CONDITIONAL SENTENCE

Introduction

Conditional sentences are used to talk about hypothetical situations. There are four types of
conditional sentences: zero, first, second, and third conditional. Each type of conditional
sentence has a different structure and usage.

Types & Function

Zero Conditional The zero conditional is used to talk about real or scientific facts. The structure
is: "If + present simple, present simple." For example:

• If the computer freezes, it crashes.

• If the program compiles without errors, it runs smoothly.

First Conditional The first conditional is used to talk about future events that are likely to
happen. The structure is: "If + present simple, will + base verb." For example:

• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

• If we finish the project on time, we will get a bonus.

Second Conditional The second conditional is used to talk about hypothetical or unlikely
situations in the present or future. The structure is: "If + past simple, would + base verb." For
example:

• If I had more time, I would learn a new programming language.

• If the company offered me a job, I would accept it.

Third Conditional The third conditional is used to talk about hypothetical events in the past
that did not happen. The structure is: "If + past perfect, would have + past participle." For
example:

• If we had tested the software more thoroughly, we would not have encountered so many
bugs.
• If the team had communicated better, we would have finished the project on time.

Practice Exercise

Directions: Complete each sentence using the correct verb tense for each type of conditional
sentence.

1. If the code contains syntax errors, it (not compile). (zero conditional)

2. If we (use) the latest technology, we (improve) the performance of the system. (first
conditional)
3. If I (know) how to code, I (create) my own website. (second conditional)
4. If we (have) chosen a different algorithm, we (get) better results. (third conditional)
5. If the server (go) down, the website (not be) accessible. (zero conditional)
6. If the team (work) together, they (finish) the project ahead of schedule. (first
conditional)
Assessment Exercise

Directions: Write one sentence for each type of conditional sentence.

1. Zero conditional:

• (Ex) If the network connection is lost, the internet does not work.

2. First conditional:

• (Ex) If you study computer science, you will have many job opportunities.

3. Second conditional:

• (Ex) If I had a degree in computer engineering, I would apply for a job at Google.

4. Third conditional:

• (Ex) If we had implemented a better security system, we would not have been hacked.

Conclusion:

Conditional sentences are a useful tool for talking about hypothetical situations in computer
science. Remember the different structures and usages of each type of conditional sentence to
use them effectively in your writing and speaking.

WISHES

Introduction

Wishes are used to express hypothetical or impossible situations. They are often used to express
regret or dissatisfaction about the present or past situations.

Forms of Wishes

There are four forms of wishes that we commonly use in English.

1. Present Wish: "I wish + simple past." Used to express an impossible or hypothetical
situation in the present.

Examples:

a) "I wish I knew how to use this new database management system." - The speaker does not
currently know how to use the database management system, and is expressing a desire to know
how to use it.

b) "I wish I had access to more data for my research project." - The speaker currently does not
have access to enough data for their research project, and is expressing a desire for more data.
c) "I wish my team members were more communicative about the project progress." - The
speaker is currently dissatisfied with the level of communication among their team members
regarding the project progress, and is expressing a desire for better communication.

2. Past Wish: "I wished + past perfect." Used to express an impossible or hypothetical
situation in the past.

Examples:

a) "I wished I had taken more courses on information security when I was in college." - The
speaker did not take enough courses on information security in college and is expressing regret
and a desire to have taken more courses.

b) "I wished I had applied for the data analyst job when I had the chance." - The speaker did
not apply for a job opportunity in the past and is expressing regret and a desire to have applied
for it.

c) "I wished I had learned how to code earlier in my career." - The speaker did not learn how
to code earlier in their career and is expressing regret and a desire to have learned it earlier.

3. Future Wish: "I wish + would/could + base verb." Used to express an impossible or
hypothetical situation in the future.

Examples:

a) "I wish I could attend the data analytics conference next year." - The speaker is expressing
a desire to attend a data analytics conference, but may not be able to do so due to certain
circumstances.

b) "I wish I would be selected for the information management internship program." - The
speaker is expressing a desire to be selected for an information management internship
program, but may not know whether they will be selected or not.

c) "I wish I could learn machine learning from an experienced instructor." - The speaker is
expressing a desire to learn machine learning from an experienced instructor, but may not have
access to such an instructor.

4. Regret Wish: "I wish + past perfect + would/could + base verb." Used to express regret
about something in the past and to wish that something different had happened.

Examples:

a) "I wish I had chosen information management as my major in college. If I had, I could have
pursued a career in this field earlier." - The speaker chose a different major in college and is
expressing regret and a desire to have chosen information management as their major.

b) "I wish I had backed up the data before the system crashed. If I had, we could have recovered
the lost data." - The speaker did not back up the data and is expressing regret and a desire to
have backed up the data before the system crashed.
c) "I wish I had invested more time in learning about data visualization. If I had, I could have
created better visualizations for my data presentations." - The speaker did not invest enough
time in learning about data visualization and is expressing regret and a desire to have

Practice Exercises

1. Rewrite the following sentences using the correct form of wish:

a) "I am not good at programming."

b) "I didn't get a chance to learn data structures."

c) "I won't be able to attend the hackathon next week."

d) "I missed the deadline for the project."

2. Complete the following sentences with the correct form of wish:

a) If only _______________ (study) harder for the exam, I would have passed.

b) I _______________ (be) a better programmer if I had more experience.

c) If only I _______________ (have) more time, I could learn a new programming language.

\d) I wish I _______________ (attend) the computer science conference last month.

Assessment Exercise

Write a paragraph using one example of each form of wish to express a hypothetical or
impossible situation related to computer science.

References:

• Azar, B. S. (1999). Understanding and using English grammar. Pearson Education.

• Swan, M. (2005). Practical English usage. Oxford University Press.