Conditional sentences are the rule in English. Conditional sentences

It's no secret how dependent people are on different circumstances, because we often face different conditions. And although it has long been known that history does not tolerate the subjunctive mood, in everyday life we all often argue about what could have happened if... The British are also no strangers to such dreams, but, with all their scrupulousness, they made several constructions from one subjunctive mood, each of which is used in strictly defined situations. Today we will study possible conditional sentences in English language, consider their structure and cases of application. The material is extensive and definitely requires solidifying the theory, so be prepared to do practical exercises.

Linguists have different approaches to the division of moods English verbs. Traditionally there are three of them: indicative, imperative and subjunctive. But some scholars distinguish the conditional mood in English as separate species, and not part of the subjunctive category. This is due to the complexity of the entire subjunctive section, especially since in one conditional category there are 4 types of regular constructions, in addition to which there are also mixed phrases, and in addition, inversion can be used in most of them. These are the types conditional offers in English we will study today. But first, let’s define what a statement with a condition is.

Conditional is a type of complex construction that contains two simple bases interconnected by a conditional-consequence connection. The main sentence expresses the result or consequence of events, and the subordinate clause is the very condition under which they are achieved. Communication in sentences is carried out using conjunctions if,unless, incase,aslongas, provided,onthecondition. The first of them is used much more often, so even a second name for these expressions appeared - sentences with if. Let's consider possible options structures, and we will work them out with the help of exercises.

Condition Types

As already mentioned, there are four types of regular constructions in conditional sentences. We'll talk about them in this section.

Zero Conditional

These statements use the so-called null condition type. In other words, in the subordinate clause, under the guise of a condition, practically real facts, patterns, developed by experience or known to everyone are presented. Thus, the degree of conventionality of such a phrase is practically zero.

When constructing here, the simple present tense is usually used, but constructions with Present Continuous/Perfect and Past Simple. Conditions are introduced by a conjunction, and can appear in any part of the sentence, but only subordinate clauses preceding the main clause are separated by a comma. This rule applies to all types of subordinate clauses.

Ifyourunfastforalongtime, youbecometired– If you run fast for a long time, you will become tired.
Shegoesshoppingforclotheswhenshehasmoney– She goes to buy clothes when she has money.

The English language allows the use of such constructions to express instructions. In this case, the main part has an imperative form.

Ifyouwanttobeslim, don'teatbuns– If you want to be slim, don’t eat buns.

Note that this is the only type of conditional statement that cannot be inverted.

First Conditional

If the statement is about the probable execution of actions, then it is necessary to use conditional sentences of the first type in English. Often these are predictions of the occurrence of some future events, or expressions of intentions and promises to fulfill something in the near future. And here we get acquainted with an important law.

Incorrect use of tense in sentences with conditional clauses is a very common mistake. Be sure to learn this rule before performing the exercises.

If the teacher asks me, I will answer right –Ifteacherwill askme,II'll answerRight.
I will get a bonus if I buy 10 bottles of juice –II'll get itbonus,IfII'll buy10 bottles of juice.

Please note that the translation of both parts is indicated as future, since this is the most accurate transfer of information in Russian. But this does not abolish the law at all - no will in the subordinate clause.

When using auxiliary verbs in these combinations, inversion may occur, that is, a slight change in word order. In this case, the conjunctive word is removed, and the modal verb should is brought forward ( suddenly, by chance).

If I should find this disc, I will give it to them –Ifall of a suddenII'll find itthisdisk,II'll give it backhisthem.
Should I find this disc, I will give it to them –Happento mefindthisdisk,II'll give it backhisthem.

Unrealistic in the present (Second Conditional)

Conditional sentences of the second type convey unlikely, practically impossible events in the understanding of the speaker, related in time to the present or future tense. Theoretically, performing actions is possible, but in practice this is unlikely to happen.

Main structure of this type conditional sentences are formed using 2 elements: the auxiliary verb would and the infinitive. The predicate of the subordinate clause has the Past Simple form. Let's look at examples.

IfIworkedasaprogrammer, Iwouldgetmuchmoney – If I worked as a programmer, I would earn a lot of money.
Ifshelivedhere, shewouldstudyatourUniversity – If she lived here, she would study at our university.

As can be seen from the examples, in Russian expressions the particle appears would. This is not a mistake of the translators, but necessary measure to convey the meaning of a statement.

Such conditional sentences are very common in English thanks to the phrase “ IfIwereyou"(if I were you/in your place). It is important to note that in this case the verb to be is always correctly put in the form were, despite the fact that in informal communication was is often used.

IfIwereasuperstar, Iwouldbuyalargeaircraft – If I were a superstar, I would buy a big plane.
IwouldneverhelphimifIwereyou “I would never have helped him if I were you.”

With this verb, the construction can be inverted. In such a situation, were is brought forward and the conjunction is omitted.

Wereweat home, wewouldplaycomputergames – If we were at home, we would play computer games.

Be careful when encountering such statements. By appearance the phrase is somewhat reminiscent interrogative sentences. But judging by the punctuation marks and the context of the situation, it becomes clear that in this case no questions are meant. In addition, subordinate clauses, in principle, cannot form interrogative forms.

Unreal in the past (Third Conditional)

With the help of such statements, they express the conventionality of past events, both in a negative and in a positive way. Conditions of the third type are peculiar reflections on the topic “ what would happen if...“or criticism of actions taken that cannot be corrected in any way. Such phrases, accordingly, have predicates in the form of completed actions, which are formed using the English perfect. The subordinate clause is in the Past Perfect form, and the main clause contains 3 elements: would + have + participle II, i.e. actually like Present Perfect, only with immutable have and additional would.

Ifshehadcalledhimthen, shewouldhavebeen hiswife “If she had called him then, she would have been his wife.”
I would have passed the exam if the table had been correct –Iwouldpassedthisexam,Ifwouldtable waswouldtrue.

In certain cases, the third type of conditional sentences can emphasize positive influence events that have occurred to date.

Ifwehadn't'tgonetotheconcertofthisrockband, wewouldn't'thavemet – If we had not gone to the concert of this rock band, we would not have met.

In phrases of this type, inverse word order is also sometimes found.

Hadshesentthismessage, shewouldhavewontheprize “If she sent this message, she could win this prize.”

Mixed conditionals in English

Not all sentences in English are proper conditionals. There are also mixed types of constructions that combine the properties of 2 and 3 types of conditional expressions. In such situations, one part of the phrase is always expressed in the past tense.

In cases where there is a subordinate clause in the past, it is expressed by a perfect predicate, according to type 3 construction. In this case, the main part describes the present, and receives a combination of conditions of the second type: would + infinitive (without the perfect!). Variants of phrases with a continuous infinitive are possible.

Ifmyfatherhadrepairedthecar, Iwouldn't'tgototheinstituteonfoot – If my father had fixed the car, I would not have walked to my institute now.
IfIhadn't'tmademanymistakesinthelasttest, Iwouldn't'tbewritinganewtestnow – If I had not made many mistakes in the last test, I would not be writing a new test now.

In reverse situations, when the main clause is expressed by the past, it uses the construction of type 3 conditions: would + have + participle II. In this case, the subordinate clause is not a perfect action, therefore it is designated Past Simple.

Iftheywereactors, theywouldhaveplayeditanotherwaythen – If they were actors, they would have played it differently then.
Hewouldhavetoldrightanswertoyouifheknewit “He would tell you the right answer if he knew it.”

The semantic difference between these constructions is as follows:

When the conditional is expressed by the past, then we describe an unfulfilled situation and current situation cases as a consequence of events that did not occur in the past. My father didn't fix the car, so I'm walking now.
If the main sentence is expressed in the past, then we are pointing to an event that has already happened, which in any case cannot be changed. Therefore, the condition, which already applies to the present time, here acts as a kind of saying-reasoning “ if only..., then..." But everyone understands that this “if” is not feasible from the very beginning. They would have played differently then, but they couldn’t, because they weren’t actors to begin with.. But the action was perfect, and they played as best they could.

Hello, dear friends! If you decide to learn conditionals, I can say that it is an excellent idea because conditionals in English have certain nuances that need to be understood and learned. There are a huge number grammar material on this topic, it is chaotically fragmented and seems impossible to remember. This section of grammar is not that difficult. Forward!

“Roots” of the conditional sentence and its structure

Complex sentences in English From the name you can understand that a complex sentence is made up of some parts. These parts are two or even several simple sentences, which in themselves may be incomprehensible, but taken together they create a single semantic whole.

There are two types of them:

Compound proposal: all its parts can be torn apart from each other, and each can exist independently. The same cannot be said about other types of proposals.
Complex sentence: its parts are interconnected through conjunctions and allied words. What does interconnected mean? This means that if one (the main one) is removed, the second cannot exist independently: it is, as it were, subordinate to the first.

Components of a Conditional Sentence

We will analyze one of the types of complex sentences - conditionals.

Often it is conditional sentences that seem to be such an insurmountable barrier for beginners in the English language. The following scheme for constructing this type of sentence can be given:

In a conditional sentence, the subordinate part is the subordinate part, it indicates the condition and contains the conjunction -if (if) or its analogues; in the main clause, the result of the condition is declared

Types of conditional sentences in English grammar

You can find it in various sources different quantities types and subtypes of conditional sentences: in some places there are three, in others there are more. Many of the diagrams are confusing. I believe that the classification, which includes four types, will be clearer to you. So, let's deal with all these types.

Conditional Zero/Type 0true)

General truth is generally known facts, laws, etc. That is, in sentences of this type we express general truths.
Conditional Zero/ Type 0 (General Truth) For example:

If I do exercise, I become healthier. — When I do exercises, I become healthier

Captain Obvious, by the way, always prefers this type...

1 st Conditional / Type 1(Presentreal)

By present real we mean real or probable reality, which can occur both at the present moment (the moment of speech) and in the future (usually the near future).
1st Conditional / Type 1(Present real)

If I write a novel, our things will get better. - If I write a novel, our affairs will go better

Please note: in Russian translation in subordinate clause the future is used. In English subordinate clauses this tense is never used. IN in this example it can be considered conditionally real, in the sense: I’m writing now, and when I finish it, everything will go better.

2 ndConditional /Type 2 (Unreal present)

Conditional sentences of the second type express unlikely or unrealistic situations, the possibility of translating them into reality is practically impossible. uh
2nd Conditional / Type 2 (Unreal present) Conditional mood is the subjunctive mood. To form the subjunctive mood we use should or would, in meaning corresponding to our particle -by.

Which auxiliary verb to use depends on the person

1st l. - should/would,
2nd and 3rd - would.

Example:

If I won the prize, I would build three-storeyed house. — If I won the prize, I would build a three-story house.

This type has a subtype - the unlikely present (an event that is unlikely, but still possible). In this case, we use Subjunctive in the subordinate clause, and Future Indefinite in the main clause. Let's modify the above sentence:

If I'd win the prize, I'll build three-storeyed house. — If I win the prize, I will build a three-story house.

You need to feel the shades: there is a faint sense of hope in this phrase.

3rd Conditional/ Type 3 (Unrealpast)

Conditional sentences of this type are used if the condition for doing something has become absolutely impossible, and all that remains is to regret the missed opportunity in the past, such as: if I had done something, if I had been there..., then it would have been- this and that... That is, type 3 is just an imaginary (unreal) past.
3rd Conditional/ Type 3 (Unreal past) Example:

If they had gone in this trip, they would fall concert. “If they had gone on this trip, they would have gone to the concert.”

This type also has a subtype... how to put it more precisely... a lesser degree of unreality. If the condition, with a stretch, can still be called at least somehow feasible, then the simple past (or Subjunctive I/ Past Subjunctive) is used in the subordinate clause.

If I knew idioms, I’d speak English better. — If I knew idioms, I would speak English better (the simple past is used in the subordinate clause).

For a more holistic perception of all of the above, I suggest the following table, where all 4 types are collected, indicating which tenses should be used in each type.

Conditional sentences mixed types(Mixed Conditionals)

Conditionals are not limited to these four types; there are also mixed conditionals. Usually, the second type and the third type are mixed.

I suggest a simple exercise to consolidate. In this exercise you need to make correct conditional sentences by connecting their corresponding parts. At the end of the article you will find the keys to self-test.

If ... Past Perfect ..., ... would have + past participle...
or
… would have + past participle... if ... Past Perfect ...

Use

Conditional sentences of the third type in English describe events in the past that could have happened, but did not happen. Please note that these sentences are translated into Russian in the subjunctive mood, with the particle “would”.

For example:
If you had invited them, they would have come.
If You invited them, they would come. (But you didn't invite them, and that's why they didn't come.)

If you had worked harder, you would have passed the exam.
If you more was studying, You I would have passed exam. ( But you didn't study, and therefore didn't pass the exam.)

If I had won that award, my life would have changed.
If I won this award, my life would change.

If she had studied science, she would have found a better job.
If she studied science, she I would have found it better job.

Other forms of conditional sentences of the third type

Using modal verbs in a result clause

Instead of would have verbs can be used could have, might have, should have, and etc.

For example:
If he had known, he could have helped you.
If He knew, He I could you help.

You might have finished the assignment on time, if you had planned more carefully.
You, Maybe, would do task on time, if You planned more and more carefully.

If you hadn't been prepared,you should have told the professor
If You not prepared, then you should have said about this to the professor.

Using but for

Instead of if not expression can be used but for followed by a noun. This expression is usually used in formal speech.

For example:
But for our savings, we wouldn't have been able to make the payments.
If not our savings, we would not be able to make payments.

One of the complex topics that English grammar includes is Conditionals. This section requires detailed consideration. An analogue of such constructions in Russian are sentences in However, in English there are a number of features that must be taken into account when translating.

Null type

This type implies cause-and-effect relationships. It is used in cases where it is necessary to indicate a real condition, the result of which is always relevant. Most often, Zero conditional mood in English is used when it is necessary to point out specific facts, established procedures, habits, and also when advice or instructions are given. The null type does not refer to any single case, but implies scientific facts, patterns, well-known truths, everyday repetitive actions.

The construction scheme is as follows:

Such constructions are translated into Russian with the words “if” or “when”, without the particle “would”.

If people eat more, they become fat. - If people eat more, they gain weight.
If you set yourself a goal, you must try hard to achieve it. - If you set a goal for yourself, you must strive hard to achieve it.
If you want to be in good trim, don't eat much. - If you want to be in good shape, don't eat too much.

First type (real present)

First condition is used in cases where we are talking about a real condition and further consequences. Implied probable development events in the future. This type is used if it is necessary to convey prediction, irrational prejudices, forecasting, intention, warning, future plans, possibilities.

In this case, the following scheme is used:

According to the context, the first part of the conditional sentence means the future tense and, as a rule, is translated into Russian in the future tense (in English version this part of the sentence is presented in present form).

If you don"t hurry, you"ll be late for the dinner. - If you don't hurry up, you'll be late for lunch.
If I miss the plane today, I "ll stay at home. - If I miss the plane today, I will stay at home.
If you can get a ticket for me, I"ll go to the cinema with you. - If you can get a ticket for me, I will go to the cinema with you.
If you see my friends later, will you tell them to call me? - If you see my friends later, can you tell them to call me?

Second type (unreal present)

This type expresses hypothetical possibilities in the present or future tense. We may also be talking about something unlikely or practically impossible. Construction scheme:

Note: in similar sentences was needs to be replaced with were. However, occasionally in everyday colloquial speech you can meet was.

First and second conditionals in English may be close in meaning, but the 2nd type assumes that the probability of performing a particular action is much less than in a conditional sentence of the 1st type. This construction can be used when you imagine a different version of the existence of the current reality or express desires related to the present time. In Russian, in such cases there is a subjunctive mood using the words “if”. When translating, one should take into account the features that the English language implies. Second conditional is also called hypothetical.

If I were you, I would apply for a job. - If I were you, I would apply for a job.
If I were president, I would make the life in our country better. - would make life in our country better.
If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go out every night. - If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go for a walk every evening.
If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly. - If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly.

Third type (unreal past)

This type involves hypothetical situations from the past. As a rule, we are talking about events that did not happen in the past. This structure is used when talking about an imaginary situation, the reverse real facts that happened in the past. Often used to express criticism, regret and indignation.

To use this design, the following scheme is used:

If the word order changes, if is not used.

If I had worked harder, I would have bought an expensive camera. - If I worked harder, I would buy an expensive camera.
If I had been invited to her birthday, I would have bought a gift for her. - If I was invited to her birthday, I would buy a gift for her.
If I had set the alarm, I wouldn't have overslept. - If I set the alarm, I wouldn't oversleep.

Mixed type

Mixed conditionals in English imply a comparison of the second and third types. As a rule, such constructions are used if one part of the sentence refers to the past tense, and the second to the present.

Scheme 1: the condition refers to the past tense, and the consequence - to the present.

Scheme 2: the consequence refers to the past tense, and the condition - to the present.

Mixed conditionals in English, examples of which are presented below, will require more detailed study, since at first glance this topic may seem somewhat complicated.

If I knew that actor, I would have spoken to him. - If I knew that actor, I would talk to him. (In this example, the first part containing the condition represents type 2, and the main part is type 3).
If Gabriela had found a job, she wouldn't be searching for one know. - If Gabriela had found a job, she would not be looking for it now. (The conditional part belongs to the third type, and the main part to the second).

Punctuation features

If a subordinate clause containing a condition appears before a chapter, a comma is placed between them. If the order is reversed, there is no comma.

For example:

If you had called him, he would have come immediately. - If you called him, he would come immediately.
He would have come if you called. - He would have come if you called him.

Understanding the topic of Conditionals in English and learning to define certain ones in the original language is quite easy if you devote enough time to this issue. However, difficulties may arise when translating from Russian. Here are some tips on what to look for:

Sentences containing the words “if” and “if” are conditional, which means that when translating into English you will have to take into account
It must be determined whether the implied condition is real or unreal. If the particle “would” is present, then the condition in this phrase is unreal.
What time does the conditional part refer to? If to the past - this is the third type. If to the present or future - the second.
In cases where one part complex sentence refers to the past, and the second - to the present, a mixed type is used.

Conditionals in English: exercises with answers

Completing various tasks will help you absorb information faster:

Exercise 1:

a) compare parts of sentences and determine the type of condition;
b) translate into Russian.

1. If you had taken my advice...	A. ... I"ll win.
2. If you are ill...	B. ... I would put on a coat.
3. If I enter the competition...	C. ...you won't have got into such trouble.
4. If he had found out...	D. ... see a doctor.
5. If I were you...	E. ...he would have been angry.
6. If you make a mistake...	F. ...teacher will correct it.

Task 2: translate into English, determine the type:

If you had called me, I would have known about it.
If you want to win, you need to try harder.
If he loved books, he would read them.
If people go to the gym, they feel better.
If it rains when we arrive, we will cancel the picnic.

Answers 1:

C. If you had listened to my advice, you would not have such troubles. (3)
D. If you are sick, consult a doctor. (0)
A. If I go to the competition, I will win. (2)
E. If he found out, he would be angry. (3)
B. If I were you, I would put on a coat. (2)
F. If you make a mistake, the teacher will correct you. (1)

Answers 2:

If you had called me, I would have known about it. (3)
If you want to win, you have to try harder. (1)
If he liked books, he would read them. (2)
If people go to the gym, they feel better. (0)
If it is raining when we arrive, we"ll cancel the picnic. (1)

The topic of Conditionals in English is quite easy to understand. In order to freely use various grammatical formulas and constructions in everyday speech, accurately determining the type of conditional sentence, it is extremely important to consolidate the acquired knowledge in practice. In addition to performing exercises on translation and comparison of phrases, you need to include such structures in your everyday speech, find them in the process of reading literature in the original and use them in writing.

If ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Present ...
or
Simple Present ... if ... Simple Present ...

Use

Conditional sentences of zero type in English are used when events, things, phenomena are described that are always true, real (for example, well-known truths, scientific facts, etc.).

For example:
If you give respect, you get respect.
If You respect those around you, and also you respect.

If you heat ice, it melts.
If heated ice, then he melts.

If I am late, my father takes me to school.
If I I'm late then father takes me to school.

If he comes to town, we have dinner together.
If He arrives to the city, we're together having dinner.

Ask him to wait if he gets there before me.
Ask wait for him If He will come there before me.

In conditional sentences of zero type, the conjunction if can be replaced by a conjunction when:

When I am late, my father takes me to school.
When I I'm late then father takes me to school.

When he comes to town, we have dinner together.
When He arrives to the city, we're together having dinner.