There are three types of conditional sentences in English. A conditional sentence uses an if-clause to express that the action in the main clause can only occur if the condition in the if-clause is met. The three types are: first conditional refers to present or future situations with an open condition; second conditional refers to unreal or improbable present situations using past tense; third conditional refers to unreal past situations using past perfect tense. Conditional sentences have an if-clause and main clause, with the if-clause expressing the condition and main clause expressing the possible result.
3. Conditional Sentences are also
known as Conditional Clauses or If
Clauses. They are use to express
that the action in the main clause
(without if) can only take place if a
certain condition (in the clause with
if) is fullfiled. There are 3 types of
Conditional Sentences.
4.
5. Uses of the Conditional Sentences
First conditional
Nature: Open condition, what is said
in the condition is possible.
Time: This condition refers either to
present or to future time.
e.g. If he is late, we will have to go
without him.
If my mother knows about this, we
are in serious trouble.
6. Second conditional
Nature: unreal (impossible) or
improbable situations.
Time: present; the TENSE is past, but
we are talking about the present, now.
e.g. If I knew her name, I would tell
you.
If I were you, I would tell my father.
Compare: If I become president, I will
change the social security system.
(Said by a presidential candidate)
7. If I became president, I would
change the social security system.
(Said by a schoolboy: improbable)
If we win this match, we are
qualified for the semifinals.
If I won a million pounds, I would
stop teaching. (improbable)
8. 1. First conditional: If I have
enough money, I will go to Japan.
2. Second conditional:If I had
enough money, I would go to
Japan.
3. Third conditional:If I had had
enough money, I would have gone
to Japan.
9. Conditional Clause and Main Clause
If I have enough money, (conditional
clause)
I will go to Japan.
(main clause)
I will go to Japan,
(main clause)
if I have enough money
(conditional clause)