Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences consist of an if-clause and a main clause. There are four main types of conditional sentences:
| type | if-clause | main clause | use and example |
| 0 | present simple | present simple | for general truths and laws of nature If you mix red and white, you get pink. (this is always true) |
| 1 | present simple | will + infinitive | for real possible situations in the present or future If you call me tonight, we will go out.(this is possible) |
| 2 | past simple | would + infinitive | for unreal, imaginary situations in the present or future If I had more free time, I would go on a holiday.(but I do not have and I won’t go) |
| 3 | past perfect | would have +past participle | for unreal, imaginary situations in the past If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.(but I didn’t study and I didn’t pass) |
In 0 and 1 type conditional sentences we can use when instead of if.
Example:
If you ask Anna, she will come with you.
When you ask Anna, she will come with you.
unless = if not
If the if -clause in 0 or 1 type contains a negative verb, we can substitute if with unless (followed by a positive verb).
Example:
If we don’t hurry, we will miss the bus.
Unless we hurry, we will miss the bus.
There can be different types of mixed conditionals as well.
Try the quiz here.