Conditional sentences link a condition (-clause) to a result (main clause). English distinguishes real from unreal conditions by shifting the tenses “one step back”.

The four classic patterns

@lL3.3cmL3.6cmL4.0cm@ & If-clause & Main clause & Meaning
Zero & present simple & present simple & general truths
First & present simple & + base & real future possibility
Second & past simple & + base & unreal/unlikely present or future
Third & past perfect & + participle & unreal past

Zero conditional

( \(\approx\) )

First conditional

No inside the -clause: \(\to\) (Exception: polite requests — )

Second conditional

The past tense here does not mean past time — it marks unreality. Compare: (realistic — first) vs.  (speculative — second).

In careful and formal style, use for all persons in unreal conditions: Informal is common in speech but avoid it in writing. is the standard formula for advice.

Third conditional

Keep out of the -clause: \(\to\)

Variations on the classic patterns

  • Other modals in the result:

  • = :

  • = emphatic :

  • = as a precaution (not a condition): (you take it before knowing)

  • :

Mixed conditionals and inverted conditionals () are treated in Chapter [ch:advcond].

and

@L4.4cmL7.8cm@ Pattern & Meaning and examples
& regret about the present:
& regret about the past:
& complaint about another’s behaviour or desire for change:

is an emphatic :

\(\to\) ( is not used about oneself or plain states)
\(\to\) (one step back, always)

vs. 

is for realistic desires and takes ordinary tenses: + clause is counterfactual: For good wishes with a noun, use :

Exercises

Identify and complete Put the verbs in the correct form and name the conditional type.

  1. If we

    (leave) now, we’ll catch the 5:40.

  2. If metal

    (get) hot, it expands.

  3. If I

    (be) the minister, I would cut taxes.

  4. If you

    (warn) me, I wouldn’t have signed the contract.

  5. She

    (not/be) so tired if she went to bed earlier.

Rewrite Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets, keeping the meaning.

  1. We’ll miss the train if we don’t hurry. (unless)

  2. I didn’t know you were ill, so I didn’t visit you. (If)

  3. I regret not buying that house. (wish)

  4. It annoys me that he leaves the door open. (wish)

  5. Take some cash; the card machine may not work. (in case)

Error correction Correct one error in each sentence.

  1. If I will see her, I’ll pass on the message.

  2. If you would have listened, you would have understood.

  3. I wish I can speak Chinese.

  4. Unless you don’t apologize, she won’t forgive you.

  5. If he was here now, he’d know what to do. (make it formal)