Conditional sentence

Definition of Conditional Sentence

Conditional tenses are used to speculate about what could happen, what might have happened, and what we wish would happen. In English, most sentences using the conditional contain the word if

The form of a conditional sentence is "If-clause + main clause." If you notice, the if-clause is part of the conditional sentence.

While the main clause, usually contains the consequences of the previous conditional presupposition.

 

Types of Conditional Sentence

Conditional sentences are divided into several types:

Conditional sentence type 0 or Zero conditional sentence

The zero conditional sentence is used for when the time being referred to is now or always and the situation is real and possible. The zero conditional sentences are often used to refer to general truths. The tense in both parts of the sentence is the simple present. In zero conditional sentences, the word "if" can usually be replaced by the word "when" without changing the meaning.

 

Formula:

Main clause	Main clause
If + simple present	simple future

 

Example :

• I feel sick if I eat too much.

• If you don't brush your teeth, you get cavities.

 

Conditional sentence type 1 or First conditional sentence

The first conditional sentence is used to refer to the present or future where the situation is real. First conditional sentences refer to a possible condition and its probable result. In these sentences the if clause is in the simple present, and the main clause is in the simple future.

Formula :

Main clause	Main clause
If + simple present	simple future

 

Example :

• If you set your mind to a goal, you will eventually achieve it.

• If it rains, I will stay at home.

 

Conditional sentence type 2 or Second conditional sentence

The second conditional sentence is used to refer to a time that is now or any time, and a situation that is unreal. These sentences are not based on fact. The second conditional sentence is used to refer to a hypothetical condition and its probable result. In second conditional sentences, the if clause uses the simple past, and the main clause uses the present conditional.

Formula :

Main clause	Main clause
If + simple past	present conditional or present continuous conditional

 

Example :

• If I were you, I would continue my study.

• If I had time, I would go with you.

 

Conditional sentence type 3 or Third conditional sentence

The third conditional sentence is used to refer to a time that is in the past, and a situation that is contrary to reality. The facts they are based on are the opposite of what is expressed. The third conditional sentence is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its probable past result. In the third conditional sentence, the if clause uses the past perfect, and the main clause uses the perfect conditional.

Formula :

Main clause	Main clause
If + past perfect	perfect conditional or perfect continuous conditional

 

Example :

• If you had remembered to invite me, I would have attended your party.

• If you had told me you needed a ride, I would have left earlier.