Grammar Topic 12 - Conditional Sentences

Grammar – Topic 12

These sentences are exactly like the name suggests. They tell us that something occurs only if a condition exists. This is the reason conditional sentences have the word 'if' in them. 

Here are the three types of conditional sentences. 

Type I

It is very possible that the condition will be fulfilled. This sentence is about a future event that will likely happen (although it is not guaranteed) because the condition will be fulfilled by then.

John will sign up for English lessons if he can find a reputable language school.  If John can find a reputable language school, he will sign up for English lessons.

You do not need to use a comma if the main clause is used first. Use a comma when the dependent clause or if- clause is placed first. 

Sentence Structure 

if + simple present tense, + will and future tense 

or

will and future tense + if + simple present tense 

Type II

It is very unlikely that the condition will be fulfilled. The sentence is about a present situation that will not change. It states what an imaginary situation will be like.

If I knew her email address, I would keep in touch with her.  I would keep in touch with her if i knew her email address.

Sentence Structure

if + simple past tense, + would + infinitive 

or 

would + infinitive + if + simple past tense 

If the 'be' verb is used in the sentence, the 'were' form is used even if the subject is singular. 

If he were here, I would tell him the truth. 

I would not be so impulsive if i were you. 

Type III

It is impossible for the condition to be fulfilled because the event is over.

If she had littered, she would have been fined.  She would have been fined if she had littered.

Sentence Structure 

if + past perfect tense, + would + present perfect tense 

or 

would + present perfect tense + if + past perfect tense 

There is also another type of conditional sentence that is sometimes called the zero conditional.

This sentence refers to general truths. 

If you the sun sets, it gets dark. 

It gets dark when the sun sets. 

When you heat ice, it melts. 

Ice melts when you heat it. 

You can replace 'if' with 'when' in zero conditional sentences. 

The sentences are always in the simple present tense. 

Here are some common mistakes made when using conditional sentences. 

Mistake 1

Using 'will' or 'would' in the dependent clause or if-clause. 

If he will get tired, he will take a nap. (û)

If he would try harder, he would excel in his work. (û)

If you would have not been greedy, you would not have had a stomachache. (û)

'Will' or 'would must be used with the main clause in conditional sentences. 

Mistake 2 

Using 'was' for singular subjects in the Type II conditionals

If he was here, he would know what to do. (û)

Mistake 3

Using the wrong tense for each type of conditional

Type II

If the children plucked the flowers, the park ranger would have stopped them. (û)

If I had understood programming language, I would create my own video game. (û)

Type III 

If he has known the answer, he would have told me. (û)

If he had not been banned from driving, he would drive me to the party. (û)

Let’s Practice

Circle the number of the correct answer.

1.  If the weather had been better, we ________ to the park.

(1)                  will go

(2)                  would go

(3)                  will be going

(4)                  would have gone

2.  I would tell her the truth if I ________ you.

(1)                  am

(2)                  are

(3)                  was

(4)                  were

3.  I cannot complete my art piece if I ________ enough paint.

(1)                  do not have

(2)                  did not have

(3)                  do not have had

(4)                  did not have had

4.  The plant would not have died if I ________ good care of it.

(1)                  am taking

(2)                  had taken

(3)                  have taken

(4)                  have been taking

5.  If I finished all the sandwiches, there ________ any left for my sister.

(1)                  will not be

(2)                  would not be

(3)                  would not have been

(4)                  would not had have been

6.  If I had not spilled coffee on my dress, I ________ it to the party.

(1)                  will wear

(2)                  would wear

(3)                  will be wearing

(4)                  would have worn

7.  You ________ to the second round if you win the competition.

(1)                  progress

(2)                  progresses

(3)                  progressed

(4)                  progressing

8.  If she ________ able to afford the tickets, she would attend the concert.

(1)                  is

(2)                  was

(3)                  were

(4)                  was being

9.  If you had asked me, I ________ you the truth.

(1)                  will tell

(2)                  would tell

(3)                  would have told

(4)                  would be telling

10.                 The soup will be bland if you ________ salt.

(1)                  do not add

(2)                  did not add

(3)                  do not have added

(4)                  did not have added

Answers:

1.      4

2.      4

3.      1

4.      2

5.      2

6.      4

7.      1

8.      3

9.      3

10.  1