Conditional Sentences

We use conditional sentences to describe how an action or situation affects its result.
Example : If I have enough money, I will go to Paris. conditional clause main clause

Structure : If - Clause + Main Clause

The If-clause usually comes before the main clause, but it can come after it. Example : If you study hard, you will be clever.

You will be clever If you study hard.

MAIN TYPES OF CONDITIONAL SENTENCES :

TYPE 1

TYPE 2
TYPE 3

 Conditional Sentences TYPE 1

If clause : Simple Present Main Clause : Simple Future We use the first conditional to talk about something we feel is a probable future result.

e.g. If it rains, we will get wet. If I find her address, I will send her an invitation. e.g. If I invest it, I might lose it all.

We can use might, could, or may instead of will to suggest something is less probable.

 Conditional Sentences TYPE 2

If clause : Simple Past Main Clause : Past Future We use the second conditional to talk about impossible or unlikely situations in the present. e.g. If I had wings, I would fly. If I had the money, I would buy a plane. Reality : I dont have wings. I dont have the money.

 Conditional Sentences TYPE 3

If clause : Past Perfect Main Clause : Past Future Perfect

We use the third conditional to imagine the result of something that did not happen or regret to the past events. e.g. If John had the money, he would have bought a

Ferrari. If I had found the book, I would have given it to you. Reality : John didnt have money. I didnt find the book, so I didnt give it to you.

IF - CLAUSE
TYPE 1 SIMPLE PRESENT ( s + v1 ) ( s + to be +n/adj )

, MAIN CLAUSE , SIMPLE FUTURE ( s + modals + v1)

MEANING
Real in the present or future

TYPE 2 SIMPLE PAST , PAST FUTURE ( s + v2 ) ( s + past modals + v1) ( s + to be + n/adj )

Unreal in the present or future

TYPE 3 PAST PERFECT ( s + had + v3 )

, PAST FUTURE PERFECT ( s + p. modals + have + v3)

Unreal in the past

END