Subordinate clause and main clause imperative English. All types of conditional sentences in English

If ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Future ...
or
Simple Future ... if ... Simple Present ...

Use

Conditional sentences of the first type in English language describe events in the future. The situations described in such sentences are real and quite possible. Please note that in Russian such sentences have the future tense.

For example:
If I see her, I will give her your love.
If I I'll see her, me I'll tell you Hello from you.

If you finish on time, you will go to the movies.
If You you'll finish on time then you go to the cinema.

The match will be canceled if it rains.
Match will be canceled, If it will rain.

You will be late if you don't hurry up.
You you'll be late, if you don't hurry up.

I will buy a car if I get my rise.
I I'll buy car, If to me will raise salary.

Other forms of conditional sentences of the first type

Using only the future tense

Sometimes both parts of a conditional sentence (both the condition clause and the result clause) can use the future tense. This use is especially typical for polite requests.

For example:
If you will marry me, I will love you forever.
If you're on me get married, I will always you be in love. (This proposal sounds more polite than If you marry me… )

If you will wait for me, I will come with you.
If you me wait, I I'll go with you.

If you will help us, we will be Grateful.
If you tell us will you help, We we will grateful.

To give an even greater shade of politeness, instead of a verb will can be used in a conditional clause would.

For example:
If you would help us, we will be extremely grateful.
If you tell us will you help, We we will overly grateful.

If you would come this way, I will take you to the theatre.
If You you'll pass here I am I'll take you you to the theater.

The going to form in a result sentence

Form going to often replaces a verb will in conditional sentences of the first type. This use emphasizes the result sentence.

For example:
If you skip your classes, you are going to fail.
If You you'll miss it classes, you you won't pass exams.

If you don't mend your ways, you are going to land in trouble.
If You you won't get better, That you'll get there in trouble.

Also form going to can be used in a conditional clause meaning “intend”, “intend to”.

For example:
If you are going to skip school, you certainly won't pass your exams.
If You are you going to there's no way you're skipping class you won't pass exams.

The present perfect tense in a conditional sentence

Sometimes in a conditional sentence instead of time simple present can be used present perfect. This use emphasizes the completeness of the action-condition. In Russian this difference is not reflected in any way.

Compare:
We will go to the movies if you have finished your work. ( The action described in the condition is emphasized.)
We will go to the movies if you finish your work. ( The action described in the condition is not emphasized in any way.)
We let's go to to the cinema, If You you'll finish work.

Using should in a conditional clause

Verb should can be used in a conditional clause to show that what is described in the condition is possible, but unlikely. As in the previous case, in the Russian language this difference cannot be traced in any way.

For example:
If he should arrive, we will invite him along to the dinner.
If He will come, We we'll invite him to have dinner with us. ( It's unlikely that he will come. But if he does come, we will invite him to dinner.)

Usage should in conditional sentences of the first type has a stronger connotation than the use of conditional sentences of the second type, where imaginary or unreal situations are described.

Compare:
If he arrives, we will invite him along to dinner.
If He will come, We we'll invite him to have dinner with us. ( Conditional sentence of the first type - it is very likely that he will come.)

If he arrived, we would invite him to dinner.
If he would came, We would be invited him to have dinner with us. ( Conditional sentence of the second type - it is very likely that he will not come.)

If he studied, he would pass the exam.
If He was preparing, He I would have passed exam. ( Conditional sentence of the second type - it is very likely that he will not pass the exam.)

If he studies, he will pass the exam.
If He will be preparing, He will pass exam. ( Conditional sentence of the first type - it is very likely that he will be preparing. And if so, he will pass the exam.)

If he should study, he will pass the exam.
If He will be preparing, He will pass exam. ( Conditional sentence of the first type using should - it is very likely that he will not prepare. But if he does, he will pass the exam.)

Using happen to / should happen to

The conditional clause may sometimes use expressions happen to, should happen to. This usage suggests that what is expressed in the condition is unlikely, but if it does happen, then what is described in the result clause will happen.

For example:
If they happen to come to town, we will meet them.
Happen like this, what are they will come to the city, we them we'll meet. (It's unlikely that they will come. But if they come, we will meet them.)

Expression should happen to has the same meaning:

If he should happen to get stuck in that town, he will be able to find a good hotel.
It happens that he will be stuck in this city, he will be able find a good hotel.

Using modal verbs in a result clause

Can be used in a result sentence modal verbs to describe a future opportunity, permission, advice, etc.

For example:
If you finish your work, you can go out and play.
If You you'll finish work, then you can go go outside to play.

You should see a doctor if you continue to feel bad.
To you should go to the doctor, If you continue you will to feel yourself bad.

If I arrive early, I might give him a call.
If I I'll arrive early, I Maybe, I'll call to him.

Using conjunctions provided (that), as long as

Instead of a union if conjunctions may be used provided (that) And as long as to emphasize that in order for what is described in the result clause to happen, a certain condition must be met.

For example:
Provided (that) he finishes his studies, he will find an excellent job. (= If he finishes his studies, he will find an excellent job.)
In case if He will finish training, he will find great job.

As long as you pay off the loan, the house will be yours at the end of this year. (= If you pay off the loan, the house will be yours at the end of this year.)
If You you pay loan, house will become yours until the end of this year.

Conditional sentences in English or Conditional Sentences (if clauses) describe the result of something that could happen in the present or future tense, or could have happened, but did not happen (in the past). They can occur in various temporary forms.

Types of Conditional Sentences in English

Look at the table representing the 4 types of Conditional Sentences. The first type is called “zero”, which is why you can often hear in English about “three types of conditional sentences”.

The Zero Conditional	If + Present Simple, … Present Simple	If you go out in the winter without warm clothes, you catch a cold. (If you go outside in winter without warm clothes, you will catch a cold.)
The 1st Conditional	If + Present Simple, … will + Infinitive	If it snows tomorrow, we will stay at home. (If it snows tomorrow, we will stay at home).
The 2nd Conditional	If + Past Simple, … would + Infinitive	If I had a lot of time, I would read this book. (If I had a lot of time, I would read this book.)
The 3rd Conditional	If + Present Perfect, …would + have + Past Participle	If I had called him, I would have known the latest news. (If I had called him, I would have found out the latest news.)

Let's now look in more detail at each case of using Conditional Sentences.

The Zero Conditional

Sentences of the “zero” type occur with two verbs in the present tense. This type is used when the result is always sure to happen. Such a statement has the connotation of a verified phenomenon, a fact. The conversation is about general phenomena and does not concern any specific situation.

If people eat too much, they get fat. – If people eat too much, they get fat.

Snakes bite if they are scared. – Snakes bite if they are scared.

If babies are hungry, they cry. – If babies are hungry, they cry.

The 1st Conditional

In the first conditional, the present tense is used first, and then the future tense. It is used to express events that are likely to happen in the future.

If it rains, they will cancel the trip. If it rains, they will cancel the trip.

She'll miss her bus if she doesn't leave now. “She’ll be late for the bus if she doesn’t get off now.”

If I meet her, I will tell her the truth. – If I meet her, I will tell her the truth.

Unlike the “zero” type, which talks about events in general, the first type describes a specific situation. Compare two examples:

If you sit in the rain, you get soaked. – If any person sits in the rain, he will get wet - this will be a natural consequence for anyone.

If you sit in the rain, you will get soaked. – If you sit in the rain today, you will get wet – we are talking about a certain situation.

The 2nd Conditional

In one part of the sentence the past tense is used, in the other - would and the infinitive. The second type of conditional has two uses.

In the first, we talk about events in the future that may not be present. For example, we can represent something.
If I won a lot of money, I would buy a huge house. – If I won a lot of money, I would buy a huge house.

She would travel all over the world if she were rich. “She would travel all over the world if she were rich.”

They would pass the exams if they ever studied. “They would pass the exams if they ever studied.”

Please note: instead of were you can use was with the personal pronouns I, he, she, it.
In the second case, we are talking about a result that cannot happen because the events are not true. Let's look at an example.
If she had his address, she would visit him. – If she had his address, she would visit him (but she doesn’t have an address).

If I were you, I wouldn’t speak with such mean personas him. – If I were in your place, I would not talk to such a vile person like him (but I, of course, am not you).

Second type of conditional sentences

Let's compare this type with the previous one. Its main semantic difference is the lower probability of performing the action.

If I had enough money I would buy two cars, a restaurant and a big house.

If I have enough money, I’ll buy a pair of new boots.

The first situation is less likely for the speaker; most likely, he will not have enough money to immediately buy two cars, a restaurant and a big house. The first option is more a dream than a reality. In the second case, the speaker assumes that he will most likely have enough money to buy a new pair of boots.

The 3rdConditional

In the third type of conditional sentence we use Time Past Perfect after if, and then would have with Past Participle. Let us recall that Past Participle is the 3rd form of verbs from the table (irregular), or regular verbs with –ed.

Here we are talking about events in the past that did not happen, but we imagine what the result would have been if they did happen. Examples will help you understand this type better.

If she had studied, she would have passed the exams. – If she had studied, she would have passed the exams (but she did not study and did not pass.)

If he had left early, he wouldn’t have missed his train. – If he had left earlier, he would not have been late for the train (but he was late because he was late).

She would have become a very good doctor if she hadn’t decided to become a teacher. “She would have become a good doctor if she had not decided to become a teacher.”

If I hadn't eaten so many cookies, I wouldn't have felt so sick. – If I hadn’t eaten so many cookies, I wouldn’t feel so bad.

She would have been on time if she hadn’t met her friend from school. “She would have come on time if she hadn’t met her friend from school.”

English conditional sentences - table

Video lessons will help you repeat the material:

Your application is accepted

Our manager will contact you soon

There was an error sending

Send again

Today in this article we will look at conditional sentences in English. I would like to note that they occur as often as in Russian.

Conditional sentences- these are sentences, in one part of which there is some kind of condition, and in the other – its consequence. Both parts of such a sentence can apply to all tenses - i.e. to the present, past and future. The part of the sentence in which the condition is located is called a subordinate clause, and the part where there is a result (consequence) of this condition is called the main clause.

Types of Conditional Sentences

In this article we will look at only one of them - These are conditional sentences of type 1 (First Conditional sentences), the condition of which is real in the future tense. The first type of conditional sentences is called real, because its condition is quite feasible.

Formation of conditional sentences Conditional 1

Subordinate clause starting with the word if, can appear either at the beginning of a complex sentence (before the main clause) or at the end.

Important!

If if stands at the beginning, then a comma is placed after it.
If if stands at the end, then there is no comma before it.

Examples of Conditional I sentences

If you finish on time, we’ll go to the cinema. If you finish on time, we'll go to the cinema. We'll go to the cinema if you finish on time. We'll go to the cinema if you finish on time. If I know her telephone number, I will call her. If I find out her phone number, I'll call her. I’ll call her if I know her telephone number. I'll call her if I find out her phone number.

Using the future tense when translating conditional sentences

Important!

Despite the fact that in subordinate clause The present tense is used; all sentences are translated into Russian using the future tense.

Examples of translating conditional sentences using the future tense

If you go with me, we'll have a good time. If you come with me, we'll have a good time. You’ll go to the cinema if you do your homework. You will go to the cinema if you do your homework. If you buy butter and milk, we’ll make a cake. If you buy butter and milk, we will bake a cake. If he gets excellent marks, he will go to the university. If he gets excellent grades, he will go to university

Features of the use of verbs in conditional sentences Conditional 1

When forming conditional sentences, it is important to remember that some verbs do not form the Present Indefinite tense according to the rules. First of all, this is the verb “to be” to be, which in the present tense has the following forms: am, is, are. It is also the verb "to have" have and its forms have and has. And, of course, the modal verbs can, may, must

Examples of using conditional sentences with the verb to be, to have and modal verbs

The boss will be angry if I am late for work. The boss will be angry if I'm late. If you can't do that task in maths, I"ll help you. If you can't do the math task, I'll help you. I'll make you a sandwich if your wife has no time. I'll make you a sandwich, if your wife has no time. We won't go to the park if it rains. We won't go to the park if it rains. If you must not eat sweets or sugar, I’ll give you lots of fruit. If you don’t come in time, I won’t be able to meet you. If you don't come on time, I won't be able to meet you.

watch video on Conditions 1

Hello, dear friends! If you decide to learn conditionals, I can say that it is an excellent idea because conditionals in English have certain nuances that need to be understood and learned. There is a huge amount of grammatical material on this topic, it is chaotically fragmented and seems impossible to remember. This section of grammar is not that difficult. Forward!

“Roots” of the conditional sentence and its structure

Complex sentences in English From the name you can understand that a complex sentence is made up of some parts. These parts are two or even several simple sentences, which in themselves may be incomprehensible, but taken together they create a single semantic whole.

There are two types of them:

Compound proposal: all its parts can be torn apart from each other, and each can exist independently. The same cannot be said about other types of proposals.
Complex sentence: its parts are interconnected through conjunctions and allied words. What does interconnected mean? This means that if one (the main one) is removed, the second cannot exist independently: it is, as it were, subordinate to the first.

Components of a Conditional Sentence

We will analyze one of the types of complex sentences - conditionals.

Often it is conditional sentences that seem to be such an insurmountable barrier for beginners in the English language. The following scheme for constructing this type of sentence can be given:

In a conditional sentence, the subordinate part is the subordinate part, it indicates the condition and contains the conjunction -if (if) or its analogues; in the main clause, the result of the condition is declared

Types of conditional sentences in English grammar

You can find it in various sources different quantities types and subtypes of conditional sentences: in some places there are three, in others there are more. Many of the diagrams are confusing. I believe that the classification, which includes four types, will be clearer to you. So, let's deal with all these types.

Conditional Zero/Type 0true)

General truth is generally known facts, laws, etc. That is, in sentences of this type we express general truths.
Conditional Zero/ Type 0 (General Truth) For example:

If I do exercise, I become healthier. — When I do exercises, I become healthier

Captain Obvious, by the way, always prefers this type...

1 st Conditional / Type 1(Presentreal)

By present real we mean real or probable reality, which can occur both at the present moment (the moment of speech) and in the future (usually the near future).
1st Conditional / Type 1(Present real)

If I write a novel, our things will get better. - If I write a novel, our affairs will go better

Please note: in the Russian translation, the future is used in the subordinate clause. In English subordinate clauses this tense is never used. IN in this example it can be considered conditionally real, in the sense: I’m writing now, and when I finish it, everything will go better.

2 ndConditional /Type 2 (Unreal present)

Conditional sentences of the second type express unlikely or unrealistic situations, the possibility of translating them into reality is practically impossible. uh
2nd Conditional / Type 2 (Unreal present) Conditional mood is the subjunctive mood. To form the subjunctive mood we use should or would, in meaning corresponding to our particle -by.

Which auxiliary verb to use depends on the person

1st l. - should/would,
2nd and 3rd - would.

Example:

If I won the prize, I would build three-storeyed house. — If I won the prize, I would build a three-story house.

This type has a subtype - the unlikely present (an event that is unlikely, but still possible). In this case, we use Subjunctive in the subordinate clause, and Future Indefinite in the main clause. Let's modify the above sentence:

If I'd win the prize, I'll build three-storeyed house. — If I win the prize, I will build a three-story house.

You need to feel the shades: there is a faint sense of hope in this phrase.

3rd Conditional/ Type 3 (Unrealpast)

Conditional sentences of this type are used if the condition for doing something has become absolutely impossible, and all that remains is to regret the missed opportunity in the past, such as: if I had done something, if I had been there..., then it would have been- this and that... That is, type 3 is just an imaginary (unreal) past.
3rd Conditional/ Type 3 (Unreal past) Example:

If they had gone in this trip, they would fall concert. “If they had gone on this trip, they would have gone to the concert.”

This type also has a subtype... how to put it more precisely... a lesser degree of unreality. If the condition, with a stretch, can still be called at least somehow feasible, then the simple past (or Subjunctive I/ Past Subjunctive) is used in the subordinate clause.

If I knew idioms, I’d speak English better. — If I knew idioms, I would speak English better (the simple past is used in the subordinate clause).

For a more holistic perception of all of the above, I suggest the following table, where all 4 types are collected, indicating which tenses should be used in each type.

Mixed Conditionals

Conditionals are not limited to these four types; there are also mixed conditionals. Usually, the second type and the third type are mixed.

I suggest a simple exercise to consolidate. In this exercise you need to make correct conditional sentences by connecting their corresponding parts. At the end of the article you will find the keys to self-test.

28.08.2014

Conditional sentences in English, as a rule, consist of two parts - the main and if-part (or conditional part).

These kinds of sentences are used to express possible or imaginary situations.

The order of these parts of the conditional sentence is completely unimportant.

In writing, if if-the part comes first, after it we put a comma.

Conditional sentences of zero type (zero conditional)

This type of conditional sentence is used to describe scientific facts, generally known truths, events and phenomena that are always true.

In my opinion, the simplest type of conditional sentences in the English language.

The structure of a conditional sentence of type zero is as follows:

Main part: Present Simple, if-part: Present Simple.

Water boils if you heat it to 100 degrees Celsius.
A red light comes up if you press the main button.

In conditional sentences of type zero if can be replaced by when.

For example:

When you heat ice, it melts.
It gets dark when the sun goes down.

Conditional sentences of the first type (open condition)

Such sentences are used to express a real and possible future situation; it is likely that the condition will be met.

The structure of a conditional sentence of the first type is as follows:

Main part: will + infinitive, if -part: Present Simple.

We will stay at home if it snows.
She will get angry if I' m late for party.
If we get the money for this job, we will buy a new car.
Will you help Amanda if she asks you?

Conditional sentences of the second type (half-open condition)

This type of conditional sentence describes an unreal situation related to the present or future tense; a hypothetical condition that can only be satisfied in theory.

The structure of a conditional sentence of the second type is as follows:

Main part: would + infinitive, if -part: Past Simple.

In conditional sentences, the past tense form of the verb to be is – were for all persons in a more formal form of English, was also often used, although in spoken English.

Such sentences are translated into Russian using the subjunctive mood, with the particle “would”.

We would stay at home if it snowed.
I would buy a new board if I had more money.
If he were rich, he' d buy an island.
If you left now, you' d catch the last bus.

For example:

I would be Grateful if you helped me.
He would be so pleased if you came to the birthday party.

Turnover If I were you or If I were in your place usually used to give advice.

Eg:

If I were you I would accept the offer.
If he were in your place he would do it.

Conditional sentences of the third type (closed condition)

In turn, conditional sentences of the third type describe an impossible condition, since the action or event has already taken place in the past.

They are usually used to indicate a missed opportunity.

The structure of the third type of conditional sentence is as follows:

Main part: would + perfect infinitive, if -part: Past Perfect.

If you hadn't been late for work, the boss wouldn't have got furious.
They would have finished earlier if the meeting had been held not so late.
If I had won the lottery, I would have bough t a house by the sea.
Would you have helped me if I had asked you?

Mixed conditional

This type of conditional sentence involves the use different parts previous types.

There are several combinations: the result of an action in the present is emphasized by a past tense condition, or the result of an action in the past is emphasized by a present tense condition.

If you had taught me how to make waffles (then in the past), I wouldn't have to buy them in a shop (now).
I would buy a house by the sea (now or in the future) if I had won the lottery last week.
Their team would have scored more in the match yesterday if they were good players.

Important grammar note

If modal verbs can/could, may/migh t or should are used in the main part of a conditional sentence, they replace will:

We can go to the seaside if you have time tomorrow.
If you leave now, you may catch the last bus.
If you wanted to pass the exam, you should study much harder.

Usually will or would not used in if-parts, except when they express readiness, for example, in requests (that is, when they carry a modal meaning):

If you will phone the manager now, he will surely make an appointment with you. (readiness)
I would be very grateful if you would help me with my homework. (very polite request)

Verb should in the if -part it can mean “if perhaps, by any chance” - “if possible, if by chance”:

I would be very happy if he should turn up at the party. (He’s not at all likely to come, but perhaps...)

In negative sentences, instead of if...not can be used unless:

You won't pass the exam unless you study very hard. (= if you don’t study very hard)

If can be omitted in sentences with reversed word order. This usually happens in the third type of conditional sentences, if if-the part is at the beginning of the sentence, as well as in the second type if there is a verb were:

Were I rich, I would buy a house by the sea. (= if I were rich)
Had your cousin come earlier, I would have shown her round the house. (= if she had come earlier)

I hope my explanation of the use of conditionals in English is accessible and understandable?

If not, let me know! ;)