Conditional sentences in English are used to express realistic, unlikely, or impracticable assumptions. 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 Present Simple(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. In the main sentence, use the tense 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 Past Simple(Simple Past). Such statements are translated into Russian into conditional sentences containing verbs in the 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 plural form, 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 the verb in Present Perfect(Present Complete tense), in the subordinate condition – Past Perfect(Past Complete). Such statements are translated into Russian using the subjunctive mood, where the particle “would” is used with verbs.

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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 have bought that 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.

In our everyday speech We constantly use constructions expressing certain conditions. In English, sentences containing the word “if” are very common. In English, these sentences are considered quite difficult to learn, but if desired, they can be quickly mastered. This article will examine in more detail the third type of conditional sentences and a comparative analysis with other types.

How are they formed

Usually divided into three types depending on how likely the situation is to unfold in the present, past or future. These three types are the main ones, but there are other mixed types.

It traditionally has two parts: condition and outcome (result). The first one is quite easy to recognize - it always has an if at the beginning of the words. The result tells us what will happen if some condition is met. There are four basic types of sentence data in English:

• 0th (Zero Conditional);
• 1st (1st Conditional);
• 2nd (2nd Conditional);
• 3rd (3rd Conditional).

We will consider the last type of conditional sentences in more detail. Events of this type belong to the past tense; they could have happened, but did not happen for some reason.

For all these types, various aspectual and tense forms are used, which provide their own formulas for constructing sentences.

The word if (that is, the beginning of the condition) can come either at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence. In Russian, the condition is always separated from the result by a comma. is set only when the condition comes at the beginning.

Conditional sentences of type 3 in English

This type of proposal is unrealistic. Conditional sentences of type 3 in English are the most complex among the others - the subjunctive type. The action in the third type belongs to the past, time has long expired, and there is no possibility of performing this action, which is dependent on this condition, since the situation is already in the past. Conditional sentences of type 2 in English concern a situation that occurs in the present, but it is improbable in its essence. To summarize, we can say that the condition in the if-clause cannot be implemented, it is unrealistic and contradicts the real situation. Conditional sentences of type 1 in English, on the contrary, talk about a real situation in the present tense, something that can actually happen.

Examples and formula for using type 3 conditional sentences

The third type can be called the “unreal past.” Its whole essence lies in one simple phrase: regret about the past. Something happened a long time ago, and there is some regret and worry about it, but it is no longer possible to change the situation. This is unrealistic, since a lot of time has passed, and, as the saying goes, “the past cannot be returned.” At its core, the third type is the only type that refers to the past period of time.

If I hadn’t overslept, I wouldn’t have been late in the office for consultation. - If I hadn’t overslept, I wouldn’t have been late for the office consultation.

If she had been more responsive, she would have been promoted three years ago. - If she had been more responsible, she would have been promoted three years ago.

Also, conditional sentences of type 3 in English are used when people condemn any actions that happened in the past and which cannot be changed.

If you had read attentively this book, you wouldn’t have done many errors. - If you had read the book carefully, you would not have made many mistakes.

If he hadn’t left his flat “s door open, it wouldn’t have been burgled. - If you hadn’t left the apartment door open, then the apartment wouldn’t have been robbed.

Type 3 is also used when it is necessary to report on long-past events that have a positive impact on the present.

She wouldn’t have prepared this pie if she hadn’t got so much commendation. “He wouldn’t have made this pie if he hadn’t received so much advice.”

If I hadn't loved you, I wouldn't have married you. - If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t have married you.

Pay attention to the aspect that conditional sentences of type 3, as well as type 2, are translated into that is, with the particle “would” in Russian.

Conjunctions in conditional sentences

In this type of syntactic constructions, the subordinate part is most often attached to the main part using the conjunctions if (if) and when (when), but other conjunctions are also often used, these can be: unless (if ... not), provided that, providing that, on condition that (provided that...)

The conjunction unless is usually used in colloquial speech.

You'll be off work on Sunday unless Rick gets ill. - You have Monday off unless Rick gets sick.

I’ll have to call the police unless you go away from here. - I'll have to call the police if you don't leave here.

The constructions provided that, providing that, on condition that are used in official written and clerical speech. In communication and simple everyday speech, the word that is often skipped.

We can send you the letter on Monday provided (that) we get your request within the next three months. - We can send you a letter on Monday, provided that we receive your request within the next three months.

Conditional sentences with modal verbs

In conditional sentences with different degrees of possibility, constructions with modal verbs are often used, and not only to express the result and, but also to express the main condition. Let's consider options for using constructions with this type of verbs.

If they can aid, they do. (= They aid).

If she has to write, she does. (= She writes).

Conditions that are real:

If they could aid they would. (= They would aid).

If he had to visit, he would. (= He would visit).

Meaning of sentences with modal verbs

Subtleties of using obligatory verbs:

The construction ‘if I may (might)’ has a meaning similar to the statement ‘if you allow me to’ (“if you allow me”). ‘If I might’ is softer in meaning and more formal than ‘if I may’, but both constructions are respectful forms. When 'should' is used with a condition, it means that its fulfillment is unlikely or unrealistic, but still possible. ‘If you should need any aid...’ - “if you need some support” (but it’s unlikely to be needed).

When the verbs 'will' or 'would' are used with a condition, they express will or intention. ‘If you will aid her, Sara will thank you.’ - “If you want to help him, he will thank you.” In conditional sentences indicated in the present or future tense, 'could' in some situations means permission, in others - possibility, and in others - both permission and ability. ‘If Oleg could call you, he would.’ - “If Oleg could call, then he would call.” In unreal conditional sentences in the past tense, ‘could have’ can mean ability.

Conditional sentences in English in the table

Let us consider schematically the types of conditional sentences and their formula for the formation of each type. Conditional sentences in English are presented in the table below.

Conditional sentences of type 1 in English, unlike others, show the real possibility of a situation arising. They have the present simple tense in their formula. Conditional sentences of type 3 in English, on the contrary, express an unreal past that cannot be changed.

Pin a topic

So, what are conditional sentences in English? Exercises will help reinforce the topic.

Write the verbs in brackets in the correct form:

if you... (have) more money, you... (visit) Indonesia last year. - If you had more money, you would have visited Indonesia last year.

If you (love) me, you never (leave) me before our wedding. - If you loved me, you would not have left me before the wedding.

if she (attend) the classes, she (get) more positive marks three days ago. If she had attended classes, she would have gotten better grades three days ago.

if our driver... (not take) the wrong turn, you... (not come) late yesterday. - If our driver had not made the wrong turn, you would not have arrived late yesterday.

If your mother... (not quarrel) with you a week ago, you... (go) to the theater. - If your mother had not quarreled with you a week ago, you would have gone to the theater.

If I (be) more smart ten years ago, I never (get) along with you. - If I had been smarter 10 years ago, I would not have made peace with you.

If we (buy) a car five weeks ago, we really (save) $2000. - If we had bought the car five weeks ago, we would have saved $2,000.

If ... Simple Past ..., ... would + verb...
or
… would + verb... if ... Simple Past ...

Use

Conditional sentences of the second type in English describe events of the present and future. The situations described in such sentences are unreal (impossible, incredible, imaginary). Such proposals have an impossible, hypothetical connotation. Please note that these sentences are translated into Russian in the subjunctive mood, with the particle “would”.

For example:
If you asked,they would help you.
If You asked, They would help you.

If it rained, you would get wet.
If I went rain, you I would get wet.

If you loved her, she would love you.
If You loved her, she I would love you.

I would buy a new car if I had more money.
I I would buy new car, if I have was more money.

He would pass the exam if he studied more.
He I would have passed exam, if he's bigger was studying.

I would lower the taxes if I were the President.
I would lower taxes, if I was president.

Conditional sentences of the first and second types - what to choose

Real and imaginary situations

Conditional sentences of the first type are often called feasible conditional sentences. They are used to describe real and possible situations. Conditional sentences of the second type are used to describe unreal (impossible, incredible, imaginary) situations.

Compare:
If I become the President, I will give free electricity to farmers.
If I become president I I'll do it The presidential candidate's speech is a conditional sentence of the first type.)

If I win this race, I will…
If I win these races I… ( The speech of the fastest racer is a conditional sentence of the first type.)

If I became the President, I would give free electricity to farmers.
If I became president I I would do electricity is free for farmers. ( The child’s speech is a conditional sentence of the second type.)

If I won this race, I would…
If I won this race I… ( The speech of the slowest racer is a conditional sentence of the second type.)

Requests and suggestions

In ordinary requests and offers, conditionals of the first type are used. To give a request or proposal a more polite tone, conditional sentences of the second type are used.

Compare:
I will be grateful if you lend me some money.
I will grateful If You will you lend me give me some money. ( )

It will be nice if you help me.
Will Fine, If you tell me will you help. (The usual request is a conditional sentence of the first type.)

I would be grateful if you tape me some money.
I will grateful If You will you lend me give me some money. ( )

It would be nice if you helped me.
Will Fine, If you tell me will you help. (A more polite request is a conditional sentence of the second type.)

Other forms of conditional sentences of the second type

Usage modal verbs in a result sentence

would verb can be used could meaning "to be able to". Synonymous construction - would be able to.

For example:
If you were more serious about your work, you could (= would be able to) finish it in time.
If You belonged take your work seriously, you I wish I could finish her on time.

If I had more money, I could (= would be able to) buy a new car.
If I have was more money I could buy new car.

If you spoke a foreign language, you could (= would be able to) get a better job.
If You spoke on some foreign language, You I wish I could find it better job.

In the result sentence, instead of would verb can be used might meaning "maybe", "possibly". Synonymous constructions – would perhaps And would probably.

For example:
If you requested them more politely, they might (= would perhaps) help you.
If You appealed they are more polite to them, Maybe, would help you.

Design were to

After the union if a conditional sentence may be followed by the construction " subject + were to" to show that we are talking about an imaginary situation.

For example:
If I were to buy a new car, what would you say?
If I bought what a new car would You said?

If you were to lose your job, what would you do?
If you were lost work that would You did?

If you were to win, what would you give me?
If you had won, What would you tell me gave?

Construction if it were not for

This construction is used to show that the completion of one event depends on another, and is translated as “if not for...”.

For example:
If it weren't for his dedication, this company wouldn't exist.
If it weren't for his dedication, this company would not exist.

If it weren't for his wife's money, he wouldn't be a millionaire.
If it weren't for his wife's money, he wouldn't be a millionaire.

If it weren't for that lucky chance, they wouldn't win that competition.
If not for this lucky chance, they wouldn't have won the competition.

Using supposing

Word supposing("if", "suppose that", "suppose that") can be used instead of a conjunction if to emphasize the unreality of the situation. This use is more typical for everyday speech.

For example:
Supposing he came to visit you, what would you do? (= If he came to visit you, what would you do?)
Let's assume that If he came to you, what would you do?

Supposing I became the Miss World, what would you say?
Let's assume that If I became Miss World, what would I say?

28.08.2014

Conditional sentences in English, as a rule, consist of two parts - the main and if-part (or conditional part).

These kinds of sentences are used to express possible or imaginary situations.

The order of these parts of the conditional sentence is completely unimportant.

IN in writing, If if-the part comes first, after it we put a comma.

Conditional sentences of zero type (zero conditional)

This type of conditional sentence is used to describe scientific facts, generally known truths, events and phenomena that are always true.

In my opinion, the simplest type of conditional sentences in the English language.

Conditional Sentence Structure null type next:

Main part: Present Simple, if-part: Present Simple.

• Water boils if you heat it to 100 degrees Celsius.
• A red light comes up if you press the main button.

In conditional sentences of type zero if can be replaced by when.

For example:

• When you heat ice, it melts.
• It gets dark when the sun goes down.

Conditional sentences of the first type (open condition)

Such sentences are used to express a real and possible future situation; it is likely that the condition will be met.

The structure of a conditional sentence of the first type is as follows:

Main part: will + infinitive, if -part: Present Simple.

• We will stay at home if it snows.
• She will get angry if I' m late for party.
• If we get the money for this job, we will buy a new car.
• Will you help Amanda if she asks you?

Conditional sentences of the second type (half-open condition)

This type of conditional sentence describes an unreal situation related to the present or future tense; a hypothetical condition that can only be satisfied in theory.

The structure of a conditional sentence of the second type is as follows:

Main part: would + infinitive, if -part: Past Simple.

In conditional sentences, the past tense form of the verb to be is – were for all persons in a more formal form of English, was also often used, although in spoken English.

Such sentences are translated into Russian using subjunctive mood, with the particle “would”.

• We would stay at home if it snowed.
• I would buy a new board if I had more money.
• If he were rich, he' d buy an island.
• If you left now, you' d catch the last bus.

For example:

• I would be Grateful if you helped me.
• He would be so pleased if you came to the birthday party.

Turnover If I were you or If I were in your place usually used to give advice.

For example:

• If I were you I would accept the offer.
• If he were in your place he would do it.

Conditional sentences of the third type (closed condition)

In turn, conditional sentences of the third type describe an impossible condition, since the action or event has already taken place in the past.

They are usually used to indicate a missed opportunity.

The structure of the third type of conditional sentence is as follows:

Main part: would + perfect infinitive, if -part: Past Perfect.

• If you hadn't been late for work, the boss wouldn't have got furious.
• They would have finished earlier if the meeting had been held not so late.
• If I had won the lottery, I would have bough t a house by the sea.
• Would you have helped me if I had asked you?

Mixed conditional

This type of conditional sentence involves the use different parts previous types.

There are several combinations: the result of an action in the present is emphasized by a past tense condition, or the result of an action in the past is emphasized by a present tense condition.

• If you had taught me how to make waffles (then in the past), I wouldn't have to buy them in a shop (now).
• I would buy a house by the sea (now or in the future) if I had won the lottery last week.
• Their team would have scored more in the match yesterday if they were good players.

Important grammar note

If modal verbs can/could, may/migh t or should are used in the main part of a conditional sentence, they replace will:

• We can go to the seaside if you have time tomorrow.
• If you leave now, you may catch the last bus.
• If you wanted to pass the exam, you should study much harder.

Usually will or would not used in if-parts, except when they express readiness, for example, in requests (that is, when they carry a modal meaning):

• If you will phone the manager now, he will surely make an appointment with you. (readiness)
• I would be very grateful if you would help me with my homework. (very polite request)

Verb should in the if -part it can mean “if perhaps, by any chance” - “if possible, if by chance”:

• I would be very happy if he should turn up at the party. (He’s not at all likely to come, but perhaps...)

In negative sentences, instead of if...not can be used unless:

• You won't pass the exam unless you study very hard. (= if you don’t study very hard)

If can be omitted in sentences with reversed word order. This usually happens in the third type of conditional sentences, if if-the part is at the beginning of the sentence, as well as in the second type if there is a verb were:

• Were I rich, I would buy a house by the sea. (= if I were rich)
• Had your cousin come earlier, I would have shown her round the house. (= if she had come earlier)

I hope my explanation of the use of conditionals in English is accessible and understandable?

If not, let me know! ;)

Conditionals or subordinate clauses (Conditionals) are complex sentences consisting of a Main clause and an if-clause, which is often introduced by a conjunction if(but also until(Bye), unless(if not, not yet) when, provided(=if), as long as(since, until then, provided)).

After if(and its analogues) - there will be no future tense, and always Present or Past. Nuances of using conjunctions WHETHER and IF

If if is omitted, inversion occurs, the auxiliary verb is placed in first place. For example:

Were I you (=I were you), I would put on some warmer clothes. - If I were you, I would wear warm clothes.

Had I heard (=If I had heard) any news, I would have told you immediately. - If I heard any news, I would tell you immediately.

should he get (=If he should get) this job, he will be able to buy his own flat. - If he gets this job, he will be able to buy his own apartment.

Types of Conditional Sentences

Mixed Conditions

In English, most often for education mixed conditionals(mixed conditionals) conditional sentences of type II and III are used.

Mixing II and I type of conditional sentences. In this case subordinate clause refers to the past time, and the main sentence refers to the future.

Mixing II and III type of conditional sentences. In this case, the subordinate clause describes an unreal condition relating to the present time, and the main clause refers to the past and describes a situation that has already occurred (the result in the past). Examples: If I were smarter, I would have graduated from Stanford. “If I had been smarter, I would have graduated from Stanford.”

Mixing III and II type of conditional sentences. In this case, the subordinate clause refers to the past tense, and the main clause refers to the present. An unambiguous event in the past directly affects an event in the present. Examples: If my father hadn't lost his keys, we wouldn't have to wait until he finds them. “If my father hadn’t lost his keys, we wouldn’t have had to wait for him to find them.”

I wish/If only construction

Proper use I wish designs will decorate your English speech.

I wish design... (How I wish...) (It's a pity...) - belongs to the unrealistic type. After wish, Past or would + infinitive is always used. These sentences are needed to express regret, disappointment, sadness when something so desired does not work out or did not work out before.

Translation rule for the I wish construction. If in Russian the sentence is positive, then in English it will be negative and vice versa. For example:

I wish my bike hadn't stolen. (Literal translation: I wish my bike wasn't stolen.)

I wish my bike had been stolen. - What a pity that my bike NOT stolen. (Literal translation: I wish my bike would be stolen.)

When translating from Russian, the sentence is built from “It’s a pity (I want)” and the sign changes. For example, It's a pity that I slept during the working day. - I wish I didn't sleep during the working day. The literal translation of this sentence from English: I wish I didn't sleep during the working day.

Let's imagine the situation. You met an interesting person and exchanged phone numbers. One day you decide to call him or her, but you find that you have lost the number. In your hearts you say: “It’s a pity that I don’t know her number.” How will this sound in English? I wish I knew his / her telephone number. And here the confusion arises... Why Russian offer negative and English positive? And, let me note, this will always be the case. This point is easy to understand if you try to literally translate our Russian or English sentence. The phrase I wish itself is synonymous with the expressions I want to / I would like to, that is, “I want, I wish, I would like.” It turns out a new Russian equivalent of our sentence - I want me to know her number (the translation is literal; you still don’t know the number, that’s why you regret, expressing your feelings with the word “sorry”). But if you now translate this into English, you will get exactly the above English version. If you need to vice versa translate a sentence from I wish from English into Russian, rearrange it in the same way - It’s a pity... and then change the plus to a minus or the minus to a plus (a positive sentence to a negative one and vice versa).

“If only” design is more expressive than “I wish”. However, the rules for its use at different times completely coincide with the rules for using the “I wish” construction.