CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

A. Conditional Type 1
Often called the "real" conditional because it is used for real - or possible - situations.
These situations take place if a certain condition is met.

NOTE
In the conditional 1 we often use unless which means 'if ... not'. In other words,
'...unless he hurries up.' could also be written, '...if he doesn't hurry up.'.
If it rains, we will stay at home.
He will arrive late unless he hurries up.
Peter will buy a new car, if he gets his raise.

Conditional 1 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a
comma will verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause
first without using a comma between the clauses.
If he finishes on time, we will go to the movies.
OR
We will go to the movies if he finishes on time.

B. Conditional Type 2
Often called the "unreal" conditional because it is used for unreal - impossible or
improbable - situations. This conditional provides an imaginary result for a given
situation.

NOTE
The verb 'to be', when used in the 2nd conditional, is always conjugated as 'were'.
If he studied more, he would pass the exam.
I would lower taxes if I were the President.
They would buy a new house if they had more money.
 Conditional 2 is formed by the use of the past simple in the if clause followed by a
comma would verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause
first without using a comma between the clauses.
If they had more money, they would buy a new house.
OR
They would buy a new house if they had more money.

C. Conditional Type 3
Often referred to as the "past" conditional because it concerns only past situations
with hypothetical results. Used to express a hypothetical result to a past given
situation.
If he had known that, he would have decided differently.
Jane would have found a new job if she had stayed in Boston.

Conditional 3 is formed by the use of the past perfect in the if clause followed by a
comma would have past participle in the result clause. You can also put the result
clause first without using a comma between the clauses.
If Alice had won the competition, life would have changed OR Life would have
changed if Alice had won the competition.

EXERCISE:

Complete with the correct forms of the verbs.

1. If it (rain), I'll read a book.
2. If he (think) so, he'd tell you.
3. If you (work) harder, you would have learnt a lot more.
4. If I go to England, I (learn) English.
5. If you kicked the machine, it (break) down.
6. Unless you work hard you (never get) anywhere.
7. If I had had the money, I (fly) to Florida.
8. If you watch the clock, it (stop).
9. If he (get) hungry, he'll have to eat something.
10. If you opened the door, I (get) in.
11. She (not go) to the courses unless she has her credit card
12. If you (go) to the cinema, I would have come with you.
13. If you eat too much, you (put) on weight.
14. If you had gone to England, you (have) to drink the coffee.
15. They (not do) it if they do not have the time.
16. If he (want) to get up early he will have to go to bed before midnight.
17. If he (be) late we shall miss the train.
18. If you keep right on you (get) there eventually.
19. If you had arrived early, you (have) to wait.
20. They (help) you if they could.