This document discusses the different types of conditionals in English. It outlines 4 types of conditionals based on the tense used in the if-clause and result clause: Type 0 uses present tenses, Type 1 uses present/future tenses, Type 2 uses past tenses for unlikely present/future situations, and Type 3 uses past perfect tense for unreal past situations. It provides examples for each type and notes that "unless" is only used for real situations, and whether a comma is used depends on if the sentence starts with the if-clause or result.
1. CONDITIONALS
Type 0 If + present simple, present simple • If you arrive early, you get a better seat
general or scientific facts • Water boils faster if you don’t put salt in it.
we can use an imperative structure in the result clause • If you change your mind, give me a ring.
Type 1 If + present simple, will + bare infinitive • If we run, we won’t be late.
real or likely situation in the present or future and • If you leave now, you won’t miss the bus.
their results. • If you don’t wear a coat, you’ll feel cold.
• If Mary studies hard, she will pass the test.
Type 2 If + past simple, would/could/might + bare • If we had enough money, we would buy a new bike.
infinitive • If I were you, I would take the job.
impossible or unlikely situations in the present or • Would you be happier if you were a millionaire?
future and their results. • If we knew her address, we could visit her.
Type 3 If + past perfect, would/could/might + have • If John hadn’t been tired, he’d have gone to the party.
+ past participle • If I had taken a raincoat, I wouldn’t have got so wet.
unreal situations in the past and their unreal past results • If Peter had studied, he might have passed the exam.
We only use unless in real situations for things that could really happen.
I won’t do the cooking if you don’t help me
unless you help me.
When we start the sentence with if, we separate the situation and the result with a comma.
When we start the sentence with the result, we don’t use a comma.
We won’t be late if we run. / If we run, we won’t be late.
