4. Conditional clause.

Consists of a main clause and a conditional clause (if-

clause which begins with if or unless); there are three main types
of conditional sentences:
4.1. Type 1. They refer to the future, suggesting that the action in
the main clause is quite likely to happen. The main clause uses
will, can, may or might + the base form of a main verb. The if-
clause uses the Simple Present Tense.
The agent will miss the commission if he does not normally
pay for the goods.

◊ The use of the modal verb may or might in the main

clause suggest that there is some doubt whether the main verb
action will be achieved.
If you book early, you may get a seat on the next vessel.

4.2. Type 2. It refers to an imaginary situation. They imply that

the action in the if-clause will probably not happen.
If I won the pools I would buy a big house.

◊ The main clause uses would, could or might + the

base form of the main verb. The if-clause uses the Simple Past
Tense or the Past Subjunctive.
If Dad gave us the car we would go to the picnic.

4.3. Type 3. In the type 3 sentences the speaker is looking back

from the present to a past time event. The speaker is talking about
what might have happened but did not, either because the wrong
thing was done or because nothing was done. It is used when
making excuses or recommendations or giving an explanation. The
main clause uses would, could, might, + have + the base form
of a main verb. The if-clause uses the Past Perfect Tense.
You could have been rich if you had not spent your money
foolishly.
 ◊ Conditional clause can also be used to express
consequences or to give an opinion about a situation in the
following ways:

◦ the if-clause uses the Simple Present tense and

the main clause uses the Simple Present tense to refer to
universal truths:
Savings dry out if yoi do not always add to them.
◦ the if-clause uses the Simple Present Tense
and the main clause is in the imperative mood for giving advice or
orders:
If you are the true holder in due course of the bill of exchange,
enforce payment against all parties liable on the bill!

◦ the if-clause using the Present Progressive or

Simple Present tense and a modal verb in the main clause it
makes suggestions and give advice:
If you are thinking of buying land in this region, then you ought to
accept some advice.

◦ if-clause using will/would and the main clause a

modal verb for a request or a polite order:
If you would sign here, I will be able to give you the credit card.

◦ 'd in an if-clause is the contracted form of had

They would have bought the land if they'd had the money.

The contracted forms of the modals used in speech and

informal writing are:

I'd have or I would've

I could've I might've
Exercises:

I. Match the two parts of the following "if clauses":

1. If the owner wishes to
declare a vessel and its cargo
a total loss,
2. If the insurers agree to
abandonment,
3. If permitted by the Articles
of Association,
4. If the master overcarried
the goods for reason beyond
his control,
5. Manufacturers believe that
if they invest in the quality of
their brands,
6. If a debtor fails to settle his
debt,
a) consumer will respond by
asking for their goods by their
brand names.
b) a limited company can
increase its authorised capital
as appropriate.
c). he gives the insurer a
notice of abandonment.
d). a bank can undertake to
do it.
e) they will pay a total loss
claim.
f). the ship owner may be
responsible for paying the
backfreight.
II. Turn the following 'first type' "if clause" into the
"second " and "third type" ones:
Example: The alternate director can only be present at the meeting of the Board if the
Articles of Association provide for it.
The alternate director could only be present at the meeting of the Board if the Articles of
Association provided for it.
The alternate director could only have been present at the meeting of the Board if the Articles
of Association had provided for it.

1. The buyer is in default if he fails to take up documents or pay for the goods when he has
contracted to do so.
2. If the life assured dies, the decreasing term assurance is arranged in conjunction with the
cash loan and is designed to repay the loan.
3. The asset value represents the amount attributable to each share if the company is wound
up.
4. The affirmation of the contract will occur if it will take place with the knowledge of the facts.
5. If an applicant has been allotted fewer shares than he has applied for, he received a cheque
for the unllotted balance.

III. Make the necessary changes in the following texts according to the rules of "if
clause":

a) Adam Smith (1723-1790) proposed that free trade would be beneficial if countries
(specialize) in activities in which they possessed an absolute advantage. But the theory of
"comparative advantage" of David Ricardo (1772-1823) showed that even if an individual or
group (a country, say) (possess) an absolute advantage in all activities, there could still be
gains from trade.

b). Advertising must adhere to the Code of Advertising Practice which provides the rules for all
non-broadcast advertising. This applies not only to what it is said, but also what is shawn. If it
is claimed that one bar of chocolate (contain) ½ pint of milk, then the chocolate bar must
contain that amount of milk. If the adverttisment (make) no claim, but shows a 1/2 pint bottle
or cartoon of milk, then the chocolate must still contain this amount of milk.

c). The Institute caters for all levels of students, from the beginner, to the advanced. If
starting from scratch, then you (be) given the option of either doing a crash course in
essential phrases to get you around or you can go for the full works which starts with the
irregular verbs and slowly progress, complete text books, which (cost) approximately €1000.
If you are likely to be around for a while, it (be) a good idea to opt for a block of several
classes, as this means a significant reduction of price. With a full selection of teachers, all able
to speak English, they are on hand to advise you as to which tutor is most suited to your
needs. These classes are one-to-one and more importandly, tailor made to suit each student's
interest, preferences, and style of learning. If requested, tutors (prepare) learning materials
and classes can cover all sorts of subject matters from politics to national culture and
literature.