CONDITIONAL CLAUSES

complex clauses: main clause + subordinate clause

main clause: can stand on its own subordinate clause: starts with the

conjunction; depends on the main clause and cannot stand on its own

If you listen carefully, you will learn this.

subordinate (if) clause main clause

CONDITIONAL CLAUSES

the position of each clause isn’t important the sentence can start with both, the main or

the subordinate clause however, it the sentence starts with the

subordinate clause it has to be separated with a comma

If you don’t come on time, we will leave without you.

We will leave without you if you don’t come on time.

ZERO CONDITIONAL

expresses something always true both clauses have present simple verb

e.g. If you heat water, it boils. If you press the switch, the

computer comes on. If it rains, it pours.

FIRST CONDITIONAL expresses future possibility – something that

might happen main clause has future simple verb subordinate (if) clause has present simple verb

e.g. If we hurry, we will catch the bus. If it doesn’t rain, we will have a picnic. I won’t get any better if I don’t

practice. We will help you if you wait one

moment.

FIRST CONDITIONAL some other verb forms are also possible present continuous and present perfect can come

in the subordinate (if) clause e.g. If we are expecting visitors, we will have to clean the flat. If you are having a party, we will bring

snacks. If you have finished with the computer, I

will use it. If you have read the book, I will read it.

FIRST CONDITIONAL modal verbs, going to future and future

continuous can come in the main clause e.g. If it doesn’t rain, we will be having a picnic.

If you haven’t got a modem, you can’t surf. If he jogs regularly, he might lose weight.

If he is going on a job interview, he should

wear a tie. If he asks me to marry him, I’m going to say yes.

FIRST CONDITIONAL

except future possibility, first conditionals can also express offers, suggestions, warnings and threats

e.g. If you need a ticket, I can get you one. If you feel like seeing the sights, we can

take the bus tour.

If you go on like this, you’ll make yourself ill.

If you don’t apologize, I’ll never speak to you again.

SECOND CONDITIONAL

expresses an imaginary or unreal situation in the present

main clause has would + verb subordinate (if) clause has past simple verb e.g. If I got up earlier, I wouldn’t always be late. (but I don’t get up early, so I am always late) If I had enough money, I would buy this

book. (but I don’t have enough money, so I won’t

buy it)

SECOND CONDITIONAL some other verb forms are also possible past continuous can come in the subordinate (if)

clause in the subordinate (if) clause we often use were

instead of was especially with If I were you... phrase e.g. If Rachel were playing her stereo, it wouldn’t be so quiet here. (but she isn’t playing, so it is

quiet) If you were talking to me, I would listen to

you. (but you are talking to somebody else, and

he/she isn’t listening to you)

SECOND CONDITIONAL

modal verbs could & might can come in the main clause

e.g. If we had a calculator, we could work this out

a lot quicker. (but we don’t have it)

If she worked harder, she might do even

better at her studies. (but she doesn’t work hard enough)

SECOND CONDITIONAL

second conditional can also express offers & suggestions, but it is less direct than the first conditional and the speaker is not sure about it

e.g. If you needed a ticket, I could get you one.

If you wanted to see the sights, we could take

a bus tour.

COMPARE

FIRST CONDITIONAL SECOND CONDITIONAL

If I go shopping , I will need some money. (give me the money, because I will go)

If I went shopping , I would need some money. (but I don’t need the money, because I am not going)

If I win the jackpot today, I will buy you whatever you want. (there is a chance of winning)

If I won the jackpot today, I would buy you whatever you wanted. (there is no chance of winning)

If Sarah calls, can you tell her to call back later? (she will call, but I won’t be here to answer)

If Sarah called, could you tell her to call back later? (she probably won’t call, I’m telling you this just in case she does)

SIMILAR STRUCTURES there are also some other conjunctions which

can appear in these structures when can be used in zero conditional & means

‘every time’ it can also be used in first conditional to

express certainty e.g. When you run, you use up energy. (every time you run, you use up

energy) Will you call me when you hear some

news? (you will definitely hear some news)

SIMILAR STRUCTURES unless can be used in all conditionals and

means ‘if...not’ e.g. I can’t see if I don’t wear glasses. = I can’t see unless I wear glasses. If you can’t pay the bill, you will have

to leave. = Unless you can pay the bill, you will have to leave.

I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t believe it. =

I wouldn’t say that unless I believed it.

SIMILAR STRUCTURES in case can be used in all conditionals and

means the same as ‘if’ we use it to talk about doing something to

avoid a possible problem later on e.g. Take a sandwich in case you get hungry. I will reserve a seat today in case the

train is full tomorrow. She took two photos in case one of

them didn’t come out.

by Irene, 2009

They would be offended if I ( not go ) to their party.

If you take more exercise, you ( feel )better. If they offered me the job, I think I ( take ) it. A lot of people would be out of work if the factory

(close down ). If I sold my car, I ( not get )much money for it. I will be very upset if you ( not call ) me. I′m sure she (understand ) if you explained the

situation to her. They will go without him if he (not come)on time. What would happen if someone (press) this

button? What you ( do ) if you saw a ghost ?

A: 'Are you coming to town with me this afternoon?'

B: 'Perhaps. If I /finish/ decorating/ the living room, I /come/ with you.'

'I don't have any money. If I /have/ some money, I /buy/ you lunch.'

'I always go on holiday to Italy. If the weather in Scotland /be/ better, I /go/ there.'

A:'I've got so much work to do!' B: 'I'm sorry. I have a lot of work, too. If I /have/

more time, I /help/ you. 'I'm a teacher. If I /be/ the Minister for Education,

I /spend/ more money on schools and students.' A: 'I've lost my address book.' B: 'If I /find/ it, I /bring/ it to you.' 'I have a fever. If I /feel/ better tomorrow, I /go/

back to school.'

A B C

I'd buy a new houseyou go to work in the

morning?I'll clean up the house you see her.

I'll call you when he gets the job?If you want the ticket, you should phone the

theatre

ifmy guests arrive.

What will he dobefore

I won the lottery.

I'm watching TV now, but I promise I'll help

you

as soon asdinner is ready.

You'll recognize herthe ticket office

opens.

Do you have breakfastthis programme

finishes.