Conditional Sentences

Conditional Sentences

Composed by 2 parts

one that expresses the condition

– Introduced by the word “if”, commonly known as “if clause”.

one that expresses the consequence.

Example: If you work hard, you will succeed.

There are 3 main types of conditional patterns.

Pattern A : probable condition

Pattern B : improbable condition

Pattern C : imaginary condition

Conditional Sentences

Pattern A : Probable Condition

Used for actions which are true or likely to happen

Examples: If it rains tomorrow, we shall cancel the picnic. You will be tired if you do a lot of exercises.

• Note on pattern A:If + present tense, future tense

Pattern B : Improbable Condition

Used for present or future activities which are improbable or unlikely to happen

Examples: If it rained tomorrow, we should stay at home. You could start dinner if it were ready.

• Note on Pattern B:if + past tense, would/should + verb

Pattern C : Imaginary Condition

Used for impossible activities which could NOT be true or performed

Examples: If it had rained yesterday, I would have stayed

at home. What would you have done if you had been

attacked by a monster?

• Note on Pattern C:if + past perfect, perfect conditional

• “Should/would + present perfect tense” is called perfect conditional.

Exercise

Try to distinguish the following sentences (pattern A,B or C).

1. If you take a taxi, you can get there in time for the play.Pattern A Probable B Probable C

2. If I had known your arrival, I should have met you.Pattern A Probable B Probable C

3. If I dropped this bomb, it would explode.Pattern A Probable B Probable C

Summary

Conditional sentences are composed by 2 parts– one that expresses the condition– one that expresses the consequence

3 main types of conditional patterns.– Pattern A : Probable Condition– Pattern B : Improbable Condition– Pattern C : Imaginary Condition

Objective– Construct conditional sentences according to different

situations

The End