Conditional Sentences

Structure :
A conditional sentence is composed of 2 parts :

If-clause + Main Clause

Example :

If it rains , we will not come.

If-clause Main Clause

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 Conditional Sentences

Types :

 There are 4 types of conditional sentences.

They are classified according to their specific
implications.

 Each type of conditional sentences uses

different tenses to show the difference in
their implications.

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 Conditional Sentences

Type 0 :

Use : Talk about universal truth.

Tense : Present tense in both clauses
Example :

Present Tense Present Tense

If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.

If you pour oil into water, it floats.
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 Conditional Sentences

Type 1
Use : Talk about a present or future probable case.
Tense : If-clause ~ Present Tense
Main Clause ~ Future Tense

Example :
Future Tense
Present Tense

If I find something new out the treatment, I

will tell you
If we can analyze Genomes, we will be able to infer
law and principle about them 4
 Exercise One

do not come
1. If you ___________________ (not come),

will miss
You ________________ (miss ) the show.

will buy
2. John __________________ (buy)a car if he

gets
_____________ (get)a job.
gets
3. Mary ________________(get) a toothache if
eats
she_________________ (eat) too many sweets.
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 Conditional Sentences

Type 2
Use : Talk about a present or future improbable
case. (A case that is unlikely to happen)
Tense : If-clause ~ Past Tense
Main Clause ~ would + an infinitive
Example :
Past Tense Would + infinitive

If I were you, I would go to the meeting of cardiology

. If I you studied hard, you would be better prepared
for doing job 6
 Conditional Sentences

Type 3
Use : Talk about a past, impossible case
Tense : If-clause ~ Past Perfect Tense
Main Clause ~ Would + Present Perfect Form
Example :
Past Perfect Tense Would + Present Perfect Form

If I had known the patient’s diagnosis, I would probably

have saved his life.
If I had come home earlier, I would not have missed the
programme. 7
 Exercise Two

were
1. If I ________________ (be) four years old, I
would learn
________________ (learn) to play the piano.
had not failed
2. If I ________________ (not fail) in the
would have bought (buy)
examination, my mother_______________
me a new computer.
would have finished
3. We ________________________ (finish) if we
had had
________________ (have) better preparation.
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 Complete the Sentences
1. I don’t know the answer. If I …… the answer, I’d tell you.
2. I have a car. I couldn’t travel very much if I …… a car.
3. I didn’t want to go out. If I ….. to go out, I’d go.
4. We haven’t got a key. If we …… a key, we could get into the house.
5. I’m not hungry. I would have something to eat if I ……. hungry.
6. Sue enjoys her work. She wouldn’t do it if she ……. it.
7. You can’t drive. If you ……… drive, I would lend you my car.
8. He speaks too fast. I could understand him better if he …… more
slowly.
9. I have a lot to do today. If I …….. so much to do, we could go out.
10. If …….. the money, he would buy a fast car.
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