Conditional Sentences - ELT Typology and Corpus Evidence

Gabrielatos, C. (2003). Conditional Sentences: ELT typology and corpus evidence.
Paper given at the Annual

Meeting of the British Association for Applied Linguistics, University of Leeds, 4-6 September 2003.
Conditional Sentences: ELT typology and corpus evidence
Abstract
This paper presents the findings of a pilot study examining the representation of
the typology of conditional sentences presented in English language teaching
(ELT) materials (coursebooks and grammars) in a random sample of 1,000
conditional sentences from the British National Corpus. The if-clause and main
clause of the conditional sentences in the sample was annotated for the form of the
main verb (particularly tense and aspect), the modal auxiliaries and other lexis
expressing modality, time reference and modality. Each sentence was also
annotated for the type of relation holding between the two clauses, as well as their
relative time reference.
ELT materials essentially use the typology in logic (real, counterfactual and
hypothetical conditionals), with the addition of two more types, zero and
mixed . The vast majority of ELT materials provide information about the
following aspects of conditional sentences:
a. The tense-aspect marking of the main verbs in the if-clause and main
clause.
b. The modal auxiliaries that can be used in each clause.
c. The time reference of the conditional sentence (not of each clause).
d. The user s attitude towards possibility.
Maule (1988) examined 100 conditional sentences collected from television and
found that there was a large group of sentences that could not fit in the framework
of the 3 types. The study supports this finding, but also points towards the need to
adapt the typology and information offered in ELT materials.
The paper reports on the frequency of the five ELT types in the sample and
outlines the cases that the typology does not cover. It also presents some
preliminary findings regarding patterns in tense marking and modal expression on
one hand, and time reference and modality on the other, briefly discusses
implications for a pedagogical treatment of conditionals and proposes a tentative
adaptation of the ELT typology.
Reference
Maule, D. 1988. Sorry, but if he comes I go : Teaching conditionals. ELT Journal 42/2.
Costas Gabrielatos, September 2003
2

Slide 1
BAAL 2003 BAAL 2003
September 4 September 4- -6, 2003 6, 2003
Conditional Sentences: Conditional Sentences:
ELT typology and corpus evidence ELT typology and corpus evidence
Costas Gabrielatos Costas Gabrielatos

Slide 2
Focus Focus
The frequency of the types of conditional sentences The frequency of the types of conditional sentences
usually presented in ELT materials (Zero, First, Second, usually presented in ELT materials (Zero, First, Second,
Third and Mixed). Third and Mixed).
The relative frequency of the ELT types in the sample. The relative frequency of the ELT types in the sample.
The frequency of The frequency of special cases special cases in the treatment of in the treatment of
conditionals in ELT materials. conditionals in ELT materials.
The frequency of modality types and modal verbs/lexis in The frequency of modality types and modal verbs/lexis in
the conditional sentences in the sample. the conditional sentences in the sample.

Slide 3
Ferguson, G. (2001) Ferguson, G. (2001) If you pop over there: a corpus If you pop over there: a corpus- -based study of based study of
conditionals in medical discourse conditionals in medical discourse . English for Specific . English for Specific
Purposes. Purposes. 20: 61 20: 61- -82. 82.
Fulcher Fulcher, G. (1991) 'Conditionals Revisited , G. (1991) 'Conditionals Revisited , , ELT Journal, ELT Journal, 45/2: 164 45/2: 164- -168. 168.
Maule Maule, D. (1988) '"Sorry, but if he comes, I go": Teaching conditiona , D. (1988) '"Sorry, but if he comes, I go": Teaching conditionals. ls.
ELT Journal. ELT Journal. 42/2: 117 42/2: 117- -123. 123.
Wang, S. (1991) Wang, S. (1991) A Corpus Study of English Conditionals A Corpus Study of English Conditionals . Unpublished MA . Unpublished MA
thesis. Victoria University of Wellington. thesis. Victoria University of Wellington.
Corpus Corpus- -based studies on conditional sentences in based studies on conditional sentences in
English, discussing pedagogical implications English, discussing pedagogical implications

3

Slide 4
The sample The sample
Random sample of 1,000 Random sample of 1,000 if if sentences from sentences from
the written sub the written sub- -corpus of the BNC. corpus of the BNC.

Slide 5
Structure of the paper Structure of the paper
ELT Typology: description and approach ELT Typology: description and approach
Annotation scheme Annotation scheme
Findings and discussion Findings and discussion
Further steps Further steps

Slide 6
ELT typology ELT typology
Main
Clause
If-clause
Meaning
(Modality)
Time
Reference
Verb Forms
(tenses and modals)

4

Slide 7
Three basic implicit assumptions Three basic implicit assumptions
behind the behind the three/five types three/five types approach approach
There are one There are one- -to to- -one form one form- -meaning relations. meaning relations.
Modality is expressed by modal verbs only. Modality is expressed by modal verbs only.
Conditional sentences express only attitude to Conditional sentences express only attitude to
likelihood. likelihood.

Slide 8
Acklam, R. & Burgess, S. (2000, 2nd Ed.) Gold FCE. London: Longman.
Capel, A. & W. Sharp. (2000) Objective First Certificate. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press.
Capel, A. & Sharp, W. (2002) Objective Proficiency. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press.
Duckworth, M. & Gude, K. (1999) Countdown to FCE. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Evans, V. & Dooley, J. (2002) Upstream Intermediate. Newbury: Express Publishing.
Evans, V. & Dooley, J. (2002) Upstream CPE. Newbury: Express Publishing.
Gude, K. & Duckworth, M. (2002) Masterclass CPE. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Haines, S. & Stewart, B. (2000) Landmark Upper-Intermediate. Oxford: Oxford University
Press.
Harris, M., Mower, D. & Sikorzynska, A. (2000) Opportunities Intermediate. London:
Longman.
Newbrook, J. & Wilson, J. (2001) New Gold CPE. London: Longman.
May, P. 1999. Knockout First Certificate, Student s Book. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Nolasco, R. (2000) New Streetwise Upper Intermediate. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Prodromou, L. 1998. First Certificate Star, Student s Book. Heinemann.
Soars, L. & Soars, J. (1998) New Headway Upper-Intermediate. Oxford: Oxford University
Press.
Stanton, A. & Stephens, M. (2001) Fast Track to FCE. London: Longman.
Coursebooks examined

Slide 9
First conditional First conditional
Possible, probable.
Possible future
events that depend on
other future events.
present
or
future
will, can,
may, could,
might
+ infinitive
Imperative
Present
Simple,
Present
Perfect,
Present
Progressive

5

Slide 10
Second conditional Second conditional
Less probable, less
definite, impossible,
unreal, imaginary,
unlikely situations
present
or
future
would,
could,
might
+ infinitive
Past
Simple,
Past
Progressive

Slide 11
Third conditional Third conditional
Unreal
No longer possible
past
would, could,
might, should
+ have + past
participle
Past
Perfect
Progressive

Slide 12
Zero conditional Zero conditional
Expresses real
situations.
Is always true/ the
case.
Describes rules and
situations where one
event always follows
the other.
Expresses eternal
truths.
We use it to say what
always happens.
present
or
future
Present
Simple
Imperative
Present
Simple,
Present
Perfect,
Present
Progressive

6

Slide 13
Mixed conditional Mixed conditional
Change in present
situation would affect
past situation
would, could,
might, should
+ have + past
participle
Past
Simple
Change in past
situation would affect
present situation
Links
past
and
present
would, could,
might, should
+ infinitive
Past
Perfect

Slide 14
Special cases Special cases
Modals in the Modals in the if if- - clause clause
will will (= insistence, willingness) (= insistence, willingness)
would would (= request) (= request)
should should (= politeness) (= politeness)
could could
are to are to
Open conditions in the past Open conditions in the past (Past (Past Past) Past)

Slide 15
Annotation Annotation
Conditional? Conditional?
Tense and aspect marking Tense and aspect marking
Time reference Time reference
Modality Modality
Modals Modals
Level of inclusiveness of ELT typologies Level of inclusiveness of ELT typologies

7

Slide 16
Not Conditional Not Conditional
WHETHER
He finished his beer sadly, wondered if he would have been better off,
after all, among them at the club.
ALTHOUGH
Even in his anger and growing fear, the conditioning of his
background and breeding rose, if only briefly, above his Pres distress.
EVEN THOUGH
I t was a 35mm affair even if a rather simplified one with a built-in
flash.
AS THOUGH
As if in protest, George uttered a blood-curdling, lunatic-sounding
cackle, and fell fractionally forward.

Slide 17
Frequency of conditional sentences Frequency of conditional sentences
85.3%
14.2%
.5%
Conditional
Not conditional
Misc excluded

Slide 18
ELT three/five types typology: ELT three/five types typology:
Different levels of inclusiveness Different levels of inclusiveness

8

Slide 19
Modal in Zero
Present in First
Addition of sentences with
features of both Zero
and First
Could and might in First.
Rest of Root modals in First,
Second, Third and Mixed
Both Epistemic and Root
marking
Modal lexis
Perfect aspect in
Zero and First
types
Five types, extended.
Elements consistent
with the existing
typology.
All core Epistemic modals in
First, Second, Third, Mixed
Imperative in Zero and First
Should in Third and Mixed
Progressive
aspect
Perfect aspect in
Zero and First
Five types, inclusive.
Elements presented in
any of the books
examined.
Present Simple in Zero
Would in Mixed
Simple tenses
Five types, common.
Only the elements that
are common to all
accounts .
First type of Mixed only
Will in First
Would in Second and Third
Simple tenses
Three types, basic.
As in logic.
Main clause If-clause Description

Slide 20
Breakdown of conditional sentences in the sample
710.0 / 83.2%
5.0 / .6%
94.0 / 11.0%
13.0 / 1.5%
31.0 / 3.6%
Sample for ELT
Fixed/Idiomatic
Elliptical
Embedded
'even in case'

Slide 21
Even if Even if = even in case = even in case
Even Even if if parents succeed in coming to terms parents succeed in coming to terms
with letting their children go, their best with letting their children go, their best
efforts are likely to be undermined by the efforts are likely to be undermined by the
"dirty washing" gambit, or proprietorial "dirty washing" gambit, or proprietorial
claims to "my room" which the child will claims to "my room" which the child will
not relinquish. not relinquish.

9

Slide 22
Ellipsis Ellipsis
Most directors would like to keep the company's business Most directors would like to keep the company's business
premises free from further encumbrances premises free from further encumbrances if if at all at all
possible. possible.
A SCIENTIFIC laser unit has been stolen from Telford
College in Edinburgh and police have given warning the
equipment could be dangerous if mishandled.
Abdomen: When to seek advice
Urgently, Right now!
If the stool is bloody, black or tar-like.

Slide 23
Embedded Embedded
IFYOU won the pools, it's a cert you'd celebrate with a
slap-up party for friends -- and that's how we're winding
up our great series of free contests.
They themselves might suffer from the climate, but if they
managed to survive and interbreed the chances are that in
a few generations their offspring would have reverted to
wild-type coats once again, as a result of the inevitable
mixing that would occur among the stray cat colonies.

Slide 24
Idiomatic Idiomatic
They were following the perimeter of the cricket ground in
full view of at least twenty-two other boys, and Richard
was damned if he was going to trail in Murray's wake
before this audience.
He's not a bad sort, for a brother if you know what I
mean"
And that is why I'll see Greg Martin if it's the last thing
I do."

10

Slide 25
78.5% 53.8% 43.6% 29.3% 14.9%
557 382 310 208 106
11 11 11 4 NA
Mixed
29 29 29 19 18
Third
90 90 77 57 48
Second
119 80 41 40
First
427
133 113 87 NA
Zero
Extended
with 0+1
Extended Inclusive Common Basic

Slide 26
Frequency (%) of ELT typology Frequency (%) of ELT typology
ELT-5 Extended + 01
ELT-5 Extended
ELT-5 Inclusive
ELT-5 Common
ELT Basic (3 types)
P
e
r
c
e
n
t

o
f

C
S

i
n

t
h
e

s
a
m
p
l
e
100
80
60
40
20
0
78
54
44
29
15

Slide 27
ELT Basic: Frequency ELT Basic: Frequency
2.5%
6.8%
5.6%
85.1%
Third
Second
First
Not covered

11

Slide 28
ELT ELT- -5 Inclusive: Frequency 5 Inclusive: Frequency
56.3%
1.5%
4.1%
10.8%
11.3%
15.9%
Not covered
Mixed
Third
Second
First
Zero

Slide 29
ELT-5 Inclusive: Distribution of types
3.5%
9.4%
24.8%
25.8%
36.5%
Mixed
Third
Second
First
Zero

Slide 30
Breakdown of CS not covered by ELT-5 Inclusive
72.0 / 18.0%
153.0 / 38.2%
175.0 / 43.8%
Extended-additional
Other cases
Zero/First blend

12

Slide 31
Sentences with features of both Zero and First Sentences with features of both Zero and First
"If you think I'd dream of sharing so much as a blanket
with you after that you're crazy!
If a Troll suffers harm his flesh will almost instantly re-grow.
If Bridges is right, this still does not avoid possible legal
argument over the "reasonableness" of the contract
between purchaser and provider, nor over how well
contracts are complied with.

Slide 32
ELT-5 Extended, with 'Zero' and 'First' collapsed: Frequency
1.6%
4.2%
11.0%
22.0%
61.3%
Mixed
Third
Second
Not covered
Zero+First collapsed

Slide 33
Mood and Modality in the main clause Mood and Modality in the main clause
100% 710
0.3% 2 Present Subjunctive
1.8% 13 Question
1.8% 13 Ambiguous modality
3.0% 21 Epistemic + Root
17.3% 123 Root
24.1% 171 Statement
51.7% 367 Epistemic

13

Slide 34
Epistemic modality in the main clause Epistemic modality in the main clause
100% 51.7% 367 Total Total
3.0% 1.5% 11 Probability
4.4% 2.3% 16 Combinations
5.5% 2.8% 20 Ability
37.0% 19.1% 136 Possibility
50.1% 25.9% 184 Certainty
%
of Epistemic
%
of all CS
Frequency

Slide 35
Modal expressions in the main clause Modal expressions in the main clause
73.7% 523 TOTAL
0.6% 4 Central modals in that-clauses
2.2% 16 Marginal etc. modals
4.2% 30 Other modal expressions
4.5% 32 Combinations with central modals
6.8% 49 Imperative
55.1% 392 Central modals

Slide 36
Central Modals in the main clause Central Modals in the main clause
59.6% 424 55.1% 392 Total Total
1.0% 7 1.0% 7 shall
3.7% 26 3.7% 26 must
3.8% 27 3.7% 26 should
3.8% 27 2.9% 21 might
4.0% 29 4.1% 29 could
6.0% 43 5.5% 39 may
6.6% 47 6.5% 46 can
13.0% 92 11.7% 83 will
17.7% 126 16.2% 115 would
Including combinations
Modal + lexical verb
only

14

Slide 37
Co Co- -occurrence of modalities occurrence of modalities
The Home Secretary will no doubt give his consent, if
otherwise the decisions of junior ministers are liable to be
quashed on judicial review.
Conversely if the definition changed, there would probably
be a corresponding change in the pupil's actions in that
context.
Companies potentially need to acquire information about
all the environmental factors shown in the diagram, if they
are to survive and prosper.

Slide 38
Root modality in main clause Root modality in main clause
100% 17.3% 123
8.2% 1.4% 10 Volition
91.8% 15.9% 113 Deontic
%
of Root
%
of all CS
Frequency

Slide 39
Modal expressions in the Modal expressions in the if if- -clause clause
17.1% 122 Total
1.0% 7 Semi-auxiliaries
3.2% 23 Other expressions
4.9% 35 Modal idioms
8.0% 57 Central modals

15

Slide 40
Central modals in the Central modals in the if if- -clause clause
57 Total
1 shall
1 might
1 may
2 will
3 would
3 should
5 must
15 could
26 can

Slide 41
Modal idioms in the if Modal idioms in the if- -clause clause
35 Total
1 would rather
4 have to
30 be to
7 Total
1 be willing to
1 be likely to
5 be going to
Semi Semi- -auxiliaries in the if auxiliaries in the if- -clause clause

Slide 42
The three most frequent modal expressions The three most frequent modal expressions
in the in the if if- -clause clause
60.2% 60.2% 10.0% 10.0% 71 71 Total Total
14.3% 14.3% 2.1% 2.1% 15 15 could could
21.3% 21.3% 3.7% 3.7% 26 26 can can
24.6% 24.6% 4.2% 4.2% 30 30 be to be to
% of modals % of modals
in if in if- -clause clause
(N=122) (N=122)
% of sample % of sample
(N=710) (N=710)
Frequency Frequency
Modal Modal
expression expression
It is interesting that whereas the Third and Mixed patterns, with a frequency
of 4.2% and 1.6% respectively, are presented as part of the main ELT
framework, the use of be to and could in the if-clause, which have
comparable, if not higher frequencies, are treated as special cases, with can
not even mentioned.

16

Slide 43
Past tense in Past tense in if if- -clause referring to past time clause referring to past time
(32.2% of (32.2% of If If + Past tense + Past tense occurrences) occurrences)
The students had no room in which to wait between lectures, but it was suggested to
MRCVS that students who lodged near enough might go home if they wanted to, or more
usefully spend their non-lecture time in the dissecting room or in the stables, although the
Bell & Crown inn, with a good fire, was close at hand.
After a decade of being made to feel that you were somehow lacking as a person if you
didn't manage to cram thrice-weekly workouts into your schedule, it was high time that a
good reason not to exercise emerged.
"That little mistake was corrected when you got my note this morning, as you know very
well!" Kate raised her eyebrows. "I received no note from you this morning, or any other
time!" "Don't strain my credulity again! She couldn't help the tinge of pink that flooded
her cheeks at his expression as those blue eyes studied her with contempt. "Well, if you
didn't put it under my door yourself, maybe you'd better just check with Reception
downstairs."
I think that the high frequency of If + Past tense with past reference qualifies it
to be included in the main ELT typology, rather than treated as a special case.

Slide 44
Further research Further research
Analysis of sample from the spoken sub Analysis of sample from the spoken sub- -
corpus of the BNC. corpus of the BNC.
Examination of the distribution of ELT Examination of the distribution of ELT
types according to genre. types according to genre.
Examination of a larger sample of elliptical Examination of a larger sample of elliptical
conditional sentences. conditional sentences.

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Gabrielatos, C. (2003). Conditional Sentences: ELT typology and corpus evidence.

Paper given at the Annual

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