0

II

III

Verb form in ifclause

If + Simple
Present

If + Simple
Present

If + Simple Past

If + Past Perfect

Verb form in result

-clause
Simple present

Simple Future

Would
or
Could

+ verb

Would
or
+ had + past
participle
Could
Should

Meaning of ifclause
Real and Possible situations
at any time, but most
commonly in present

Possible in the present or

future

. Impossible or not true in the

present

. improbable in the future

. imaginary situations

Impossible in the past

Use

Examples

1) situations that can

occur at any time(more
than once) and their
results

If you press this key, the game starts

2) general truths

If you boil water, it turns into steam

3) general instruction

If you want to start, press the red button

1) possible future events

and their results

If it rains, I will stay at home

2) command

If you come home late, dont make noise

3) offer

Ill call the hotel if you dont have time

4) warnings

Ill call the police if you dont leave now!

1) improbable future
event or situation

If I won a lottery, I would buy an island

2) a hypothetical current
situation which is
contrary to known facts

If I knew the answer I would tell you

3) giving advice

If I were you, I would see a doctor

1) regret

If I had seen the red light, I would have

stopped
If you had worked hard, you could have
passed your exam

2) criticism
.

Prof. Rahhal Ajbilou

CONDITIONALS