The English Language

Conditionals
Listed below are examples, uses and formation of Conditionals followed by some exercises.

Examples Conditional 0 If I am late, my father takes me to school. She doesn't worry if Julian stays out after school. Conditional 1 If it rains, we will stay at home. He will arrive late unless he hurries up.

Usage Situations that are always true if something happens. NOTE This use is similiar to, and can usually be replaced by, a time clause using 'when' (example: When I am late, my father takes me to school.) 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 Simon will buy a new car, if written, '...if he doesn't hurry up.'. he gets his raise. Conditional 2 If he studied more, he would pass the exam. I would lower taxes if I were the the Prime Minister. They would buy a new house if they won the lottery. Conditional 3 If he had known that, he would have decided differently. Joanna would have found a new job if she had stayed in Gorzw. 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. 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'.

Structure Conditional 0 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a comma + the present simple in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If he comes to town, We have dinner

we have dinner if he comes to town.

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 cinema

we will go to the cinema. if he finishes on time.

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 won the lottery, They would buy a new house

they would buy a new house. if they won the lottery.

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 Hania had won the competition, Life would have changed

life would have changed. if Hania had won the competition.

EXERCISES
Choose the correct conditional form to complete the sentences below. Once you have decided on your answer, click on the arrow to check your answer.

If I ________________(stay) in Barlinek, I would have found a new girlfriend. He would do more to help the poor if he __________(be) the Pope.

If he goes to London on a business trip, he often ____________(visit) Soho. We won't go to the film unless they ___________(arrive) in the next 5 minutes. She ____________(buy) a new car if she had had the money. If Yoko were me, she ____________(go) to Manchester immediately. They will talk to Jacek if he __________(come). Boena comes to work 30 minutes late if her child __________(miss) the bus to school. If Peter ___________(think) twice, he wouldn't have made such a stupid mistake. Kasia ________________(become) a university lecturer if she studies hard. If they ____________(know) all the facts, they would have found the defendant guilty. Unless you _______________(hurry up), we will never arrive on time. If I were in charge, I ________________(change) the standard business routines.

1) If we meet at 9:30, we 2) Lisa would find the milk if she

(to have) plenty of time. (to look) in the fridge. (to feed) the animals.

3) The zookeeper would have punished her with a fine if she 4) If you spoke louder, your classmates 5) Dan 6) You 7) If you (to understand) you.

(to arrive) safe if he drove slowly. (to have) no trouble at school if you had done your homework. (to swim) in this lake, you'll shiver from cold. (to press) the green button.

8) The door will unlock if you 9) If Mel 10) I

(to ask) her teacher, he'd have answered her questions. (to call) the office if I were you.

In the Present Unreal Conditional, the form "was" is not considered grammatically correct. In written English or in testing situations, you should always use "were." However, in everyday conversation, "was" is often used. Examples:

If he were French, he would live in Paris. If she were rich, she would buy a yacht. I would play basketball if I were taller. I would buy that computer if it were cheaper. I would buy that computer if it was cheaper. Not Correct (But often said in conversation.)