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Conditional sentences

I. Formation and usages

1. Type one: First conditional

1. a. Formation: If + present + future

1. b. Usages: To talk about something that is quite likely to happen in the present or in the future.

1. c. Exemplification:

Tom: I think I have left my lighter in your room. Have you seen it?

Ann: No, I haven’t. But if I see it, I will give it to you.

NB: It is really possible that Ann sees the lighter

1. d. Variations in tenses: The if-clause is usually in present simple, however we can use: present continuous, present perfect simple or continuous, can, should…etc.

-If he is still waiting for you, he will be very angry.

-If Ali has received your letter, I am sure he will phone you today.

-If it has been raining in the night, you’ll have to wear wellingtons.

-If I can finish work earlier, I will come and help you.

-If I should see him, I will tell him the good news.

2. Type two: Second conditional

2. a. Formation: If + past + would infinitive

2. b. Usages: To talk about a present or future situation that is impossible; a hypothetical situation.

2. c. Exemplification:

Tom wants to call Lisa but he can’t because he doesn’t know her phone number. Then he says:

- If I knew her phone number, I would call her. (unfortunately I don’t)

NB: it is really impossible for Tom to call her.

2. d. Variations in tenses: The if-clause is always in past simple, however we can use: the past continuous, could, were/was to…etc.

-If you were coming with me, I would give you a lift.

-If I could have the day off, I would attend my sister’s wedding ceremony.

-If you were to ask Abdou, I am sure he would do it willingly.

3. Type three: Third conditional

3. a. Formation: If + past perfect + would have + p.p

3. b. Usages: To talk about a past event or situation that didn’t happen. (it may be a regret)

3. c. Exemplification:

Last week, Ann was sick. Tom didn’t know this and did not go to Ann’s. They meet again after Ann recovered and Ann was very angry. Then Tom said:

-If I had known you were sick, I would have called you at least.

NB: Unfortunately Tom didn’t know (so the action didn’t happen)

3. d. Variations in tenses: The if-clause is usually in past perfect simple, however we can have: past perfect continuous or could have + p.p

-If he had been travelling in that car, we would have been killed too.

-If we could have got a taxi, we would have come round to see you.

4. Type zero: Zero conditional

4. a. Formation: If + present + present

4. b. Usages: To talk about something that is generally true, logical consequences, automatic or usual result.

4. c. Exemplification:

-If it starts raining, farmers are happier.

-If you are happy, I am happy.

-If you increase your offer, I give you the shirt.

NB: In this case (If) is the equivalent of (when)

3. d. Variations in tenses: We can also have: if + present + imperative

-If you are afraid, call me.

II. Other ways of expressing condition

In sentences: unless, even if, if only, as/so long as, assuming (that), on (the) condition (that), provided /providing (that)…

In questions: suppose/supposing (that), what…if, imagine…

Exercise1: Put the verbs into the right form

A: Did you see Moussa?

B: No, I didn’t

A: Well, he was here not long ago. If you (come) ……………....earlier, you (see) ……………him.

F: Have you told her the truth?

D: No, I haven’t.

F: Why don’t you tell him the truth?

D: I am afraid.

F: So, if you (not-tell) .................................her the truth, she (be) ...................angry with you.

A: My radio is not walking.

M: Have you checked the batteries?

A: No.

M: If the batteries are flat, the radio (not/walk) ....................................

S: I am no longer happy with my husband.

T: Why?

S: He keeps on ill-treating me.

T: I don’t know but if you were planning to divorce, I (advise) ................................against it.

C: Why are you in a hurry?

F: We’ll, if the concert has already started, we (not-allow)...............................to get in.

Exercise2: Rewrite the following sentences by replacing (if) with a conjunction

1. I won’t help him if he doesn’t ask me properly (unless)

2. If I could get a job, life here would be much happier (if only)

3. If you had a lot of money, do you think you would give up work? (suppose)

4. If the train arrives on time, they will be here in a few minutes (on condition)

5. If he doesn’t agree to my request, what will I do then? (what...if)

6. You can go out tonight if you get back by midnight (assuming that)

7. If you’d offer to pay me 20,000 Frs., I wouldn’t have done it (even...if)

Exercise3: Put the verbs into the right form

1. Jennifer was here not long ago. If you (come)…………... round earlier, you (see)...........……her

2. Why don’t you tell him the truth, if you (not/tell)………… him the truth, you (regret)………... it one day

3. If he is angry, his face always (go)…………….. bright red

4. If you (have)………………….any problem, give me a ring

5. If I could have called you, I (tell)……………………… you what was happening

6. He wouldn’t be coming here if he (not/want)…………………to

7. The radio (not/walk)…………………..if the batteries are flat

8. If you were planning to leave your husband, I (advise)………………………you against it

9. If the concert has already started, we (not/allowed)……………………..to get in

23 December 2013