CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

Conditional sentences are made up of two different clauses: an if-clause, which expresses a
condition; and a main clause, which expresses a result.
If it rains tomorrow, we won’t go to the beach.
(if-clause) (main clause)
The if-clause is always preceded by the conjunction “if”, and it is interchangeable with the main
clause, that is, they can alter their order and the meaning remains the same.
If it rains tomorrow, we won’t go to the beach = We won’t go to the beach if it rains tomorrow.

TYPES OF CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

Depending on the probability of the condition, we can distinguish three main types of conditional
clauses:
a) Type 1
It is used to express possible conditions. It takes the form:

If + present simple , will + infinitive

If you don’t study, you won’t pass your exams.

The teacher will be angry if we are late for the class.
b) Type 2
It is used to express improbable or hypothetical conditions. It takes the form:

If + past simple , would + infinitive

If I were the President of Spain, I’d try to change the economic situation.
What would you do if you found 1,000€ in the street?
c) Type 3
It is used to refer to past conditions, that is, impossible conditions. It takes the form:

If + past perfect , would + have + participle

I went to a party and I lost my wallet. If I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t have lost it.
He didn’t phone her so she was angry. She wouldn’t have been angry if he had phoned her.

SUBSTITUTES FOR “IF”

There are other expressions in English which can substitute the conjunction “if” in conditional
sentences.
UNLESS is normally used in the first conditional and it means “if not”.
If you don’t hurry, we’ll miss the bus = Unless you hurry, we will miss the bus.
I’ll be happy if she doesn’t fail = I’ll be happy unless she fails.
PROVIDING THAT and AS LONG AS add the meaning of “only” to the usual meaning of “if”.
He’ll let you go as long as you pay for the tickets (=He’ll only let you go if you pay).
You’ll get a good mark providing that you work hard (=You’ll only get a good mark if you work hard).

OTHER POSSIBLE VERB TENSES

Sometimes “would” in the second and third conditionals can be substituted by “could” or “might”.
If he had obtained his driving licence, he could have driven our car.
I think you might be happy if I told you there is no class tomorrow.