Conditional sentences are complex sentences that have two parts: a condition and a result. 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) 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 the subordinate clause with if in the 1st and 3rd person singular (I, he, she, it) the verb is 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. Put on your 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 we are talking about a request, as well as to express irritation, doubt, uncertainty, persistence.
- 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.
- 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 imperative mood V polite form or a desire to change a person's situation or behavior |
WE WISH YOU SUCCESS!
Today we will touch on one of the most difficult topics in the English language: "Conditional Sentences" or Conditional Sentences (from the word condition- condition).
Exists three main types of conditionals. They are divided into types depending on:
Probabilities of actions and their relationship to reality
. the time to which these actions relate.
Conditional sentences of the first type(First Conditional) are considered the simplest type of conditional sentences. This topic is studied at the level pre-intermediate. The action that conveys this type of conditional sentence refers to present or future time. This real action, it can happen in the future if the condition is met.
Conditional sentences always consist of two parts (clauses):
1. Conditional part (if-clause), which contains the word if (if) and provides a condition under which an action-consequence is possible.
2. A consequence or result depending on a condition. This part is called the main part(main clause)
The main formula by which conditional sentences of the first type are constructed:
|
IF |
PRESENT SIMPLE |
FUTURE SIMPLE |
This is the most simple design, which all students are introduced to when they first encounter First Conditional. However, despite its simplicity, First Conditional has a number of variations: the formula may change. Moreover, changes can occur in both parts of the conditional sentence. As you study at different levels, more and more First Conditional options are given. Let's look at these options for each part of the conditional sentence.
Conditional part (If-clause).
First of all, remember that in conditional part(after if ) never future tense is not used. In other words, will never not placed after if .
In the conditional part of conditional sentences of the first type, the following tenses and constructions can be used:
- Present Simple
- Present Continuous
- Present Perfect
- Be going to
- Should + bare infinitive/happen to
Let's look at each option with examples. In the main part of the sentences we will use Future Simple.
| PRESENT SIMPLE |
FUTURE SIMPLE |
Present Simple in the conditional part conveys future action and is translated into Russian by the future tense.
If the weather is fine, we will go for a walk. - If the weather is good, we will go for a walk.
If I get this job, I will earn a lot of money. - If I get this job, I will earn a lot of money.
If I go to London, I will see the Tower of London. - If I go to London, I will visit the Tower of London.
If you don't hurry,we will miss
| PRESENT CONTINUOUS |
FUTURE SIMPLE |
Present Continuous is used when talking about an action that is happening at the moment of speech, "right now" or is planned action in the future.
If you are watching TV, I will join soon you. - If you're watching TV, I'll join you soon. (The action occurs at the moment of speech).
If he is having a meeting at the moment, I will call him later. - If he is at a meeting now, then I will call you back later. (The action occurs at the moment of speech).
If they are going to Africa, they must have all the injections. - If they go to Africa, they must get all their vaccinations. (Future planned action).
| PRESENT PERFECT |
FUTURE SIMPLE |
The Present Perfect should be used to indicate completeness of action or him (visible) result in the future. The action expressed by the main part will occur if the condition is fulfilled to the end and a certain result is obtained:
If I have finished the cleaning by 6 o’clock, I’ll go to the cinema. - If I finish cleaning by six o'clock, I'll go to the cinema.
If she has passed her test, she’ll enter a university. - If she passes the test, she will go to university.
| BE GOING TO |
FUTURE SIMPLE |
In the conditional part, the construction be going to is used in the meaning "to intend/to do something":
If you are going to live abroad, you will have to learn the language. - If you intend to live in another country, you will have to learn the language.
If he is going to drop his studies, he will not get his certificate. - If he's going to skip classes, he won't get a certificate.
|
SHOULD + bare infinitive HAPPEN TO |
FUTURE SIMPLE |
Should is a modal verb, so after it it is used - an infinitive without a particle to, which is usually used after most modal verbs. Should in the conditional part indicates that the action unlikely, but still theoretically possible. The verb happen (to do something) in the conditional part has a similar meaning. This construction is translated into Russian by the phrase “If suddenly...”:
If she should call/ happens to call, he"ll tell her everything. - If suddenly she calls, he will tell her everything.
If I should win/ happen to win the lottery, I'll make a world tour. - If I suddenly win the lottery, I will go on a trip around the world.
Main Clause.
In the main part you can use:
- Future Simple
- Imperative
- Modal Verbs
- Present Simple
- Be going to
We will not dwell on Future Simple, since this tense is present in all the examples given above in this article. Let's consider the other options. In the conditional part we will use Present Simple.
| PRESENT SIMPLE |
IMPERATIVE |
The imperative mood of the verb. Simply put, just a verb, without a particle to: Read! (Read!), Repeat after me! (Repeat after me!).
This conditional sentence structure is used to:
Give an instruction or direction
If you feel tired, go to bed. - If you're tired, go to bed.
If he calls, ask him this question. - If he calls, ask him this question.
. give permission
If they pay for the season ticket, they can attend the training every day. - If they buy a membership, they can train every day.
| PRESENT SIMPLE |
MODAL VERB + BARE INFINITIVE |
In the main part of conditional sentences of the first type can be used modal verbs : can, may, must, should and others. Such sentences can have different functions, depending on the function of the modal verb: ability, permission, prohibition, advice, obligation, necessity etc.
If you know English, you can understand him. - If you know English, you can understand it. (Ability).
If you lend me your dress, you can take my blouse. - If you lend me your dress, you can take my blouse. (Permission / permission).
If you tidy your room, you may come with your friends. - If you clean your room, you can go with your friends. (Permission/permission).
If she is an entrepreneur, she must pay the tax. - If she is an entrepreneur, then she must pay tax. (Obligation).
If he has a toothache, he should see a dentist. - If he has a toothache, he should go to the dentist. (Advice).
| PRESENT SIMPLE | PRESENT SIMPLE |
Some reference books distinguish this construction into a separate type of conditional sentences: “Zero Conditional”. Others disagree and define this option in First Conditional.
Anyway, this conditional sentence is used when we talk about laws of nature or other unchanging actions (Laws of nature, general truth):
If you heat water, it boils at 100° C. - If you heat water, it will boil at 100°.
In addition, the Present Simple in both parts is used when talking about familiar situations that usually occur in real life:
If I stay up late,I feel sleepy the whole day after. - If I stay up late, I'm sleepy all day afterwards.
When the weather is nasty, he usually stays at home. - When the weather is bad, he usually stays at home.
| PRESENT SIMPLE | BE GOING TO |
This conditional sentence structure is used when it is important to emphasize the inevitability of a certain result:
If they continue arguing so heatedly, they are going to fight. - If they continue to argue so heatedly, they will fight.
If we don’t ask somebody for the directions, we are going to get lost. - If we don’t find out the way from someone, we will get lost.
Difference between IF and WHEN.
In the conditional part, not only the word IF (if), but also WHEN (when) can be used. Let's look at the situation.
It's your friend's birthday. He hasn't invited you yet, but there is a chance that he will call you. You haven't bought a gift yet. You can say:
In the first example, you are not sure whether you will receive an invitation, there is a possibility that you will not be invited, so you are in no hurry to buy a gift. In the second sentence, you know that your friend will invite you sooner or later, and when this happens, you will buy a gift for him. It's a matter of time.
Let's look at a couple more examples:
If you reach the summit of this mountain, we will be proud of you. - If you reach the top of this mountain, we will be proud of you. (There is a chance they won't make it).
When you reach the corner of the street, you’ll see my house. - When you reach the corner of the street, you will see my house. (It's a matter of time, there is a 99.9% chance that you will reach the corner).
Use of UNLESS and other words replacing IF.
You also need to consider the word unless, which is used along with if in the conditional part of sentences of the first type. Unless it has negative meaning, this is the same as if not (If not). Let's remember the example given at the beginning of the article:
If you don'thurry,we willmiss the train. - If you don't hurry up, we'll miss the train.
This sentence can be rephrased using unless :
Unless you hurry,we willmiss the train. - If you don't hurry up, we'll miss the train.
Please note that when in the conditional part already there the word unless , then the negative particle not not placed, since unless already contains a negative value:
Unless you apologize to her, she won’t forgive you. - If you don't apologize to her, she won't forgive you.
Unless he comes in time, the meeting will be started without him. - If he doesn't come on time, the meeting will start without him.
In the conditional part, you can also use the words provided (that), providing and as long as. All these words replace if and have a similar translation: If; provided that; if only; in the event that:
Provided that you don’t make noise, father will allow you to play in the garden. - Provided that you don’t make any noise, dad will allow you to play in the garden.
I will tell you everything aslongas you keep it secret. - I'll tell you everything, on the condition that you keep it a secret.
Punctuation in conditional sentences.
And another important aspect of conditional sentences is comma. In Russian, we usually separate parts of a complex sentence with a comma, regardless of which part comes first: the conditional or the main part. It's different in English. If you looked closely at the examples, you may have noticed that in all the sentences the conditional part comes first and is separated by a comma.
But if we swap the parts, then there will be no comma, because if is in the middle of a sentence, then in front of him no comma:
If he calls, tell him the news. - If he calls, tell him the news.
Tell him the news if he calls. - Tell him the news if he calls.
As you can see, changing the places of the “terms” does not change the value, but the comma disappears.
Let's summarize everything that has been said.
Conditional sentences consist of two parts, one of which expresses condition(conditional part), and the other - action depending on this condition(main part).
In the conditional and main parts it is possible to use forms of different tenses and some constructions and verbs, and each option has its own meaning and functions:
|
Conditional part (if-clause) |
Main clause | |
|
IF |
PRESENT SIMPLE, PRESENT CONTINUOUS, PRESENT PERFECT, TO BE GOING TO |
FUTURE SIMPLE IMPRERATIVE MODAL VERB + bare infinitive TO BE GOING TO |
| IF | SHOULD+bare infinitive, HAPPEN TO |
|
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Conditional sentences in English are used to express real, unlikely or impossible propositions. Such constructions are quite difficult for students, so it is necessary to carefully study the rule.
Types of Conditional Sentences
Depending on the intentions of the speaker, several types of statements are distinguished, containing assumptions of varying degrees of reality. The main types of conditional sentences in English include:
- First type
Real assumptions related to the future tense. The verb in the main clause is in the Future Simple tense, and in the subordinate clause - in the Present Simple tense.
Both parts of the statement are translated into Russian by the future.
We will visit our granny if we have enough time. – We will go to visit grandma if we have enough time. (will visit – Future Simple in the main clause, have – Present Simple in the subordinate clause)
- Second type
Unlikely assumptions that relate to the present or future. The main clause uses the Future Simple in the Past(Future Simple in the past, or would and the initial form of the verb without the particle to). The subordinate clause contains the Past Simple. Such statements are translated into Russian into conditional sentences containing verbs in subjunctive mood(with the particle “would”).
If I had enough money I would buy this bike for you. – If I had enough money, I would buy this bike for you. (had – Past Simple, would buy – Fiture Simple in the Past)
The verb to be (to be) in the Simple Past tense has 2 forms: was (singular) and were (plural). The second type of conditional sentence uses only the form plural, regardless of the subject.
If I were you I would miss her. “If I were you, I’d miss her.”
If you were at the theater now you would switch off your mobile phone. – If you were in the theater now, you would turn off your mobile phone.
- Third type
Expressing assumptions or regrets about the past, an unrealistic condition. The main clause contains would and a verb in the Present Perfect, and the subordinate clause contains the Past Perfect. Such statements are translated into Russian using the subjunctive mood, where the particle “would” is used with verbs.
TOP 2 articleswho are reading along with this
If he had known about the test he would have stayed at home. If he had known about the test, he would have stayed at home. (had known – Past Perfect, would have stayed – would+Present Perfect)
In English there is also a 4th type - mixed mood. In such sentences, the main clause refers to the future or present tense, and the subordinate clause refers to the past or vice versa.
If he hadn’t missed the train he would be in Moscow now. – If he hadn’t missed the train, he would be in Moscow now.
If I were rich I would have bought that beautiful house last year. – If I were rich, I would buy that one beautiful house last year.
Table “Types of conditional sentences in English”
It is better to summarize complex information about the types of conditional statements in the form of a diagram with sentences and their translation.
| Conditional Sentence Type | Meaning | Scheme | Example sentences with translation |
| First | real condition referring to the future tense | If + Present Simple, Future Simple | They will have a picnic if the weather is warm and sunny. They will have a picnic if the weather is warm and sunny. |
| Second | an unlikely condition relating to the present or future tense | If + Past Simple, would + verb in initial form without the to particle | If I had more time, I would help you with your homework. – If I had more time, I would help you with your homework. |
| Third | incredible condition, regret about what happened | If + Past Perfect, would + Present Perfect | If the weather had been fine, we would have had a picnic yesterday. If the weather had been good, we would have had a picnic yesterday. |
| Mixed | a combination of the second and third types: the condition refers to the past, and the result to the future, or vice versa |
If + Past Perfect, would + verb in initial form without particle to Average rating: 4. Total ratings received: 164. |
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 about “three types of conditional sentences” in English.
|
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 last 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 a big house. The first option is more a dream than a reality. In the second case, the speaker assumes that he will most likely have enough money to buy a new pair of boots.
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
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Conditional sentences (Conditionals) are sentences with a conjunction if(If). Such sentences are used very often both in Russian and in English. For example:
If the weather is good, we will go to the beach.
If you studied, you would pass the exam.
These are conditional sentences, which in English are constructed according to certain patterns depending on the type of condition. Let's look at the structure of any conditional sentence in English.
A conditional sentence consists of two parts (that is, two simple sentences which together form one complex sentence).
One of the parts is subordinate clause with the conjunction if (if), containing the condition (If the weather is good...); the other part is main offer, which contains the result (we'll go to the beach).
In English, unlike Russian, there are several types of conditional sentences:
- Zero Conditional(conditional sentences of zero type);
- First Conditional(Conditional sentences of the first type);
- Second Conditional(Conditional sentences of the second type);
- Third Conditional(Conditional sentences of the third type).
The Zero Conditional. Conditional sentences of type zero
They are used when we talk about events and phenomena that are always true and real. As a rule, we are talking about scientific facts, the laws of nature or the actions we are accustomed to. If or when the condition is met, the action will occur with a 100% probability.
If + Present Simple, … Present Simple.
If you mix hydrogen and oxygen, you get water. / You get water if you mix hydrogen and oxygen.If you combine hydrogen and oxygen, you get water.
If she goes to Moscow, she visits her sister. / She visits her sister if she goes to Moscow.If she goes to Moscow, then she visits her sister.
In this case, we know for sure that if the condition is met, the action will certainly occur. If we combine hydrogen and oxygen, we get water. If she goes to Moscow, she will definitely visit her sister. In such sentences the conjunction if (if) easily replaced by when (when), while the meaning of the sentence remains the same:
When she goes to Moscow, she visits her sister. — When she goes to Moscow, she visits her sister.
Structure of conditional sentences of type zero
Conditional sentences of type zero have the following structure: in both parts of the sentence (present simple tense) is most often used. Modal verbs can also be used, for example, or.
If she goes shopping, she buys very expensive clothes. — If she goes shopping, she buys very expensive clothes. (she always does this)
If I can't fall asleep, I read. — If I can’t sleep, I read. (I always do this)
The First Conditional. Type I conditional sentences
Used to express situations that may happen in the future with a very high probability. It is realistic and quite possible that the condition will be met.
If + Present Simple, … Future Simple.
If the weather is fine, we will go to the beach. / We will go to the beach if the weather is fine.If the weather is good, we will go to the beach. / We'll go to the beach if the weather is good.
Such offers are also called real future (real future), since the probability that the condition will be met is very high. The speaker is, say, 90 percent sure that the weather will be good and they will go to the beach. But there is also a possibility (albeit small, but still there) that the weather will turn bad, and then they will not go to the beach.
Structure of conditional sentences type I
Remember that conditional sentences of type I have the following structure: in a conditional sentence with a conjunction if (if) is used (present simple tense), in the main result clause - (future simple tense). Please also note that both parts of such sentences are translated into Russian in the future tense.
She will stay in Moscow if she gets a job. — She will stay in Moscow if she gets a job.
If you buy some apples, I will make an apple pie. — If you buy apples, I will make apple pie.
If I have enough money, I will buy a new dress. — If I have enough money, I will buy a new dress.
If he comes,I will be
If he doesn't come, she will be upset. “If he doesn’t come, she’ll be upset.”
Note that the main clause may contain a question:
Will we take a taxi if it rains? — Will we take a taxi if it rains?
Most often used in the main clause Future Simple(future simple tense), but modal verbs can also be used can, should, might, structure be going to. Or the main clause can be imperative.If it doesn't rain this afternoon, we can play tennis — If it doesn't rain this afternoon, we can play tennis.
If it rains,we should stay home. — If it rains, we should stay at home.
If it rains,I might decide to stay home. — If it rains, I might decide to stay at home.
If it rains,we are going to stay home. — If it rains, we will stay at home.
Ask him to come if he calls.- Ask him to come if he calls.
The Second Conditional. Conditional sentences type II
Type II conditional sentences refer to the present or future tense. Used to express situations that are very likely not to happen in the future. It is practically unrealistic that the condition will be met (this condition may have nothing to do with reality at all, for example, when we dream of something completely impossible).
If + Past Simple, … would + verb.
If I had enough money, I would buy a car. / I would buy a car if I had enough money.If I had enough money, I would buy a car.
If I were you, I would accept his invitation. / I would accept his invitation if I were you.If I were you, I would accept his invitation.
Such proposals are called unreal future (unreal future), since the probability that the condition will be met is extremely low. The speaker knows that he does not have money to buy a car, and most likely he will not have it in the near future, so he does not have the opportunity to buy a car, but he has the desire. But a small probability still remains. What if he receives an inheritance or wins the lottery, and then his wish will come true.
Conditional sentences of type II are also used in situations when we are talking about something that is impossible in principle: If I were you, I would accept his invitation. (If I were you, I would accept his invitation.). But I am not you, and there is no way I can become you, so the condition cannot be fulfilled. Sentences like these are often used to give advice by expressing your opinion. Or you can just dream, knowing that this is not meant to be.
Structure of conditional sentences type II
Conditional sentences of type II have the following structure: in the condition sentence (past simple tense) is used, and in the main result sentence - would + verb in initial form. Both parts are translated into Russian using the particle “by”.
If I had enough apples, I would bake an apple pie. — If I had enough apples, I would bake an apple pie.
We would come to your party if we had time. — We would come to your party if we had time.
She would call him if she had his number. “She would have called him if she had his number.”
If you studied,you would pass the exam. - If you had studied, you would have passed the exam.
What would you say if he asked are you out on a date? -What would you say if he asked you out on a date?
If I were you, I would study more. - If I were you, I would study more.
If I were Rich, I would travel all over the world. - If I were rich, I would travel all over the world.
If he were president, he would reduce taxes. - If he were president, he would cut taxes.
The main result clause can use more than just would, but also other modal verbs in the past tense could, might, should:
If you studied,you could pass the exam. - If you studied, you could pass the exam.
The Third Conditional. Conditional sentences type III
Type III conditional sentences are in the past tense. Used to describe situations that would or would not have happened in the past under certain conditions. In this case, we are talking about the past, so we know for sure that the condition was not met.
If + Past Perfect, … would + have + III form of the verb.
If I had studied, I would have passed the exam. / I would have passed the exam if I had studied.If I had studied, I would have passed the exam.
If I had invited him, he would have come. / He would have come if I had invited him.If I had invited him, he would have come.
Such proposals are called unreal past (unreal past), since we are talking about the past and we know that the condition was definitely not met. The exam had already taken place, and I didn’t pass it because I didn’t study. Or two days ago he didn’t come to dinner because I didn’t invite him. And now I regret it, because he would definitely have come if he had received my invitation. But the condition was not met, so the action did not occur. All that remains is to regret or, perhaps, rejoice about what happened (most often, of course, regret), but nothing can be changed.
Structure of conditional sentences type III
Conditional sentences of type III are constructed as follows: in the condition sentence (past perfect tense) is used, in the main result sentence - would + have + Past Participle(past participle, that is, III form of the verb). Please note that instead of would modal verbs can also be used could or might.
If he hadn't been busy, they would have gone for a walk together. — If he weren’t busy, they would go for a walk together.
We wouldn't have missed the plane if we had taken a taxi. — We wouldn’t have missed the plane if we had taken a taxi.
If the weather had been hot, we could have gone to the beach. — If the weather was hot, we could go to the beach.
If I had woken up earlier, I might have had time to finish my work. — If I had woken up earlier, perhaps I would have had time to finish my work.
Note again that Type III conditionals are a kind of “missed opportunity.” We are talking about what could have been, would have been, but did not happen because the condition was not met. In this way we often express our regret about certain events.
Please note (this rule applies to conditional sentences of all types) that a sentence can begin with any part, the meaning does not change. If a sentence begins with an if-condition, then a comma is placed before the main clause:If he comes,I will be glad. - If he comes, I will be glad.
If the main clause comes first, and then only the condition, then a comma is not placed between them:
I will be glad if he comes. - I will be glad if he comes.
