Expressing condition using if-clauses

The words when, as long as, if and unless are often used in sentences to refer to a condition – something which must happen first so that something else can happen.

If-clauses can refer to real or imaginary situations. There are mainly four sentence patterns with if.

Sentence patterns with if

Zero conditional

In zero conditional sentences, we use simple present tenses in the if-clause and the result clause. The zero conditional refers to real and possible situations in the present.

  • If you heat ice, it melts.
  • If I am late, I take the bus to work.
  • If you give respect, you get respect.
  • If demand falls, prices also fall.

Type One Conditional

The type one conditional sentences are also used to talk about real and possible situations but they refer to the future.

In type one conditional sentences, we use a simple present tense in the if-clause and will + infinitive in the result clause.

Examples are given below.

  • If you ask more politely, I will buy you a drink.
  • If you work hard, you will pass the test.
  • If she speaks English, she will get a better job.
  • If they ask, we will help them.
  • If I become the Prime Minister, I will improve the education system in the country.

Type Two Conditional Sentences

Type two conditional sentences are used to talk about unreal or imaginary situations in the present or future. In type two conditional sentences, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would/could/might + base form of the verb in the result clause.

  • If you asked more politely, I would buy you a drink.
  • If you worked hard, you would pass the test.
  • If she spoke English, she might get a better job.
  • If they asked, we would help them.
  • If I became the Prime Minister, I would improve the education system in the country.

Type three conditional sentences

Type three conditional sentences are used to talk about unreal or imaginary situations in the past. In type three conditional sentences, we use a past perfect tense in the if-clause and would /could / might + have + past participle form of the verb.

  • If you had asked more politely, I would have bought you a drink.
  • If you had worked hard, you could have passed the test.
  • If she had spoken English, she might have got a better job.
  • If they had asked, we would have helped them.
  • If I had become the Prime Minister, I would have improved the education system in the country.

Position of the if-clause

The if-clause is a type of dependent clause. It can come before or after the main clause.

Compare:

  • If I became the president, I would cancel school fees.
  • I would cancel school fees, if I became the president.

If-clauses are useful for expressing conditions, but you have to ensure that you do not mix the patterns.

Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

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