Types 0, 1, 2 & 3
Other structures
The passive
Other passive patterns
Reported statements
Reported questions
Reported functions
Defining RC
Non-defining RC
Connective RC
Present & future reference
Past reference
Contrast
Reason & cause
Purpose
Consequence
Addition
Exemplification
 
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
 Types 0, 1, 2 & 3
  
 

IF-CLAUSE

MAIN CLAUSE
MEANING

General conditions

("Zero" Conditional)

Simple present
Simple present
General laws; things that are always true

Possible conditions

(1st Conditional)

Simple present

WILL + V

(also CAN, MAY, MUST & imperatives)

Probable future result

Hypothetical conditions

(2nd Conmditional)

Simple past

WOULD + V

(also COULD / MIGHT)

Imaginary situation in the present or future

Impossible conditions

(3rd Conditional)

Past Perfect

WOULD HAVE + pp

(also COULD / MIGHT)

Imaginary situation in the past
UNLESS can be used with the meaning "IF ... NOT" in general and possible conditions only.
  
 Other structures
  
 
  • As long as, providing (or provided that) and on condition: these expressions mean only if and can be used with the same verb forms as conditional sentences:

    In Spain you can drive a car as long as you are 18

  • Inversion of subject and verb: this structure is very common in formal English in conditional sentences with should and the past perfect. When inversion is used, we omit if:

Had I known about the transport strike, I would have taken my car.

Should you meet Sheila, tell her the meeting has been postponed.

  
 
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© Olga Godoy Giménez, 2002 - 2004