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To express a consequence depending on a condition, we use the conditional, which consists of an IF clause. The IF clause can precede or follow the main clause. When the IF clause comes first, a comma is placed between the two clauses.
Depending on the level of probability (certain, probable, possible or purely theoretical conditions) different tenses are used in two parts of the conditional. There are four types of conditional: type zero, one, two and three, which we are going to explain.
TYPE ZERO
In the IF clause of the zero conditional, we describe a consequence that takes place regularly and with certainty. If clause: if + present simple If I drink coffee in the evening, If clause: if + present simple If unemployment is rising, Main clause: present simple I cant go the sleep. Main clause: present simple people tend to stay in their present jobs.
express general truths, scientific and mathematical laws, technical procedures, instructions.
The days get longer if you travel north. If you press this key, the display lights up.
give advice. In this case, the present form of imperative or modal (can or may) is used in the main clause
TYPE ONE
In the first conditional, we describe a real possibility. We talk about facts that, given certain conditions, probably or possibly will take place in the future.
In this case, the verb tenses are usually: If clause: if + present simple If it doesnt rain, If I find her address, If I dont see him this afternoon, Main clause: will/ll/wont + base form well have a barbecue in the garden tomorrow. I will send her an invitation. I will phone him in the evening.
NOTE: In the IF clause it is possible to use either the present simple or the present continuous.
If you spend too much time in the sun, you may get sunburnt. (it isnt certain)
TYPE TWO
When we assume a condition to be improbable or imaginary and that we dont expect to happen but is however, theoretically possible, we can use the second conditional.
If I won a million dollars on the lottery, I would stop working and would go and live in the Caribbean. (it is highly unlikely but is however possible)
The second conditional is also used when propose a different situation to the present reality.
If you worked harder, your grades would be much better. (situation that is different to
the present reality: at the moment you arent working hard enough)
If clause: if + past simple If I had my own car, If I found her address, If I had a lot of money,
Main clause: would/d/wouldnt + base form I would drive to work. I would send her an invitation. I wouldnt stay here.
If you won some big money, would you spend it all or would you save part of it?
When the verb be is present in an if clause, were is used for all persons. In spoken English, was is also used for the first and third person singular: If I/he/she/it were.....was......
In a main clauses, as an alternative to would, other modals can be found such as: could to express ability or possibility, might to express uncertainty and should to express a piece of advice.
If you played a musical instrument, you could join the local bend.
If she tried Japanese food, she might find that she likes it.
If I should win the race, I should thank the coach for his help.
TYPE THREE
When we propose an impossible condition, because it refers to the past and it is therefore no longer possible, we use the third conditional.
If you had asked me, I would have helped you. If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.
(Sometime in the past, I wanted to send an invitation to a friend. I didn't find her address, however. So in the end I didn't send her an invitation.)
If clause: if + past perfect (had/d/hadnt + past participle) If you had come to the concert with us, If I had seen you, If I hadnt been so tired,
Main clause: would/d/wouldnt have + past participle You would certainly have enjoyed it. of course I would have said hello. I would have gone out.
The other modals might, should or could can also been found in the third conditional.
If I had taken my racket with me, I could have played tennis with you.
Now, lets take a look at the summary of the different types of conditional in the table:
If Clause
Type 0
If you study hard, If you study hard,
Main clause
you get good results. you will get good results. also: you may get good results you would get good results. also: you could get/you might get good results.
you would have got good results. also: you could have got/might have got good results.
Explanation
Consequence that is always true in general. Certain result in your particular case. Possible consequences, given a condition different from the present reality or facts. Impossible condition because reffered to the past.
Type 1
If you studied hard,
Type 2
Type 3