CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
FORM:
(a)Conditional sentences has two parts: An if-clause and a main clause.
E.g.
If you come in time, we will see a film.
The if-clause contains a condition ( it is also called a conditional clause). The action in the main clause depends on the fulfillment of this condition.
That means: if you don't come in time, he won't go to see a film.
(b) There are three kinds of conditional sentences. These depend upon three types of conditions,. These are
1. Possible or likely.
2. Unlikely or imaginary.
3. Impossible condition
Each of these conditions is expressed in a different kind of conditional sentence.
E.g.
If you ask him money, he will give you. ( possible or likely).
If you ask him for money, he would give it to you. ( unlikely, imaginary).
If you had asked him for money, he would have given you. ( Impossible condition).
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
If-clause main clause
If I know the answer I will tell you.
Look at the above sentence, it expresses possible condition. The if-clause is in the present tense while the main clause is in the future tense.
Conditional clause main clause
If you work hard you will pass.
If we study regularly we will do very well in the exam.
If they don't waste time they will get enough money.
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
Unlikely or imaginary condition main clause
Simple past
If I knew the answer, I would tell you.
If I were a bird, I would fly.
If I were rich, I would marry a queen.
NOTE: The use of 'were' in the conditional clause above is limited to sentence expressing unreal or imaginary conditions.
UNLIKELY OR IMAGINARY CONDITION
Conditional clause main clause
If he came early, he would see a movie.
If she finished her work in time, she will go on a picnic.
If our parents allowed us, we will go for swimming.
If we had time, we would have a dancing session.
IMAGINARY CONDITION
If I were rich I would help the poor.
If we were rich we would go on world tour.
If they were Indians they would buy Taj Mahal.
If Newton were alive, I would ask him a question.
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
Impossible Condition
If-clause
(Past perfect)
If I had known the answer, I would have told you.
If he had been a graduate , he would have got the job.
SOME OTHER WAYS OF FORMING CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
(a) By using imperative in the main clause.
If you meet him, tell him to come to me.
If you find my book, please take it to my home.
(b) If instead of certainty we wish to express possibility in the main clause, we use can or may.
If he works hard, he would pass. ( certainty).
If he works hard, he can pass. ( possibility).
If you take this medicine, you will get well. ( certainty).
If you take this medicine, you may get well. ( possibility).
(c) Could and might can similarly be used in other conditional sentences.
If you tried harder, you would have pass. (Certainty).
If you tried harder, you might pass. (Possibility).
If you had tried harder, you could have passed.
(d) By using unless in place of if not.
If you don't start early, you will miss the train.
Unless you start early, you will miss the train.
If he does not pay the fine, he won't be permitted to contest for the position.
Unless he pays the fine, he won't be permitted to contest for the position.