- these are sentences consisting of a condition and a consequence (result), as a rule, connected by the union if(if). In other words, conditional sentences are about the same as sentences with a verb in the subjunctive mood in Russian.
A conditional sentence is one of the varieties of complex subordinate clauses, respectively, it consists of a main and a subordinate part, in which a consequence and a condition are expressed.
Conditional sentence = consequence + condition
For example:
If you forgive me (condition), I will never forget it (consequence). If you forgive me, I will never forget this.
Usually, three types of conditional sentences are distinguished, differing in the degree of probability of action. Sometimes (especially in foreign textbooks) there is a zero type of conditional sentences (zero conditional).
Note: conditional sentences are quite a complex topic, it is assumed that you already have a good knowledge of topics such as , building .
The first type of conditional sentences
Conditional sentences of the first type express real, feasible assumptions related to the future tense:
In the condition, the verb is used in, in the consequence - in.
If you forgive me, I will never forget it. If you forgive me, I will never forget this.
If the movie is boring, we'll go home. If the film is boring, we will go home.
If you are late again, you'll get fired. If you are late again, you will be fired.
The condition and the consequence can change places, the meaning does not change from this.
We'll go home, if the movie is boring. We will go home if the film is boring.
note that in Russian we use BOTH verbs in the future tense, and in English only the verb in the main part (corollary). Often, by mistake, both parts are put in the future tense - this is wrong.
- Not right: If you will give me a lift, I will pay
- Right: If you give me a lift, I will pay you. - If you give me a lift, I will pay you.
The second type of conditional sentences
Conditional sentences of the second type express unlikely or improbable assumptions relating to the present or future (but not to the past) tense.
In the condition, the verb is used in, in the consequence - + (without the particle to). Do not forget that the form of the past tense is formed in a special way.
Let us give examples of improbable assumptions.
If we won the lottery, we would buy a new house. If we won the lottery, we would buy a new house.
This means that the lottery has not yet been drawn, the assumption refers to the future, but the speaker considers winning unlikely.
If we received the fuel tomorrow, we would return by Friday. If we got fuel tomorrow, we would be back by Friday.
It is unlikely that we will receive fuel tomorrow, but if we did, we would certainly be back in time by Friday.
Examples of incredible guesses:
If your friend had time, he would help us. If your friend had time, he would help us.
The assumption is unbelievable because the friend doesn't have time.
If Anna knew your email, she would forward you my message. – If Anna knew your email, she would forward my message to you.
But she doesn't know, so she won't send it.
Construction If I were you…
The second type of conditional sentences includes the common construction If I were you…(If I were you…) This construction uses a verb in the subjunctive mood - were(the form of the subjunctive mood coincides with the form plural past tense were).
If I were you, I would not ask too many questions. “I wouldn't ask too many questions if I were you.
If I were you, I would take an umbrella. - I'd take an umbrella if I were you.
The third type of conditional sentences
Conditional sentences of the third type express assumptions related to the past tense, and therefore are impossible - these are those actions that could have happened, but they did not happen.
If I had made more money, I would have bought a better house. – If I had earned (but I did not earn) more money I would buy a better house.
If you had been smarter, you would have chosen another college. If you were smarter, you would choose another college.
I like the example from Sidney Sheldon's The Doomsday Conspiracy. In one episode, a nurse nurses a wounded officer, whom the doctor has already given up as hopeless. She believed that the man could still be saved, and he really came to his senses. Then the sister leaned towards him and whispered:
If you had died, I would have killed you. “If you were dead, I would kill you.
Zero type of conditional sentences (Zero Conditional)
The zero type of conditional sentences is not distinguished in all textbooks; it is more often mentioned by foreign authors. In these sentences, in fact, there is no assumption (which may or may not come true), but there is a condition and a consequence.
In sentences of this type, it is said about a condition that necessarily, inevitably entails a certain consequence. "B" follows "A", like a law of nature, a scientific regularity. Along with the union if (if), in sentences of this type, the union when (when) is often used.
Both in the condition and in the consequence, a verb in the form is used.
If you heat water, it boils. - If you heat water, it will boil.
If you fall, you get hurt. - If you fall, it will hurt.
When you have a headache, you need to see a doctor. When you have a headache, you need to see a doctor.
Sentences of this type can also express a subjective point of view, rather than an objective fact. In this case, the speaker emphasizes that he is sure of a causal relationship between the two facts.
When a guy gets married, he gets fat. When a man marries, he gets fat.
It is not at all necessary that a man, having married, will get fat, but the speaker emphasizes that from his point of view this is practically a law of nature.
General table of conditional sentences in English
| Type | Condition | Consequence | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero type | Natural consequence. | ||
|
If you win |
you get the prize. you get a prize. |
||
| First type | Real, possible consequence in the future. | ||
|
If you win |
you will get the prize. you will get a prize. |
||
| Second type | + | Unlikely or impossible consequence in the future. | |
|
If you won (at the upcoming competitions), |
you would get the prize. you would get a prize. |
||
| Third type | + | Unfulfilled in the past assumption. | |
|
If you won (in past competitions), |
you would have gotten the prize. you would get a prize. |
Conjunctions in conditional sentences
In conditional sentences, the subordinate clause is most often connected to the main clause with the help of conjunctions. if(if and when(when), but other conjunctions are also used, for example: unless(if not), provided that, providing that, on condition that(provided that…)
Union unless often used in colloquial speech.
I'll be off work tomorrow unless someone gets sick. - I have the day off tomorrow, if none not get sick.
We'll have to call police unless you pay for the broken items. - We'll have to call the police. if Only you not pay for broken goods.
Unions provided that, providing that, on condition that characteristic of written language. In spoken language, "that" is often omitted.
We can deliver the engine on Monday provided (that) we will receive your order within the next two days. – We can deliver the engine on Monday provided we receive your order within the next two days.
Video lessons and exercises on the topic "Conditional sentences in English"
Topic “Conditional sentences in English language” is well disclosed in the Puzzle English video tutorials. Here is an overview lesson on the subject:
Also on Puzzle English you can see more detailed lessons and go through the exercises on this topic.
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Conditional sentences (Conditionals) are sentences with conjunction if(if). Such sentences are used very often both in Russian and in English. For example:
If the weather is good, we will go to the beach.
If you had studied, you would have passed the exam.
These are conditional sentences, which in English are built according to certain patterns, depending on the type of condition. Consider the structure of any conditional sentence in English.
A conditional sentence has two parts (that is, two simple sentences that together form one compound sentence).
One of the parts is subordinate clause with union if (if), containing the condition (If the weather is good, ...); other part - main sentence, which contains the result (we will go to the beach).
In English, unlike Russian, there are several types of conditional sentences:
- Zero Conditional(Conditional sentences of zero type);
- First Conditional(Conditional sentences of the first type);
- Second Conditional(Conditional sentences of the second type);
- Third Conditional(Conditional sentences of the third type).
The Zero Conditional. Zero Conditional Sentences
They are used when we talk about events and phenomena that are always true, real. As a rule, we are talking about scientific facts, the laws of nature, or our usual actions. If or when the condition is met, then the action will occur with a probability of 100%.
If + present simple, … Present Simple.
If you mix hydrogen and oxygen, you get water. / You get water if you mix hydrogen and oxygen.If you combine hydrogen and oxygen, you get water.
If she goes to Moscow, she visits her sister. / She visits her sister if she goes to Moscow.If she goes to Moscow, then she visits her sister.
In this case, we know for sure that if the condition is met, then the action will happen without fail. When we combine hydrogen and oxygen, we get water. If she goes to Moscow, she will definitely visit her sister. In such proposals, the union if (if) easily replaced by when (when), while the meaning of the sentence remains the same:
When she goes to Moscow, she visits her sister. When she goes to Moscow, she visits her sister.
Structure of zero-type conditional sentences
Conditional sentences of the zero type have the following structure: in both parts of the sentence, (present simple tense) is most often used. Also can be used modal verbs, for example, or .
If she goes shopping, she buys very expensive clothes. If she goes shopping, she buys very expensive clothes. (she always does)
If I can't fall asleep, I read. If I can't sleep, I read. (I always do this)
The First Conditional. Type I conditional sentences
Used to express situations that can happen in the future with a very high probability. It is realistic and quite possible that the condition will be met.
If + Present Simple, … Future Simple.
If the weather is fine, we will go to the beach. / We will go to the beach if the weather is fine.If the weather is good, we will go to the beach. / We will go to the beach if the weather is good.
Such offers are also called real future (real future), since the probability that the condition will be met is very high. The speaker is sure, say, 90 percent, that the weather will be fine and they will go to the beach. But there is also a possibility (albeit small, but still there) that the weather will deteriorate, and then they will not go to the beach.
Structure of Type I Conditional Sentences
Remember that type I conditional sentences have the following structure: in a conditional sentence with a union if (if) is used (present simple tense), in the main sentence-result - (future simple tense). Please also note that both parts of such sentences are translated into Russian in the future tense.
She will stay in Moscow if she gets a job. She will stay in Moscow if she gets a job.
If you buy some apples, I will make an apple pie. If you buy apples, I will make an apple pie.
If I have enough money, I will buy a new dress. If I have enough money, I will buy a new dress.
If he comes, I will be
If he doesn't come, she will be upset. If he doesn't come, she will be upset.
Note that the main clause may contain a question:
Will we take a taxi if it rains? — Will we take a taxi if it rains?
Most often used in the main clause Future Simple(future simple tense), but modal verbs can also be used can, should, might, structure be going to. Or the main clause can be imperative.If it doesn't rain this afternoon, we can play tennis. If it doesn't rain this afternoon, we can play tennis.
If it rains, we should stay home. If it rains, we should stay at home.
If it rains, I might decide to stay home. If it rains, I might decide to stay at home.
If it rains, we are going to stay home. If it rains, we will stay at home.
Ask him to come if he calls.- Ask him to come if he calls.
The Second Conditional. Type II conditional sentences
Type II conditional sentences refer to the present or future tense. Used to express situations that are very likely not to happen in the future. It is practically unrealistic that the condition will be met (this condition may not have anything to do with reality at all, for example, when we dream of something completely impossible).
If + Past Simple, ... would + verb.
If I had enough money, I would buy a car. / I would buy a car if I had enough money.If I had enough money, I would buy a car.
If I were you, I would accept his invitation. / I would accept his invitation if I were you.If I were you, I would accept his invitation.
Such proposals are called unreal future (unreal future), since the probability that the condition will be met is extremely small. The speaker knows that he does not have money to buy a car, and most likely he will not have it in the near future, so he does not have the opportunity to buy a car, but he has a desire. But there is still a small chance. Suddenly he will receive an inheritance or win the lottery, and then the wish will come true.
Type II conditional sentences are also used in situations when it comes to something that is impossible in principle: If I were you, I would accept his invitation. (If I were you, I would accept his invitation.). But I am not you, and there is no way I can become you, so the condition cannot be met. Sentences like this are often used to give advice by expressing one's opinion. And you can just dream, knowing that this is not destined to be.
Structure of Type II Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences of type II have the following structure: in the conditional clause (past simple tense) is used, and in the main result clause - would + verb in the initial form. Both parts are translated into Russian using the particle “would”.
If I had enough apples, I would bake an apple pie. If I had enough apples, I would bake an apple pie.
We would come to your party if we had time. We would come to your party if we had time.
She would call him if she had his number. She would call him if she had his number.
If you studied, you would pass the exam. - If you studied, you would pass the exam.
What would you say if he asked you out on a date? What would you say if he asked you out on a date?
If I were you, I would study more. “If I were you, I would do more.
If I were rich, I would travel all over the world. If I were rich, I would travel all over the world.
If he were president, he would reduce taxes. If he were president, he would cut taxes.
In the main sentence-result can be used not only would, but also other modal verbs in the past tense could, might, should:
If you studied, you could pass the exam. If you studied, you could pass the exam.
The Third Conditional. Type III conditional sentences
Type III conditional sentences refer to the past tense. Used to describe situations that would or would not have happened in the past under certain conditions. In this case, we are talking about the past, so we know for sure that the condition was not met.
If + Past Perfect, ... would + have + III form of the verb.
If I had studied , I would have passed the exam. / I would have passed the exam if I had studied .If I had studied, I would have passed the exam.
If I had invited him, he would have come. / He would have come if I had invited him.If I had invited him, he would have come.
Such proposals are called unreal past (unreal past), since we are talking about the past and we know that the condition was definitely not met. The exam has already taken place, and I did not pass it, because I did not study. Or he didn't come to dinner two days ago because I didn't invite him. And now I'm sorry, because he would definitely come if he received my invitation. But the condition wasn't met, so the action didn't happen. It remains only to regret or, perhaps, rejoice about what happened (most often, of course, regret), but nothing can be changed.
Structure of Type III Conditional Sentences
Type III conditional sentences are constructed as follows: in the conditional sentence, (past perfect tense), in the main sentence-result - would + have + Past Participle(past participle, that is, the third form of the verb). Note that instead of would modal verbs can also be used could or might.
If he hadn't been busy, they would have gone for a walk together. If he wasn't busy, they would go for a walk together.
We wouldn't have missed the plane if we had taken a taxi. We wouldn't have missed the plane if we had taken a taxi.
If the weather had been hot, we could have gone to the beach. If the weather was hot, we could go to the beach.
If I had woken up earlier, I might have had time to finish my work. If I had woken up earlier, perhaps I could have finished my work.
Again, note that Type III conditionals are a kind of “missed opportunity.” We are talking about what could have been, would have happened, but did not happen, because the condition was not met. Thus, we often express our regret about any events.
Note (this rule applies to conditional sentences of all types) that a sentence can begin with any part, the meaning does not change. If a sentence begins with an if-condition, then a comma is placed before the main clause:If he comes, I will be glad. If he comes, I will be glad.
If the main clause comes first, and then only the condition, then a comma is not placed between them:
I will be happy if he comes. I will be glad if he comes.
If you hadn't fallen ill yesterday, you would eat ice-cream with us now. - If you had not been ill yesterday, you would eat ice cream with us now. (Fig. 1).
Mixed conditionals are also used when the cause is in the present and the hypothetical result is in the past.
Example:
Rice. 2. Illustration ‘If I were …’ ()
If I were rich, I would have bought that car we saw yesterday. - If I were rich, I would buy that car that we saw yesterday (Fig. 2).
Let's practice on assignments. Think carefully about what time the cause belongs to, and what time the effect belongs to.
1. If I (know) her, I (talk) to her yesterday.
2. If I (be elected) the President last year, I (serve) my country and people.
3. If she (not miss) the bus, she (be) here now.
4. If Samuel Pepys (not keep) his diary, we (not know) so much about the Great Fire of London now.
5. If I (invest) in that company ten years ago, I (be) rich now.
Right answers:
1. If I knew her, I would have talked to her yesterday.
2. If I had been elected the President last year, I would serve my country and people.
3. If she hadn't missed the bus, she would be here now.
4. If Samuel Pepys hadn't kept his diary, we wouldn't know so much about the Great Fire of London now.
5. If I had invested in that company ten years ago, I would be rich now.
Now we know all types of conditional sentences that exist in English. Let's repeat them.
Type 0 conditional sentences (conditionalsentences 0) are used when we are talking about always true or scientific facts. Such proposals are formed as follows:
If +presentsimple,presentsimple
Example:
If you heat ice, it melts. - If you heat the ice, it will melt (Fig. 3).
Rice. 3. Illustration ‘If you heat ice …’ ()
Conditional sentences of the 1st type (conditionalsentencesI) are used when we are talking about a real fact in the future, which may or may not happen. Such proposals are formed as follows:
If +presentsimple,+verb
Example:
If it rains, I will stay at home. - If it rains, I will stay at home (fig. 4).
Rice. 4. Illustration ‘If it rains …’ ()
If we take the previous example, then conditional sentence of the 2nd type (conditionalsentencesII) will look like this:
Example:
If it rained now, we would stay at home. If it were raining now, we would stay at home.
We are talking about what is not now. The weather is good now and we are going for a walk. That is, the condition refers to an unreal present or future.
Similar conditional sentence of the 3rd type (conditionalsentencesIII):
Example:
If it had rained yesterday, we would have stayed at home. If it had rained yesterday, we would have stayed at home.
We're talking about things that didn't happen yesterday. The weather was good and we went for a walk. That is, the condition refers to the unreal past.
Mixed conditional sentences:
Example:
If we had been to the seaside last month, we would still have good tans. - If we went to the sea last month, we would still be tanned.
The unreal condition refers to the past, while the hypothetical consequence refers to the present.
Let's do the tasks:
1. She (be) a vet if she (like) animals, but she doesn’t.
2. If I (study) harder at the University in my youth, I (be) a scientist now.
3. If Julie (not be) always that obsessed with her job, she (not become) so well known years ago.
4. If Sue (train) as a teacher, she (work) in a school now instead of an office.
5. If I (be) you, I never (give up) trying.
6. If Nick (not get) a loan, he (not be able) to set up his own business.
7. You (not pass) your exam unless you (revise) for it right now.
Right answers:
1. She would be a vet if she liked animals, but she doesn't.
2. If I had studied harder at the University in my youth, I would be a scientist now.
3. If Julie weren't always that obsessed with her job, she wouldn't have become so well known years ago.
4. If Sue had trained as a teacher, she would be working in a school now instead of an office.
5. If I were you, I would never give up trying.
6. If Nick hadn't got a loan, he wouldn't have been able to set up his own business.
7. You won't pass your exam unless you revise for it right now.
Bibliography
- Biboletova M.Z., Babushis E.E. English grade 9. - 2010.
- Vaulina Yu.E., Dooley D. English grade 9. - M.: Education, 2010.
- Kaufman K.I., Kaufman M.Yu. English grade 9. - Title, 2007.
- Golitsynsky Yu.B., Grammar. Collection of exercises - Karo, 2011.
- Englishpage.com ().
- engmaster.ru ().
- Activeenglish.ru ().
Homework
1. Exerc. 457. Golitsynsky Yu.B., Grammar. Collection of exercises - Karo, 2011.
2. Expand the brackets:
1. If he (book) tickets yesterday, he (lie) on the beach now. 2. She (not forgive) him if she (not be) his mother. 3. If you (drink) less last night, you (not feel) so bad today. 4. If he (be) cleverer, he (not behaved) so foolishly yesterday. 5. If I (know) English well, I (translate) the article long ago. 6. I (take) part in the last competition if I (be) younger. 7. If he (do) work yesterday, he (be) free today. 8. If you (take) into account his behavior then, you (not have) so much trouble now. 9. You (may be) a star now if you (be offered) the part in the film then. 10. If she (not decide) to change a job last year, she (go) to China next month. 11. He (not go) to sleep over that book if it (not be) so dull. 12. If he (be) a good musician, he (take part) in yesterday "s concert.
3. * ex. 459. Sat. exercises, Golitsynsky Yu.B.
Recently, I was lucky enough to attend a webinar of a certain lady - a polyglot, who, when asked about conditional sentences from listeners, said that conditional sentences are generally an unnecessary topic, and she personally does not use them at all when she speaks in English. But all the necessary grammar is set out in her author's course, which, by the way, can be purchased at a discount! After that, someone rushed to order the author's course, but I turned off this webinar, for some reason the author's course did not hook me.
Obviously, not everyone has a relationship with conditional sentences, even polyglots and authors of miracle courses. I want to immediately draw your attention to the fact that in order to understand the material of this article, you just need to remember the forms and functions of conditional sentences, and type, because we will touch on them one way or another. I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the explanations on our website, and I really hope that they will help you.
In this article, I will talk about another type of conditional sentences. No, this is not the fourth type, but mixed.
Let's remember the structure of a conditional sentence: any conditional sentence consists of two parts: conditional part(after the if ) and main part(this is the consequence or result of the condition). In conditional sentences that you are already familiar with, both parts refer to the same time:
the first type is present or future,
the second one is real
the third is the past.
The name speaks for itself: "mixed" sentences are complex in that they combine the characteristics of two different types conditional sentences.
In mixed conditionals, different combinations are possible.
Let's look at each of the options and see what the features of each of these combinations are.
This type of mixed sentences can be characterized as follows: if something happened / did not happen in general, then in the past something could have been different. Let me remind you that conditional sentences of the second type denote imaginary actions in the present, and in the conditional part we use, and conditional sentences of the third type are imaginary actions in the past and in the main part we use would have V3.
For an action that is "in general", we use the second type in the conditional part, and the result refers to the past, so the main part is taken from the third type.
As always, consider the situations for a complete understanding:
Max is an unscrupulous (bad) student. When? Actually, in the present.
Max is a bad student, so he didn't pass the test. When did he fail? Yesterday, that is, in the past.
We begin to argue: but if he was a good student / would not be a bad student (present), then he would have passed the test / would not have failed the test (in the past).
The sentence is conditional, to say the same thing in English we need an imaginary condition in the present with an imaginary action in the past. To do this, we need a conditional part from the second type and the main part from the third type:
If Max were a good student, he would have passed the test.
If Max were not a bad student, he would have passed the test.
If Max were a good student, he would not have failed the test.
If Max were not a bad student, he would not have failed the test.
Here are how many options it is possible to compose, and at the same time the content and form do not change: in the conditional part, an affirmative or negative form Past Simple , and in the main form would have done .
And here is another example.
I can't speak French (in the present, in general). Yesterday I met a man who spoke French, but I did not understand him. I think that if I spoke French, I would understand it:
If I could speak French, I would have understood him.
I would have understood him if I could speak French.
We don't like to dance (in general, in the present). That's why we didn't go to the party yesterday. If we loved to dance, we would definitely go to a party:
If we liked dancing, we would have visited the party.
We would have visited the party, if we liked dancing.
The following variant of the mixed conditional sentence:
The situation is the opposite: if something happened in the past, then the situation in the present would be different. Do NOT confuse with the second type of conditional sentences, where the imaginary situation is fully related to the present: both the condition and the result.
So let's take a look at the situation:
My friend didn't go to university (in the past). If he had entered, he would be a student now:
If my friend had entered the University, he would be a student now.
I did not go through the city center and did the right thing: there is now a big traffic jam. If I went through the center, I would be in traffic now:
If I had driven through the center, I would be stuck in a traffic jam now.
The students did not homework so they can't answer the teacher's questions. If they had done their homework (in the past), they could answer the questions (now):
If the students had done the hometask, they would be able to answer the professor's questions.
Sometimes, but not so often, combinations of other types of conditional sentences can be found.
This combination refers to the expected events, since the main part is borrowed from the first type. Imagine you want to describe the following situation: an event in the past can affect an event in the future. For example:
Consider another option:
In mixed sentences of this type, there is a hint of distrust, since often what we know about a person contradicts his actions. Take a look at the examples:
If you are so rich, you would have bought a more expensive car. If you are so rich, you would buy a more expensive car.
If he is so intelligent, he would have got a better job. If he is so smart, he would get a better job.
After reading the article, probably many of you want to ask the question: how can I remember all this? How to use in speech? Someone, like the aforementioned polyglot lady, will convince herself that mixed-type conditional sentences are the necessary information and will not use them intentionally. Just keep in mind that if you are learning English and want to fully communicate in this language, then you will not be able to avoid conditional sentences! Agree, we often have situations that cannot be described otherwise than by a conditional sentence. If you don't plan to stay below average, then sooner or later you will need to use conditional sentences.
Practice is the only way to learn how to use any construction of a foreign language, including conditional sentences. Therefore, at first I recommend that you do as many exercises as possible, first for each type of conditional sentences, and then move on to a mixed type. Mixed-type exercises can be found in Upper-Intermediate textbooks, as well as on the Internet. But do not forget to analyze the sentences, it is important to understand what type the form is borrowed from, what time it belongs to and why this particular form is used.
Then pay attention to situations from life, and try to translate them into English. When you are convinced that conditional sentences of all types can be used regularly to describe all sorts of events, you will find them easier to digest.
And remember, at first it will not be easy, but after that you will freely express your thoughts in a foreign language, better than any unfortunate polyglots. Good luck to you, you will succeed!
One of the complex topics that English grammar includes is Conditionals. This section requires detailed consideration. Similar constructions in Russian are sentences in English, however, there are a number of features that must be taken into account when translating.
Zero type
This type implies causal relationships. It is used in cases where it is necessary to indicate a real condition, the result of which is always relevant. Most often, Zero conditional mood in English is used when you need to point out specific facts, routines, habits, as well as when advice or instructions are given. The null type does not refer to any single case, but implies scientific facts, patterns, well-known truths, everyday repetitive actions.
The construction scheme is as follows:
Such constructions are translated into Russian with the words "if" or "when", without the particle "would".
- If people eat more, they become fat. - If people eat more, they get better.
- If you set yourself a goal, you must try hard to achieve it. - If you set a goal, you must strive hard to achieve it.
- If you want to be in good trim, don "t eat much. - If you want to be in good shape, don't eat too much.
First type (real present)
First condition is used when it comes to a real condition and further consequences. The likely development of events in the future is implied. This type is used if it is required to convey a prediction, irrational prejudices, forecasting, intention, warning, further plans, opportunities.
In this case, the following scheme is used:
According to the context, the first part of the conditional sentence means the future tense and, as a rule, it is translated into Russian in the future tense (in the English version, this part of the sentence is presented in the present form).
- If you don't hurry, you'll be late for the dinner. If you don't hurry, you'll be late for lunch.
- If I miss the plane today, I "ll stay at home. - If I miss the plane today, I'll stay at home.
- If you can get a ticket for me, I "ll go to the cinema with you. - If you can get a ticket for me, I'll go to the cinema with you.
- If you see my friends later, will you tell them to call me? - If you see my friends later, can you tell them to call me?
Second type (unreal present)
This type expresses hypothetical possibilities in the present or future tense. It can also be about something unlikely or practically impossible. Construction scheme:
Note: in similar sentences was need to be replaced with were. However, occasionally in everyday colloquial speech one can also meet was.
First and second conditionals in English can be close in meaning, but the 2nd type suggests that the probability of performing one or another action is much less than in the 1st type conditional sentence. This construction can be used when you imagine a different version of the existence of the current reality or express desires related to the present. In Russian, in such cases there is subjunctive mood using the words "if". When translating, one should take into account the features that the English language implies. Second conditional is also called hypothetical.
- If I were you, I would apply for a job. - If I were you, I'd apply for the job.
- If I were president, I would make the life in our country better. - would make life in our country better.
- If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go out every night. - If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go for a walk every evening.
- If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly. - If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly.
Third type (unreal past)
This type implies hypothetical situations related to the past. As a rule, we are talking about events that were not committed in the past. This structure is used when talking about an imaginary situation that is the opposite of real facts that happened in the past. Often used to express criticism, regret and indignation.
To use such a structure, the following scheme is used:
If the word order changes, if is not used.
- If I had worked harder, I would have bought an expensive camera. - If I worked harder, I would buy an expensive camera.
- If I had been invited to her birthday, I would have bought a gift for her. - If I was invited to her birthday party, I would buy a present for her.
- If I had set the alarm, I wouldn't have overslept. - If I had set the alarm, I wouldn't have overslept.
mixed type
Mixed conditionals in English imply a comparison of the second and third types. As a rule, such constructions are used if one part of the sentence refers to the past tense, and the second to the present.
Scheme 1: the condition refers to the past tense, and the consequence refers to the present.
Scheme 2: the consequence refers to the past tense, and the condition refers to the present.
Mixed (mixed) conditionals in English, examples of which are presented below, will require more detailed study, since at first glance this topic may seem somewhat complicated.
- If I knew that actor, I would have spoken to him. - If I knew that actor, I would talk to him. (In this example, the first part containing the condition is type 2, and the main part is type 3).
- If Gabriela had found a job, she wouldn't be searching for one know. - If Gabriela had found a job, she wouldn't be looking for it now. (The conditional part belongs to the third type, and the main part belongs to the second).
Punctuation features
If the clause containing the condition is before the chapter, a comma is placed between them. If the order is reversed, there is no comma.
For example:
- If you had called him, he would have come immediately. - If you had called him, he would have come immediately.
- He would have come if you called. He would come if you called him.
Understanding the topic of Conditionals in English and learning to identify one or another in the original language is quite easy if you devote enough time to this issue. However, when translating from Russian, difficulties may arise. Here are some tips on what to look out for:
- Sentences that include the words "if" and "if" are conditional, which means that when translating into English, you will have to take into account
- It should be determined whether the condition is real or unreal. If the particle "would" is present, then the condition in this phrase is unrealistic.
- What time does the conditional part belong to? If to the past - this is the third type. If to the present or future - the second.
- In cases where one part of a complex sentence refers to the past, and the second to the present, a mixed type is used.
Conditionals in English: exercises with answers
Completing various tasks will help you quickly absorb information:
Exercise 1:
a) match parts of sentences and determine the type of condition;
b) translate into Russian.
| 1. If you had taken my advice... | A. ... I'll win. |
| 2. If you are ill... | B. ... I would put on a coat. |
| 3. If I enter the competition... | C. ... you woudn "t have got into such trouble. |
| 4. If he had found out... | D. ... see a doctor. |
| 5. If I were you... | E. ... he would have been angry. |
| 6. If you make a mistake... | F. ... teacher will correct it. |
Task 2: translate into English, determine the type:
- If you had called me, I would have known about it.
- If you want to win, you need to try harder.
- If he liked books, he would read them.
- If people go to the gym, they feel better.
- If it rains when we arrive, we will cancel the picnic.
Answers 1:
- C. If you had taken my advice, you wouldn't have been in such trouble. (3)
- D. If you are sick, see a doctor. (0)
- A. If I go to the competition, I will win. (2)
- E. If he knew, he would be angry. (3)
- B. If I were you, I would wear a coat. (2)
- F. If you make a mistake, the teacher will correct you. (one)
Answers 2:
- If you had called me, I would have known about it. (3)
- If you want to win, you have to try harder. (one)
- If he liked books, he would read them. (2)
- If people go to the gym, they feel better. (0)
- If it is raining when we arrive, we'll cancel the picnic. (1)
The subject of Conditionals in English is quite easy to understand. In order to freely use various grammatical formulas and constructions in everyday speech, accurately determining the type of conditional sentence, it is extremely important to consolidate the acquired knowledge in practice. In addition to performing translation and phrase matching exercises, you need to include such structures in your everyday speech, find them in the process of reading literature in the original and use them in writing.
