Conditionals
Introduction
Conditional sentences have two parts or clauses that give a condition in the dependent clause and a result in the independent clause. Conditional sentences usually consist of two clauses: a conditional clause (or if-clause) and a main clause (or result clause). Direct conditional clauses are used to express a direct condition; the result in the main clause is dependent on the condition in the conditional clause. In other words, the truth of the proposition in the main clause is a consequence of the fulfillment of the condition in the conditional clause, as in (1):
· 1-If you put the baby down, he will scream.
In uttering (1) the speaker wants the hearer to understand that the truth of the prediction “he will scream” depends upon the fulfillment of the condition of “putting the baby down”.
1. Definition of Conditional Statement
When the work done of first sentence, depends on second sentence that sentence is called is conditional sentence. A conditional sentence expresses the idea that the action in the main clause (the result clause) can only happen when a certain condition (the clause that begins with if) is fulfilled. So a Conditional Sentence is a sentence which expresses something that must happen or be true if another thing is to happen or be true. The “if” clause states the condition, then the main clause states the result.
Conditional sentences have two parts or clauses that give a condition in the dependent clause and a result in the independent clause. The condition clause usually contains an “if” statement. There are several different forms of conditional sentences that allow the writer to express various meanings using different tenses. The structure of the conditional sentence is as follows:
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If clause “condition” + comma“,” + main clause “result” |
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main clause “result” + If clause “condition” |
Grammar Point: The basics of Conditionals
Conditional sentences have two (or more) parts. These parts are called clauses. One of the clauses is dependent on the other – its truth is conditional to the other. The two clauses are connected by the term ‘if,’ ‘unless,’ or ‘when.’ The clauses can come in either order in the sentence; usually we put the ‘if’ clause first and separate the sentence with a comma. If you put the ‘if’ clause second, no comma is used. There are different types of conditionals, each for different types of situation being described. To differentiate between the types, different tenses are used. The types of conditionals are: first, second, third, zero, and mixed.
1. Types of Conditional Sentences
As mentioned before, the most common division of conditionals is into three major types according to the verb phrase in the subordinate and the main clause. With each type certain variations are possible but students who are studying the conditional for the first time should ignore these and concentrate on the basic form. However, there are also two other types which are also quite common in the traditional division. They are so called zero and mixed type conditionals. For the sake of better understanding of these traditional types, we will look at the most common three types of conditionals first. Whereas, there are overview of basic verbs forms used in conditional sentences.
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Situation |
If-clause |
Result clause |
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True in the present / future |
Simple present |
Simple present or will + simple |
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Untrue in the present/future |
Would + simple form |
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Untrue in the past |
Past perfect |
Would have + past participle |
1. Conditional Sentence Type 0
Besides these three basic types, just as we have mentioned earlier in the text, we have other type which is called zero conditional. Zero conditional uses the present tense in both clauses and is used to talk about something that is always or generally true - things which always happen under certain conditions. The present tense signifies that these actions are both possible and typical. The form of zero conditional statement is:
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If + simple present, simple present or |
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simple present + if + simple present |
Examples:
· If it rains, I take an umbrella with me to work.
· If I wake up early, I always read in bed.
· If she gets there before me, ask her to wait.
· If you fly cheap airline, you have to pay for you meal and drinks.
· If you heat water, it boils. In all the previous examples, the fulfillment of the condition in the if-clause involves a static consequence (which is always true and never changes.)
· If unemployment is rising, people tend to be afraid for their future.
We use the zero conditional to talk about situations and events that are general truths – like habits and rules for our life: “If I’m thirsty, I have a drink” “When I’m tired, I go to bed” “If the red light shines, stop at the line.” It’s like cause and effect, where the ‘if’ clause shows the cause, and what follows is the effect.
Important Note
The conditional sentence type zero makes use of another alternative tense form which is as follows:
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if + simple past + simple past or |
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simple past + if + simple past |
Examples:
· If the pupils were talkative, the teacher got angry.
· If you greeted her she smiled at you.
The use of past simple tense in the if-clause and matrix clause expresses habitual action, which has a very high degree of probability that it becomes an automatic reaction. The conjunction “if” can be replaced by “whenever” and “when”. In the present case, the use of the past simple tense does not refer to an action happening in the past. In fact, there is no big difference between the use of the present simple tense and the past simple tense in the present case. As a result, we can substitute the past simple tense used in each clause to the present simple tense.
A Quick Note on Unless
We can use the word ‘unless’ instead of ‘if’ in conditionals. The meaning of the word is like a negative version of ‘if,’ so ‘unless’ clauses are like saying ‘if this clause doesn’t happen, then…’ Because of this, the second clause in such conditionals is often also negative, but it doesn’t have to be.
Summary
The conditional type 0 is as follows:
§ Form: if + simple present + simple present or if + simple past + simple past
§ Uses: conditional type 0 is used as follows:
Ø Facts which are generally true.
Ø Facts which are always true.
Ø Scientific facts
Ø Conditions that have always the same results
Exercise 1
Choose the correct answer from the brackets to complete the following sentences.
1. If plants ………………. “do not get/ did not get” water, they die.
2. If a car …………………..“runs/ ran out” of petrol, it stops moving.
3. If a baby …………………“feels/will feel” hungry, it cries.
4. If a dog sees a stranger, it …………….“barks/would bark”.
5. If we heat iron, it ………………“expands/will expand”.
6. If we throw something into the air, it ……………..“fall/ falls”.
7. If we heat water, it …………………..“boils/ would boil”.
8. If we feel tired, we ………yawn/ would yawn.
Exercise 2
Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
9. Unless someone is in the room, I …………… (switch) off the lights.
10. When you buy fruit, it’s best to …………… (use) reusable bags.
11. All employees must take a medical exam unless they …………… (have) a valid medical examination certificate.
12. Unless you are 18 or older, you …………… (cannot) come in.
13. He should do more exercise if he …………… (want) to lose weight.
14. If you heat water to 100C, it ……………
15. When you open a webpage, you’re asked if you …………… cookies.
16. …………… you don’t get enough sleep, you feel tired.
17. She always says ‘yes’ …………… you offer her a tea.
18. If you bite your tongue, it ……………!
Exercise 3
Match and write Zero Conditional sentences in the table below.
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Part One |
Part Two |
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1. you mix blue and yellow 2. clouds meet cold air 3. there is no gravity 4. you do not eat 5. a cat falls from a height 6. you do not sleep well 7. it is hot 8. the temperature falls below 0ºC |
a. it rains b. you feel thirsty c. water freezes d. objects do not fall e. it lands on its feet f. you get green g. you lose weight h. you feel tired |
Conditional Sentences: Conditional Type 1
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Description of the Lecture This lecture aims at introducing a detailed description of the properties of the Conditional Sentences (type 1). It explores key elements related to the forms, meanings, uses variations and exceptions of the given conditional type 1t. Through the developments of the lecture students will become familiar with the forms, meanings, and uses of the Conditional Sentences (type 1). Key content of the lecture includes two sections; the lectures and exercises. Objectives of the Lecture When students have finished this lecture, they should be able to; 1. Introduce a general overview of the Conditional Sentences (type 1). 2. List the form and uses of the Conditional Sentences type 1. 3. Enable learners to reflect more on the differences between the Conditional Sentences (type 1 and 2). 4. Compose correct, meaningful and functional sentences using Conditional (type 1).
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1. Definition
Conditional type one is sometimes called the first conditional or the future conditional. The conditions in the first conditional are open conditions. In other words, the truth of the prediction in the main clause is a consequence of the fulfillment of the condition in the subordinate clause. The first conditional is used to describe real possibilities in the future. Note that both clauses describe a real possibility, both of which are often in the future (although the ‘if’ clause may also talk about the present) but the ‘if’ clause does NOT include ‘will.’ It is also possible to use other modal verbs in place of ‘will’ in the ‘will’ clause. In the first conditional, the modal verb clause is dependent on the ‘if’ clause. Much like the zero conditional, one clause is caused by the other, however, the key difference is that the zero conditional talks about general truths (always true), whereas the first conditional talks about one real possibility (where other possibilities could also be true on different occasions) of the future, according to the real situation of the present or future. Consider the bakery example:
· “When I need bread, I go to the bakery.” This means that every time I need bread, I go to the bakery (zero conditional).
· “If I need bread, I’ll to the bakery.” This means I think there is a possibility that I will need bread in the future. If that does turn out to be the case, I will solve the need for bread by going to the bakery (first conditional). The basic pattern of conditional type one is as follows:
10. 1. Form
The verb in the “if condition clause” is in the present; and the verb in the result clause is in the simple future tense. It does not matter which comes first.
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if + simple present + simple future or |
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simple future + if + simple present |
See the examples below:
· If he runs he’ll get there in time.
· The cat will scratch you if you pull her tail.
· If you revise well you will get good marks.
· If you listen to your teacher, you will succeed.
· Their professional prospects will be affected if they have a criminal record.
· If you cycle to work, you will save money on petrol.
· If you adopt a dog, you will have to walk it every day.
· When you pass your exam, you’ll get a certificate.
· You’ll feel great if you do something nice for her.
Conditions in the previous sentences are presented as possible situations. Moreover, the first conditional suggests that something will happen if a certain condition is fulfilled and the probability of that condition to be fulfilled exists in the future. Obviously the verb tense in the main clause is in the future tense in which the modal “will” expresses pure future and very often the verb in the present tense in the if-clause expresses future meaning.
2. Rules of the Real Condition
§ Rule 1: Real conditions express situations that can happen in the present or future. They are often used when stating facts, general knowledge, habits, predictions, advice, or instructions.
§ Rule 2: Real conditions in the present (factual) use the simple present tense form of the verb in both the “if condition” clause and the result.
§ Rule 3: Real conditions in the future (real possibility) use the simple present tense form of the verb in the if clause + modal or modal phrase (should/can/could/may/might, will, be going to, have to) and the base form of the verb or the imperative in the result clause.
§ Rule 4: Negative forms of the verb can be used in the condition or result clause or both. Examples:
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Real Condition If Clause |
Result or Main Clause |
Meaning |
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If the weather changes suddenly, = simple present |
I get a headache. |
factual situation |
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If it snows a lot tonight, |
they will call off school tomorrow. future tense |
certainty/ prediction for the future |
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If you have time, |
you should visit the local museum. modal + VERB |
advice/ suggestion/ warning for the future |
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If it rains, |
do not open the windows. Imperative |
instructions for the future |
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Warning: Students must pay attention to the following points: § Do not use will or be going to in the “if” condition clause. § Do not use a comma after the result clause. Use a comma after the if clause
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10. 2. The Main Uses of Conditional Type 1
This type of conditional implies that the action in the result clause is quite probable. So this form is used to talk about something that is a probable future result of a condition. (Note that the meaning here is present or future, but the verb in the if-clause is in a present, not a future tense.)
10. 3. Possible Variations of the Basic Form
10. 3. 1. Variations of the main clause
Instead of if + present + future, the following variations may take place:
Ø If + present + may or might (possibility)
· If the fog gets thicker the plane may /might be diverted. (perhaps the plane will be diverted or not)
Ø If + present + may to indicate permission
· If your documents are in order you may leave at once. (Permission)
Ø If + present + can to indicate either permission or ability
· If you answer the entire question you can leave. (Ability)
· If it stops snowing we can go out. (Permission or Ability)
Ø If present + must, should or any expression of command, request or advice
· If you want to lose weight you must/should eat less bread.
· If you want to lose weight had better eat less bread.
· If you want to lose weight eat less bread.
· If you see Tom tomorrow could you ask him to ring me?
Ø If + present + another present tense to indicate automatic or habitual results:
· If you heat ice it turns to water. (Will turn also is possible)
· If there is a shortage of any product prices of that product go up.
10. 3. 2. Variations of the main clause
Instead of if + present, the following variations may take place:
Ø If + present continuous, to indicate a present action or a future arrangement
· If you are waiting for a bus (present action) you’d better join the queue.
· If you are looking for Peter (present action) you’ (I’ll find him upstairs).
· If you are staying for another night (future arrangement) I‘ll ask the manger to give you a better room.
Ø If + present perfect
· If you have finished dinner I’ll ask the waiter for the bill.
· If he has written the letter I’ll post it.
· If they have not seen the museum we’d better go there today.
Summary
The conditional type 1 is as follows:
§ Form: simple present + will + infinitive
§ Variations: it has a number of variations either in the main clause or subordinate clause in which all express real present or future probable actions.
§ Uses: this type of conditional sentence is used as follows:
Ø For real or highly likely future situations
Ø Predictions
Ø Promises
Ø Possibility
Ø Cause and consequence
Exercise 1
Instruction: choose the correct verb tense in each of the following sentences.
19. I will make a sandwich if I ……………..hungry.
20. If we go out tonight, we ……………….the door behind us.
21. She will marry him if he …………….her.
22. I will take my umbrella if it ……………next week.
23. If they practice a lot, they ……………….the game.
24. She will do the exercise again if she ……………a lot of mistakes.
25. I ………………..the doctor if my stomach still hurts me.
26. If she goes to the birthday party, she …………….a present.
Exercise 2
Instruction: Match the first part of the sentence on the left with the correct ending on the right.
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9. I will pay you 50 dollars. 10. If you behave nicely 11. If you do not finish your dinner 12. If you practice the piano regularly 13. If you are late for school 14. You will burn yourself 15. If you eat lot of vegetables 16. You will have bad dreams 17. If you do not study 18. If you eat too much candy |
a. If you play with matches. b. If you watch a scary movie before bed. c. Your teeth will hurt. d. You will fail your exam. e. You will plat beautifully. f. You will be healthy. g. I will buy you a treat. h. I will not let you have any desert. i. The teacher will keep you in after class. j. If your baby sit your little sister tonight. |
Exercise 3
Fill the gap in each sentence with unless or if.
1. We won't pay our suppliers …………… they don't send the goods before Friday.
2. We won't pay them …………….. they send the goods before Friday.
3. We’re going for a bike ride this weekend …………….. it rains.
4. He won’t come …………………… you invite him personally.
5. The meeting is on Friday at 10 o’clock ……………… you hear otherwise.
6. ……………….. you hear otherwise, the meeting is on Friday at 10 o’clock.
7. Let’s go out for dinner …… you’re too tired, in which case we can stay at home.
8. I’ll accept the job ………………….. the pay is too low.
9. I’ll accept the job ………………… they offer me it.
Exercise 4
Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
1. They won’t let you in if you …………… (not have) a mask.
2. If you want to go to the festival, you …………… (have to) buy a ticket in advance.
3. He’ll definitely get better if he …………… (practise) every day.
4. She …………… (not be) laughing when she sees the mess inside!
5. If you ask nicely, I’m sure she …………… (say) yes.
6. Unless the law is changed, I …………… leave the country.
7. If you …………… it, they will come.
8. …………… you tidy up right now, I will be very angry.
9. If you like horror films, you …………… the new scary movie.
10. I will come …………… you call.
11. If he …………… the flowers every day, they will die.
12. If the weather forecast is correct, the sun …………… tomorrow
Exercise 5
Complete the Conditional Sentences (Type I) by putting the verbs into the correct form.
10. If you (send) ……………. this letter now, she (receive) ……..…….. it next week.
11. If I (do) …………………. this exam, I (improve) …………………… my French.
12. If I (find) ………………… your key, I (give) …………………... it back to you.
13. Stephan (go) ………… fishing if she (have) ……….………. time in the weekend.
14. John (go) …………… to Paris next month if he (get) …………. a cheap ticket.
15. If his girlfriend (phone / not) …………. today, he (leave) ………….……… her.
16. If they (study / not) …….. very well, they (pass / not)…………. The final exam.
17. If it (rain) ………….. next week, I (have to / not) …………….. water the plants.
18. You (be able/ not) ………….. to sleep if you (watch)………… this pleasant film.
19. Ann (can / move / not) ...…into the new flat if it (be / not) .......….. ready on time.
Exercise 7
Fill in each blank with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
1. If you speak loudly, you ………………. (wake up) the girl.
2. He ……………………. (feel) unhappy if he does not get 20 in An exam.
3. If trees get enough water and sunshine, they ………………… (grow) very fast.
4. You …………………… (win) the contest if you revise very your lessons.
5. If you do not listen to him, he ……………………… (be) very angry.
6. Things …………………… (catch) fire more easily if the weather is hot and dry.
7. Ann often …………………….. (talk) loudly if she feels angry.
8. If you go to a travel agent, you …………… (find) all the information you need.
9. If you have an illness, you …………………….. (stay) many days in bed.
10. Ask him to wait if he ……………………….. (arrive) before I return.
11. I ………………………….. (go) for a walk after dinner if the weather is fine.
12. I don’t think that I am coming to the celebration, but if I change my mind, I …………………. (tell) you.
13. If we put the water into the freezer, it …………………. (turn) into ice.
14. If he ………………….. (have) a long holiday, he will fly to Paris.
Conditional Sentences: Conditional Type 2
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Description of the Lecture This lecture aims at introducing a detailed description of the properties of the Conditional Sentences (type 2). It explores key elements related to the forms, meanings, uses variations and exceptions of the given conditional type 1t. Through the developments of the lecture students will become familiar with the forms, meanings, and uses of the Conditional Sentences (type 2). Key content of the lecture includes two sections; the lectures and exercises. Objectives of the Lecture When students have finished this lecture, they should be able, among other things, to; 1. Introduce a general overview of the properties of the Conditional Sentences (type 2). 2. List the form, meanings and uses of the Conditional Sentences type 2. 3. Enable learners to reflect more on the differences between the Conditional Sentences (type 1, 2 and 3) in terms of forms, meanings and uses. 4. Compose sentences correctly using the Conditional Sentences (type 2).
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Introduction
11. Conditional Sentences Type 2: Unreal Conditionals in the present or Future
1. Definition
Conditionals type two is also called the second conditional or hypothetical conditional. Conditional sentences type two refers to imaginary situations. As such, the conditions in the subordinate clause are situations that the speaker wants to imagine. The second conditional is used to describe hypothetical and imaginary situations of the future. Here the ‘if’ clause describes an imaginary present or future, and the ‘would’ clause tells the imaginary result of it (also in the future). The times being described (present or future – > future) are the same as those in the first conditional, the key difference is that in the second conditional these clauses are hypothetical (not real). To indicate this imaginary nature, the past tenses is used, but remember, this does not mean the past is being described (that’s what the third conditional is for!). Let’s look again at the bread example:
· If I needed bread, I would go to the bakery. Because this is the second conditional, this situation is not real; therefore we know that I do not need bread. The basic pattern of conditional type two is as follows:
11. 1. Form
The verb in the if-clause is in the past tense; and the verb in the result main clause is in the conditional tense modal + “base verb form”.
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if + simple past + would + stem |
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if + would +6 stem + if + simple past |
See the examples below:
· If I had a map I would lend it to you. (But I haven’t a map so I could not lend you a map. The meaning here is present) “unreality”.
· If someone tried to blackmail me I would tell the police. (But I do not expect that anyone will try to blackmail me. The meaning here is future.) “Improbability”
· If I were a bird, I would fly very high in the sky.
· If he changed his opinions, he would be a more likeable person.
· If my mother came into a fortune, she would give up working.
Imagination of the speaker in the previous sentences may resemble to a mere dream, which has a very little probability or almost no probability to be realized in the present or in the future. In addition, ideas conveyed in the subordinate clause of a conditional sentence type two are usually contrary to the reality in the present.
2. Rules of the Unreal Condition
§ Rule 1: Unreal conditions in the present or future express situations that are untrue, not possible, or imaginary in the present and that probably will not happen in the future. Although it is possible that the situation could change and become true in the future, it probably will not. So it is about when there is unreal possibility that the condition will happen.
§ Rule 2: Unreal conditions in the present or future use the simple past form in the “if” clause and would, could or might plus the base form of the verb in the result clause.
§ Rule 3: Either clause, or both can be made negative. Examples:
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Unreal Conditions in the Present or Future |
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Unreal (imaginary) Condition or If Clause |
Imaginary Result or Main Clause |
Meaning |
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· If he had time, (simple past) |
he could take a long vacation. (would/could/might + Verb) |
He doesn’t have time. (present) |
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· If I were you,(simple past) |
I would plan the picnic for Sunday. (would/could/might + Verb) |
I’m not you. (present) |
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· If a hurricane hit the town, (simple past) |
it would destroy everything. (would/could/might + Verb) |
A hurricane will probably not hit the town. (future) |
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· If she joined a travel club, (simple past) |
she might not feel so lonely. (would/could/might + Verb) |
She has not joined a travel club yet. (future) |
11. 2. The Main Uses of the Conditional Type 2
The conditional type 2 is used to refer to;
§ When the supposition is contrary to known facts:
· If I lived near my office I’d be in time for work. (But I don’t live near my office.) Examples:
· If I were you I’d plant some trees round the house. (But I am not you.)
§ When we don’t expect the action in the if-clause to take place. Examples:
· If a burglar came into my room at night I’d scream. (But I don’t expect a burglar to come in.) “Present meaning”
· If I dyed my hair blue everyone would laugh at me. (But I don’t intend to dye it.) “Future meaning”
§ When we talk about a hypothetical situation that cannot happen or is unlikely to happen in the future of present time. Examples:
· If I had a million dollars, I would buy a large vacation home.
· If I were you, I wouldn’t wait to study for the test.
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Warning: Students must pay attention to the following points: § Use the past tense for unreal conditions in the present. Example: · If I know knew the answer right now, I would tell you. (Not: If I know you ……………...) § Use were instead of was for the verb be for all persons, singular and plural, in unreal conditions in the present or future. “Was” is used only in very informal language. Example: · If I were you, I would memorize this rule about unreal conditions. (Not: If I was you ……………...)
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11.3. Possible Variations of the Basic Form
11. 3. 1. Variations of the Main Clause
Ø “Might” or “could” may be used instead of “would”:
· If you tried again you would succeed. (Certain result)
· If you tried again you might succeed. (Possible result)
· If you tried again you could succeed. (Ability)
· If I knew her number I could ring her up. (Ability)
· If he had a permit he could get a job. (Ability or permission)
Ø The continuous conditional form may be used instead of the simple conditional form. Examples:
· Peter is on holiday; he is touring Italy.
· If I were on holiday I would/might be touring Italy too.
Ø If + past tense can be followed by another past tense when we wish to express automatic or habitual reactions in the past. (The past tense have a past meaning)
· If anyone interrupted him he got angry.(Whenever anyone interrupted him)
· If there was a scarcity of anything prices of that thing went up.
11.3. 2. Variations of the if-Clause
Instead of if + simple past we can use
Ø If + past continuous
· (We are going by air) and I hate flying. If we were going by boat I’d feel much happier.
· If my car was working I would/could drive you to the station.
Ø If + past perfect
· If he had taken my advice he would be a rich man now. (A mixture with type 3)
4. Real Condition Type 1 versus Unreal Condition Type 2
The main difference between the first and second conditional is about probability: the first conditional is realistic, the second conditional is unrealistic.
§ Sometimes we can use either the first or second conditional with the following difference in meaning.
· If I see him, I will tell him. (I suppose I will see him, because we go to the same school.)
· If I saw him, I would tell him. (I don't think I will see him, because he is ill.)
· If I need your help, I'll call you. (It is probable that I will need your help.)
· If I needed your help, I'd call you. (It is not very probable that I will need your help.)
§ Sometimes we must use either the first or the second conditional, because it is clear that the situation is real or unreal.
· If you get up late, you will miss your bus. (A real situation)
· If I were from your country, I would understand your problems. (An unreal situation - I am not from your country.)
§ Time in Type 1 and 2: There is no difference in time between the conditional sentences type 1 and type 2. Both of them refer to the present or future, and the past tense in the if-clause in type 2 is not a true past but it is subjunctive, which indicates unreality or improbability.
§ A suggestion in type 2 is a little more polite than a suggestion in type 1, just as “would you” is a more polite request form than “will you” form.
§ Some course books refer to conditional sentence type one as real and unreal to conditional sentence type two. These terms are much confusing or need more explanation than to be real or unreal. In fact, when we use conditional sentence type one, there are or at least we can perceive factors which may lead to the fulfillment of the condition; hence, a positive probability for the truth of the prediction in the main clause whereas with conditional sentence type two, this factors do not exist or cannot be perceived by the speaker. In other words, there is not any signal which indicates that the condition in the subordinate clause has an essential probability to be fulfilled.
Summary
The conditional type 2 is as follows
§ Form: simple past + would + infinitive
§ In the second conditional, the simple past is used in the condition clause. If the be verb is being used, it is typical to use were in more formal contexts. If you’re speaking informally though, was is more usual.
· Formal: If I were you, I would drink more water.
· Informal: If I was you, I wouldn’t stay out so late.
§ Note: ‘Would’ and ‘had’ can both be shortened to ‘d – watch out for this in the second conditional!
§ Variations: it has a number of variations either in the main clause or subordinate clause in which all express either unreal or improbable actions in the present.
§ Uses: this type of conditional sentence implies for actions that are
Ø Impossible situations in the present or future
Ø Hypothesis
Ø Unlikely situations
Ø Unreal situations
Ø Give advice
Exercise 1
Put the verbs in brackets into the / a correct form.
1. If you ………. (do) more exercise, you ………… (feel) better.
2. What ………..(you / do) if you ………… (win) a million pounds?
3. If someone ………. (come) in here with a gun, I………. (be) very frightened.
4. If I ……….(be) you, I ……….. (learn) French before travelling to France.
5. I’m sure Fred ……….. (understand) if you …….(explain) the situation to him.
6. My husband ………(be) very upset if I ……….. (lose) my wedding ring.
Exercise 2
Complete the Conditional Sentences (Type II) by putting the verbs into the correct form. Use conditional I with would in the main clause.
1. If we (have) …………. a big ship, we (sail) ……………… all the oceans.
2. If he (have) …………….. more time, he (learn) ………………. karate.
3. If they (tell) ……………. their grandmother, he (be) ……………… very angry.
4. Ann (spend) …….. a week in the United Kingdom if it (be) ……. easier to get a green card.
5. If I (live) ……….. on a lonely house, I (run) …………….. around naked all day.
6. We (help) …………… you if we (know) ……………………. how.
7. My sister (buy) …………. a sports bicycle if he (have) …………….. the money.
8. If I (feel) ………….. better, I (go)…………… to the school with you.
9. If you (go) ………….. by bike more often, you (be / not) ……………. so flabby.
10. She (not / talk) …………… to you if she (be) ……………… mad at you.
Exercise 3
Complete the Conditional Sentences. Decide whether to use Type I or II.
1. If they go to Algiers, they (see) ………….…………. the Martyrs Monument.
2. If she (have) ………………… a hamster, she would call him.
3. If he gave a baby a sweet, she (stop) …………………. crying.
4. If he (arrive) ………………. later, he will take a train.
5. We would understand him if he (speak) ………………… slowly and clearly.
6. Ann (cook)………………. dinner if we buy the food.
7. I will prepare food if I (wake up) ………………… early.
8. If they shared a room, they (fight) …………………. all day long.
9. If you hate walking in the forests, you (enjoy / not) ……………… the tour.
10. John would go jogging if he (have / not) ……………… to do his homework.
Exercise 4
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the words given.
1. ‘If you …………… (not/drink) so much, you …………… (not/gain) so much weight,’ said Mike, laughing at his brother.
2. ‘You …………….. (not have) your meal tonight if you ……………. (not/apologize),’ Mike’s brother replied.
3. ‘If we …………… (run) faster, we ……………… (be) able to get on the bus.’ Ann said to May breathlessly when the bus left.
4. ‘You ……………. (be) much happier if you ……………. (be) an ordinary man,’ said the princess to the King.
5. If I ………….. (be) careful enough, I ……………. (not/get) hurt during the handball competition. I only took part in the first 15 minutes!
6. If Jack ……………. (put) some warmer clothes on yesterday, he ………….. (not/catch) a cold today.
7. If I ……………. (have) children, I ………….. (educate) them wholeheartedly with my love.
8. Be careful! If you ……………. (touch) that dog, it ……………. (bite) you.
9. I don’t know the details of their plan. If I ………. (do), I …………. (tell) you.
10. Last night Alex ruined his sweater when he washed it. If he …………… (read) the label, he ……………… (not/wash) it in hot water.
Conditional Sentences: Unreal Condition Type 3
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Description of the Lecture This lecture aims at introducing a detailed description of the properties of the Conditional Sentences (type 3). It explores key elements related to the forms, meanings, uses variations and exceptions of the given conditional type 1t. Through the developments of the lecture students will become familiar with the forms, meanings, and uses of the Conditional Sentences (type 3). Key content of the lecture includes two sections; the lectures and exercises. Objectives of the Lecture When students have finished this lecture, they should be able, among other things, to; 1. Introduce a general overview of the properties of the Conditional Sentences (type 3). 2. List the form, meanings and uses of the Conditional Sentences type 3. 3. Enable learners to reflect more on the differences between the Conditional Sentences (type 1, 2 and 3) in terms of forms, meanings and uses. 4. Compose sentences correctly using Understand the importance of the Conditional Sentences (type 3).
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Introduction
12. Conditional Sentences Type 3
1. Definition
Conditional sentences of type three are also called hypothetical conditional or the third or past conditional. We use this type to speculate about past events and about how things that happened or did not happen might have affected other things. As we know, verbs in conditional type three are back-shifted, the past perfective form in the subordinate clause is used for past time reference. The modal most commonly used in the matrix clause is “would”. We often teach this conditional to express reproach and regret.
The third conditional uses a lot of auxiliary verbs, so it can be a little tricky to put together. In reality, in real spoken English, a lot of these words get squashed together in pronunciation, but they cannot be left out. The third conditional, like the second, is all about hypothetical, imaginary situations. The thing that differentiates it from the second conditional is that it talks about the past. Both clauses of the third conditional describe the past – an alternative past that we can imagine was caused by an alternative past-past! Let’s look at the bread example again:
· If I had needed bread, I would have gone to the bakery. This means that in the past, I did not need bread (perhaps I already had some, or I simply wasn’t hungry). But, we can imagine the opposite situation where I did need bread – to describe this hypothetical past, and the resulting action I could have taken (also in the past) to remedy the situation, we use the third conditional. The basic pattern of conditional type three is as follows:
12. 1. Form
The verb in the if- condition clause is in the past perfect tense; while the verb in the result main clause is in the perfect conditional “modal +present perfect”. The time is past and the condition cannot be fulfilled because the action in the if-clause did not happen.
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if + past perfect + would + have + past participle |
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would + have + past participle + if + past perfect |
Examples:
· If I had known that you were coming I would have met you at the airport. (But I did not know consequently the result clause did not take place.)
· If he had tried to leave the city he would have been arrested at the frontier by the frontier police officers. (But he did not try and consequently he was not arrested by the police officers.)
· I could have gotten the job if I had sent in my resume on time. (I didn’t get the job because I didn’t send my resume in on time.)
· If they hadn’t read the book, the ending of the movie would have been a surprise. (They read the book, so the ending of the movie was not a surprise.)
· He might have won the tournament if he had trained harder and more often. He didn’t win the tournament because he didn’t train hard or often.)
· If I had wanted to go to the ball, I would have bought a new dress. (I didn’t want to go to the ball, so I didn’t buy a new dress.)
· I would have won the competition if my battery hadn’t died. (My battery died. I didn’t win the competition.)
· I wouldn’t have bought the bun if I’d known it was filled with chocolate. (I bought the bun. I didn’t know it was filled with chocolate.)
· They wouldn’t have opened the restaurant if they had known about the new regulations. (They opened a restaurant. They didn’t know about the new regulations.)
The third conditional in the previous sentences refers to past time. The if-clause mentions something that is not true; hence, the main clause also expresses a consequence of the condition in the if- clause, which is also logically not true. In other words, the condition in conditional type three was not fulfilled, yet, we like to imagine the probable result of that unfulfilled conditions.
2. Rules of the Unreal Condition in the Past
§ Rule 1: Unreal conditions in the past express situations that did not happen in the past. Consequently, it is impossible for the results of the situations to happen. Unreal conditions in the past are often used to express regret about the situation.
§ Rule 2: Unreal conditions in the past use the past perfect form in the “if” clause and would have, could have, or might have plus the past participle of the verb in the result clause. Examples:
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Unreal Conditions in the Past |
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Unreal Past Condition or If Clause |
Result or Main Clause |
Meaning |
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· If we had saved more money, (past perfect tense) |
we could have taken a longer vacation. (would/could/might + have + past participle) |
We didn’t save money, so we were not able to take a longer vacation. |
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· If you had been on time, (past perfect tense) |
we would not have missed the plane. (would/could/might + have + past participle) |
We weren’t on time, so we missed the plane. |
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· If you had been on time, (past perfect tense) |
we would not have missed the plane. (would/could/might + have + past participle) |
We weren’t on time, so we missed the plane. |
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· If it hadn’t rained so hard, (past perfect) |
it would have been a perfect day. (would/could/might + have + past participle) |
It rained hard, so it was not a perfect day. |
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· If she had bought her ticket last spring, (past perfect) |
she might not have had to pay so much. (would/could/might + have + past participle) |
She did not buy her ticket last spring, so she had to pay a lot for it later. |
12. 2. The Main Uses of the Conditional Type 3
We use the conditional type 3 to talk about possible consequence of an action that did not happen at all (unreal past situations). As if the speaker wants to change the past. But this is impossible. So this form is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the past that did not happen – typically with an outcome that did not happen and is perhaps the opposite of what did happen. In other words, type 3 conditional is used in similar fashion to type 2 conditional in respect that they refer to something completely imaginary in the if clause and to completely imaginary consequences in the main clause. However, type 3 conditionals refer to consequences that did not, could not ever happen because the condition to be satisfied did not happen in the past. Thus, they are sometimes called hypothetical conditionals. Examples:
· If I had written my essay this afternoon, I would have had time to go out tonight. (It is now evening and I have not written my essay: it is now impossible for me to go out.)
· If it had rained last week, the plants would not have died.
· If I had finished college, I would have become a doctor
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Warning: Students must pay attention to the following points: § The conditional sentence is talking about an unreal past event. Do not use simple past tense. Instead, you must use past perfect tense. Example: · If I studied had studied more last night, I could have done better on this morning’s test. § Do not get confused by the contracted “’d” form used with conditionals. The “’d” can be either had or would. Example: · If he’d had more time, he’d have taken up a new sport. he’d had = he had had he’d have taken up = he would have taken up
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12. 3. Possible Variations of the Conditional Sentence Type 3
12. 3. 1. Possible Variations of the Basic Form
Ø “Could” or “might” may be used instead of “would”:
· If we had found him earlier we would have saved his life. (Ability)
· If we had found him earlier we might save his life. (Possibility)
· If our documents had been in order we could have left at once. (Ability or permission)
Ø The continuous form of the prefect conditional may be used:
· At the time of the accident I was sitting in the back of the car, because Tom’s little boy was sitting beside him in front. If Tom’s boy had not been there I would have been sitting in front.
Ø “Had” can be placed first and the “if” omitted.
· If you had obeyed orders this disaster would not have happened.
· Had you obeyed orders this disaster would not have happened.
3. Conditional Sentences Type 3 and Type 2 …………………………Differences
4. Conditional Sentences Type 3 and Type 2 and Type 1 …………Differences
There are a few aspects of conditionals that should be noted in order to make their use easier and clearer.
§ Conditionals can be categorized as real and unreal. You can think of this as meaning possible or impossible. Zero and first conditionals are possible as they deal with things that are generally true or that could be true in the future. Second and third conditionals are impossible because they are either hypothetical or concerned with events in the past that we cannot change. Consequently, Real Conditionals are Zero and First while Unreal Conditionals are Second, and Third.
§ The table below summarizes the different mixed conditional sentences.
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If Clause |
Main Clause |
Meaning |
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Zero Conditional (Always) |
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Present Simple |
facts |
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first conditional (present of future time) |
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Present Simple |
Future Simple (will + infinitive) |
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Present Simple |
Modal verb + infinitive |
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Present Simple |
Imperative |
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Present Continuous |
Future Simple (will + infinitive) |
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Second Conditional (present or future time) |
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Past Simple
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Conditional Simple (would + infinitive)
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Past Simple |
Modal verb + infinitive |
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Third Conditional (past time) |
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Past Perfect (had + past participle) |
Conditional Perfect (would + have + past participle) |
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Past Perfect (had + past participle) |
Modal verb + have + past participle |
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Important Note: Mixed Conditionals
Mixed conditional sentences are sentences we cannot really specify whether it belongs to type two or type three because part of it (the main clause or the subordinate clause) may belong to one of these four types and the other half of it to another one type of these defined formerly.
The reasons for the existence of such mixed conditional sentences might be at the level of time reference. In fact, things we did in the past may have present consequences. Equally, these past events may be the result of timeless or present facts. We often refer to both the present and the past in mixed conditionals and we choose the tense of the main verb accordingly. One clause may be conditional type two and the other one may be conditional type three. Examples:
· Past action: You wasted money last week.
· Present consequence: We can’t afford a good holiday.
· If you hadn’t wasted so much money, we’d manage to afford a better holiday. In this sentence the If clause type three main clause type two. The condition was not fulfilled but the speaker imagines the probable result at the present time of that unfulfilled condition in the past.
6. Open Conditional Sentences
Open conditional sentences are used when the speaker expresses a situation which usually occurs or will occur if the condition mentioned in the conditional clause is met, as in:
· If John studies hard, he will get better marks.
· If it starts to rain, I will take a car.
These sentences contain a condition that may or may not be fulfilled. Thus, John may or may not study hard; it may or may not start to rain. The conditions in these sentences are open. In other words, open conditional sentences are neutral; namely, the condition may or may not be true and therefore the proposition of the main clause may or may not be true.
The combinations of the verb forms which can be used in the conditional clause and the main clause of open conditional sentences are as follows:
§ Simple present in the conditional clause, and simple present, past, future or future perfect in the main clause, as in:
· If you are optimistic, I am pessimistic.
· If what you do is right, then what I did was wrong.
· If you help me, I will thank you.
· If you pass this quiz, you will have answered the questions correctly.
§ Simple past in the conditional clause, simple present, past or future in the main clause, as in:
· If I said that, I am sorry.
· If I did that, I was mistaken.
· If I hurt you, I will apologize.
§ Present perfect in the conditional clause, simple future in the main clause, as in:
· If I have made a mistake, I will correct it.
5. 1. Hypothetical Conditional Sentences
A hypothetical condition conveys the speaker's belief that the condition was not fulfilled (for past conditions) or is not fulfilled (for present conditions), or will not be fulfilled (for future conditions) as in:
· If she had studied hard, she would not have failed the exam. This statement implies that she did not study hard.
· If they had the time, they would visit us. This statement implies that they do not have the time.
· If he changed his opinion, he would accept going to the museum. This statement implies that it is probable that he will not change his opinion.
3. Difference between Open and Hypothetical Conditionals
Open conditionals are different from hypothetical ones. While the former uses the indicative mood, the latter uses the subjunctive one. When the indicative mood is used, the conditional sentence expresses a possibility or a probability. However, a conditional sentence uses the subjunctive mood to express something contrary-to-fact, an impossibility or an improbability. "Open conditionals are neutral: they leave unresolved the question of the fulfillment of the condition, and hence also the truth of the proposition expressed by the main clause". Hypothetical conditions have also been termed 'closed', 'unreal' and 'counterfactual'.
Summary
The conditional type 3 is as follows:
§ Form: past perfect + would have + past participle
§ Variations: it has a number of variations either in the main clause or subordinate clause in which all express unreal and improbable past actions.
§ Uses: this type of conditional sentence implies that the action in the if-clause did not exist and the result is quite improbable. Therefore, it is used for actions that are:
Ø For hypothetical situations in the past “situations that did not occur/unreal imaginary situations”
Ø Indicate that present circumstances might have been different, had circumstances in the past differed.
Ø Theoretical past situations, -regret
Ø An impossible situation because it had already happened.
Final Summary to Conditionals
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Type |
If Clause |
Main Clause |
Uses |
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Type 0 |
present |
simple present |
· Fact which are generally true · Scientific facts · Conditions that have always the same results |
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Type 1 |
present |
simple future |
· For real or highly likely future situations · Predictions · Promises · Possibility · Cause and consequence |
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Type 2 |
past |
would + infinitive |
· Impossible situations in the present or future · Hypothesis · Unlikely situations · Unreal situations · Give advice |
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Type 3 |
past perfect |
would have +past participle |
· For hypothetical situations in the past · Indicate that present circumstances might have been different, had circumstances in the past differed. · Theoretical past situations, -regret · An impossible situation because it had already happened. |
Note
The table below compares and contrasts between all the three conditional sentences in terms of time and meaning. The brief comparison may indicate the following:
§ Type 1 and 2 are the same in time and different in meaning.
§ Type 2 and 3 are different in time and the same in meaning.
§ Type 1 and 3 are different in time and meaning.
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Type |
Time |
Meaning |
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Conditional type 1 |
Present (or future) |
Real (or probable) |
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Conditional type 2 |
Present (or future) |
Unreal (or improbable) |
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Conditional type 3 |
Past |
Unreal (or improbable) |