IF-CLAUSES (PART ONE)• • IF-CLAUSES (PART ONE)• •

An if-clause (also known as conditional sentence) implies a connection between two things or events. It expresses the idea that one thing follows from another, or depends on another:IF condition THEN Condition B Or Condition B IF Condition A

Generally, such sentences refer to events or situations that are possible, and not to anything that actually happened or is happening. The meaning of an if-clause depends on the tense of the verbs within it. There are four important patterns:

• • ZERO CONDITIONAL If Simple present + Simple present• It expresses a general or scientific truth which is true for the past, present or future. Examples:• If you ADD two and two, you GET four Water BOILS if you HEAT it at 100ºc• The simple present used in the result clause expresses a habitual activity or situation. Example:• If I DON’T EAT breakfast, I always GET hungry during class.• My dogs START barking if someone KNOCKS on the door.

TYPE ONE CONDITIONALIf Simple present + WILL

• It states a connection between events or situations which are possible but not certain. The result clause concerns a particular activity or situation in the future. Note that in Spanish, sometimes the simple present tense is used in both parts of the clause. Examples:

• If she WINS the next match, she WILL BE world champion.• The match WILL BE canceled if it RAINS tomorrow.• If you HIT me, I WILL TELL mom. (=Si me pegas, se lo digo (=diré) a mamá)• If I DON’T EAT breakfast tomorrow morning, I WILL GET hungry during class.•

Exercise 1. Complete the sentences with the correct verbs forms using the zero conditional or the type one conditional and the suggested verbs:

• a. I (make) ________________________ a tomato salad for the picnic tomorrow if the tomatoes in my garden are ripe.

• b. Children usually (cry) _______________ if you (not, feed) ____________________ them at the right time.• c. __________ (be) people arrested in your country if they (not, pay) _______________ their taxes on time?• • • Translate into English• • 1. Si el proyecto no es aprobado, renuncio._______________________________________________________• 2. Mis padres siempre me envían dinero si se me acaba. ____________________________________________•

• TYPE TWO CONDITIONAL If Simple past + WOULD

• It is used to refer to imaginary situations in the present. Although the simple past is used in the IF part, it doesn’t refer to the past. It simply shows that the situation is not an existing one. Examples:

• If Carlos HAD a razor blade, he WOULD SHAVE. (Si Carlos tuviera/tuviese una..., se afeitaría/afeitara)

• If Mary WERE here(*), she WOULD KNOW what to do.• What WOULD you do if you WERE a millionaire?• If my friends DIDN’T COME to the party, I’D BE really sad.• • TYPE THREE CONDITIONAL IF Past perfect + WOULD HAVE + PAST PARTICIPLE• It states a connection between imaginary or possible situations in the past. What

happened, can not be changed. Examples:• If he HAD ASKED me, I WOULD HAVE SAID “yes”.• If we HADN’T MISSED the bus, we WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN late.• Where WOULD you HAVE GONE if you HADN’T FOUND anywhere else to stay? (A dónde

habrías / hubieras ido si no hubieras/hubieses encontrado...)

• Exercise 2. Complete the sentences with the correct verb forms using the type two conditional or the type three conditional and the suggested verbs:

• • a. Fred failed the test because he didn’t study for it. However, if he (study)

__________________________ for the test, he (pass) _____________________________________ it.

• b. Bill has such a bad memory that he (forget) ________________________________ his head if it (not, be) ___________________________ attached to his body.

• c. According to a report, the average hen lays 247 eggs a year, and the average person eats 255 eggs a year. If hens (not, outnumber) ______________________________________ people, the average person (not, eat) _____________________________ 255 eggs a year.

• d. That kid had a narrow escape. If his father (not, pull) _____________________________ him, the car (hit) _________________________________ him.

• Translate into English• 1. Si tuviera más amigos, no pasara los fines de semana en mi casa• 2. María no habría llegado a las 9 si hubiera sabido que la reunión era más temprano.• 3. Si hubiera menos motos, habría menos accidentes.

IF-CLAUSES (PART TWO) • OTHER CONDITIONAL SENTENCE PATTERNS• • Although the previous patterns are the most frequent, in some situations other

combinations of verb tenses are possible, especially among type 2 and type 3 clauses:

• • TYPE 2 If Simple past + would• • • TYPE 3 If Past perfect + would have + past participle• • Examples: • If you really LIKED Jane, you WOULDN’T HAVE INSULTED her.• If Vince HAD WORKED hard, he WOULD be a doctor

• • Modal Auxiliary Verbs like COULD, MIGHT, and SHOULD/OUGHT TO can also be used in conditional

sentences. Examples:• - Many crimes COULD be prevented if the public took more care.• - If I don’t stop smoking, I MIGHT gain weight.• - You OUGHT TO wear a hat if you plan to be out in the sun for a long time.• • Conditional sentences with IF are often used to make requests and give advice or orders. Examples:• - If you need help, just give me a call at 3578.• - If you meet Sarah, don’t ask her about her new boyfriend –he’s left her.• - If you’re stuck, you could try having a rest and then starting again.• • “UNLESS” is frequently used in conditional sentences, meaning “EXCEPT IF” or “IF…NOT”. Examples:• - He warned that the economy would go bankrupt UNLESS they sold more shares.• - She’s almost sure she will be world champion UNLESS she loses this match.• - You really shouldn’t do that UNLESS you want to get in trouble.• • Other words can be used to introduce clauses in conditional sentences: On (the) condition (that), as

long as, provided/providing (that), suppose/supposing (that). Examples:• - I’d love to have a meal with you, provided that you don’t wear your awful yellow jacket again.• - But, supposing Brian doesn’t finish in time, what will we do then?• - I’ll come to the party on condition that you drive home after it’s over.