Conditional sentences
The conditional sentences (conditional sentences) are phrases that express the idea that something just happened, happens or will happen under a certain condition. In this article we will describe you the Conditional sentences in English Grammar.
Most of the time, the construction of conditional sentences is done with the word if (if). However, this is not the only way to express a condition in a sentence.
Check the information below to learn how to form conditional sentences.
Conditional with if
In English, most sentences with conditional verbs are constructed using if (if).
These if- phrases are called if clauses . There are 5 types of if clauses . Check it out below.
Type 0: if + Simple Present + Simple Present
Type 0 conditional phrases address general situations.
Examples :
If I go there, I call youIf he calls , she gets happy
Type 1: if + Simple Present + Simple Future
Type 1 conditional phrases are used to indicate a condition that can happen and a likely outcome.
Examples :
If she arrives on time, we will go to the party. If I see Adrian, I am going to invite him for the concert.
Type 2: if + Simple Past + Present Conditional or Present Continuous Conditional
The conditional sentences type 2 indicate a hypothesis and a likely result.
Examples :
If I had money, I would travel around the world Present Conditional. If I had money, I would be traveling around the world Present Continuous Conditional
Type 3: if + Past Perfect + Perfect Conditional or Perfect Continuous Conditional
Type 3 conditional phrases are used to indicate unreal conditions in the past and a likely outcome.
Examples :
If we had studied , we would have passed the exam Perfect Conditional. If you had listened to your mother , you would have been enjoying your vacations Perfect Continuous Conditional.
Mixed: If + Past Perfect or Simple Past + Present Conditional or Perfect Conditional
Mixed conditional phrases are used to indicate unreal conditions in the present and a probable result.
Examples :
If you hadn’t been late, you would have arrived in time to catch the bus Past Perfect + Perfect Conditional If you studied , you would get a better grade Simple Past + Present Conditional
Conditional without if
In addition to if clauses , another way of forming conditional sentences is by using the word unless or phrases such as provided that, as long as, in case, etc.
Check below some examples with translation and explanation.
Examples the Conditional sentences in English Grammar
Conditional sentences without if
When It can be used to replace the if in conditional sentences of type 0 (zero).
When I go to Brazil, I visit my relatives .
When he calls, she gets happy .
Unless (unless; unless, unless) It is used before a verb in the affirmative, but it expresses a negative idea.
I wouldn’t drink that juice unless I was really thirsty .
She wouldn’t have sent him a message unless I had suggested it .
Provided / Providing that (provided; as long as)They can be used as substitutes for if in sentences.
Provided that he studies more, he’ll get better grades .
Studying Math is easy providing that you have a good teacher .
As long as (as long as; as long as)It can be used as a substitute for if. It is more formal than provided that .
You can go by yourself as long as you promised I’ll call me when you arrive there .
As long as you gave him food, he would be calm.
Suppose / Supposing (if; assuming that; imagining that) They can replace the if in conditional phrases. They are generally used in conversations and in sentences without main sentences.
Supposing you won the prize, what would you do?
Suppose there are no tickets availabe anymore ?
In case (case)Indicates reason.
I will eat a hamburger in case I get hungry.
I will buy an umbrella in case it rains .
We hope that you have understood the Conditional sentences in English Grammar.
