	to express regret about something that happened or did not happen in the past
I wish/if only+subject(subject) +would+bare infinitive(infinitive without to)	I wish you would not be so rude to your sister. I wish you wouldn't be so rude to your sister. If only you would stop arguing. If you would stop arguing. (request)	to express the imperative mood in a polite form or the desire to change a situation or a person’s behavior

WE WISH YOU SUCCESS!

Conditional sentences Conditional sentences

Conditional sentences in English - complex sentences, where the condition is indicated in the subordinate part, and the consequence is indicated in the main part.

Note: The topic "Conditional sentences in English" is closely related to another topic - " ", in connection with which, it is recommended to first familiarize yourself with it, and then begin to study conditional sentences. This will allow you to better understand the material. This statement does not replace the independent study of conditional sentences and is of a recommendatory nature.

Table of conditional sentences in English

Conditional sentences are divided into three types depending on the probability of the actions they describe.

Type 1.1 Real events
Subordinate clause	Main
If + Present Simple	Future Simple
If I have a leisure time, I will visit Spain. If I have free time, I'll go to Spain. If he is guilty, he will confess. If he is guilty, he will confess.
Type 1.2 Unlikely events
Subordinate clause	Main
If + Subjunctive II (would + I)	Future Simple
If I would have a leisure time, I will visit Spain. If suddenly I have (= it happens that I have) free time, I will go to Spain. If he would be guilty, he will confess. If it suddenly turns out that he is guilty, he will confess.
Type 2. Almost unrealistic events
Subordinate clause	Main
	Subjunctive II (would + I)
If I had a leisure time, I would visit Spain. If I had free time, I would go to Spain. If he were* guilty, he would confess. If he was guilty, he would have confessed. *In such sentences the auxiliary verb were is used for all persons. More details in the material "".
Type 3. Unreal events
Subordinate clause	Main
If I had had a leisure time, I would have visited Spain last month. If I had free time, I would have gone to Spain last month. If he had been guilty, he would have confessed yesterday. If he was guilty, he would have confessed yesterday.
Mixed type 1
Subordinate clause	Main
If + Subjunctive I (Past Subjunctive)	Subjunctive II (would + I)
If I had earned enough money last month, I would buy permit to Spain now. If I had earned enough money last month, I would have bought a trip to Spain now. If he were guilty yesterday, he would confess now. If he had been guilty yesterday, he would have confessed today.
Mixed type 2
Subordinate clause	Main
If + Subjunctive I (Past Perfect Subjunctive)	Subjunctive II (would have + III)
If I had a leisure time, I would have visited Spain long ago. If I had free time, I would have gone to Spain a long time ago. If he had been guilty, he would have confessed long ago. If he were guilty, he would have confessed long ago.

Conditional sentences in English or Conditional Sentences (if clauses) describe the result of something that could happen in the present or future tense, or could have happened, but did not happen (in the past). They can occur in various temporary forms.

Types of Conditional Sentences in English

Look at the table representing the 4 types of Conditional Sentences. The first type is called “zero”, which is why you can often hear in English about “three types of conditional sentences”.

The Zero Conditional	If + Present Simple, … Present Simple	If you go out in the winter without warm clothes, you catch a cold. (If you go outside in winter without warm clothes, you will catch a cold.)
The 1st Conditional	If + Present Simple, … will + Infinitive	If it snows tomorrow, we will stay at home. (If it snows tomorrow, we will stay at home).
The 2nd Conditional	If + Past Simple, … would + Infinitive	If I had a lot of time, I would read this book. (If I had a lot of time, I would read this book.)
The 3rd Conditional	If + Present Perfect, … would + have + Past Participle	If I had called him, I would have known the latest news. (If I had called him, I would have found out the latest news.)

Let's now look in more detail at each case of using Conditional Sentences.

The Zero Conditional

Sentences of the “zero” type occur with two verbs in the present tense. This type is used when the result is always sure to happen. Such a statement has the connotation of a verified phenomenon, a fact. The conversation is about general phenomena and does not concern any specific situation.

If people eat too much, they get fat. – If people eat too much, they get fat.

Snakes bite if they are scared. – Snakes bite if they are scared.

If babies are hungry, they cry. – If babies are hungry, they cry.

The 1st Conditional

In the first conditional, the present tense is used first, and then the future tense. It is used to express events that are likely to happen in the future.

If it rains, they will cancel the trip. If it rains, they will cancel the trip.

She'll miss her bus if she doesn't leave now. “She’ll be late for the bus if she doesn’t get off now.”

If I meet her, I will tell her the truth. – If I meet her, I will tell her the truth.

Unlike the “zero” type, which talks about events in general, the first type describes a specific situation. Compare two examples:

If you sit in the rain, you get soaked. – If any person sits in the rain, he will get wet - this will be a natural consequence for anyone.

If you sit in the rain, you will get soaked. – If you sit in the rain today, you will get wet – we are talking about a certain situation.

The 2nd Conditional

In one part of the sentence the past tense is used, in the other - would and the infinitive. The second type of conditional has two uses.

• In the first, we talk about events in the future that may not be present. For example, we can represent something.

  If I won a lot of money, I would buy a huge house. – If I won a lot of money, I would buy a huge house.

  She would travel all over the world if she were rich. “She would travel all over the world if she were rich.”

  They would pass the exams if they ever studied. “They would pass the exams if they ever studied.”

  Please note: instead of were you can use was with the personal pronouns I, he, she, it.

• In the second case, we are talking about a result that cannot happen because the events are not true. Let's look at an example.

  If she had his address, she would visit him. – If she had his address, she would visit him (but she doesn’t have an address).

  If I were you, I wouldn’t speak with such mean personas him. – If I were in your place, I would not talk to such a vile person like him (but I, of course, am not you).

Second type of conditional sentences

Let's compare this type with the previous one. Its main semantic difference is the lower probability of performing the action.

If I had enough money I would buy two cars, a restaurant and a big house.

If I have enough money, I’ll buy a pair of new boots.

The first situation is less likely for the speaker; most likely, he will not have enough money to immediately buy two cars, a restaurant and big house. The first option is more a dream than a reality. In the second case, the speaker assumes that, most likely, he will have enough money to buy new pair boot.

The 3rdConditional

In the third type of conditional sentences we use the Past Perfect after if, and then would have with Past Participle. Let us recall that Past Participle is the 3rd form of verbs from the table (irregular), or regular verbs with –ed.

Here we are talking about events in the past that did not happen, but we imagine what the result would have been if they did happen. Examples will help you understand this type better.

If she had studied, she would have passed the exams. – If she had studied, she would have passed the exams (but she did not study and did not pass.)

If he had left early, he wouldn’t have missed his train. – If he had left earlier, he would not have been late for the train (but he was late because he was late).

She would have become a very good doctor if she hadn’t decided to become a teacher. “She would have become a good doctor if she had not decided to become a teacher.”

If I hadn't eaten so many cookies, I wouldn't have felt so sick. – If I hadn’t eaten so many cookies, I wouldn’t feel so bad.

She would have been on time if she hadn’t met her friend from school. “She would have come on time if she hadn’t met her friend from school.”

English conditional sentences - table

Video lessons will help you repeat the material: