Today we are interested in such a topic as Conditionals. The rule for the formation of this type of sentence directly depends on the type of condition. We will analyze all options for such proposals. There are several types of conditional sentences. The rules for their construction are simple, but still require careful study. Once you understand the essence of the topic, you will no longer have difficulty in using the necessary forms, both in speech and in writing.
Conditional sentences: application rules
First you need to understand what conditional sentences are. Let's remember the rules of syntax. In grammar, they distinguish:
- simple sentences;
- complex sentences.
Complex sentences, in turn, are divided into:
- complex;
- compound.
Complexly subordinate constructions by structureconsist of:
- main sentence;
- subordinate (subordinate).
The function of the subordinate clause in relation to the main clause depends on its type. The following types are known:
- optional;
- definitive;
- detailed.
Due to the fact that the circumstances are different, there are different subordinate clauses:
- time;
- places;
- mode of action;
- reasons;
- goals;
- conditions.
So we come to the topic that interests us today, namely "Conditional clauses". You probably noticed that all the information is absolutely identical to the rules of the syntax of the Russian language. But from this moment the differences begin, so carefully study all the rules for their correct use. There are several types of conditions:
- zero;
- first;
- second;
- third.
They all have their own formation rules. We will talk about each of them separately. The general rule for all is to use the union if, which translates as "if". Sometimes there may be a union when in the meaning of "when". Also, all types of conditional sentences are affected by the punctuation rule, which says: if the subordinate clause comes first, then it is separated from the main comma; if the main thing is ahead, no punctuation marks are needed. To translate the entire sentence, it does not matter in what order the parts of a complex structure are.
Type 0 conditional sentences
This is the very first type of Conditionals. The rule for their formation is that the present tense is used in both parts of the sentence, despite the fact that the future sounds in Russian.
| Main offer | Related clause with if |
| Present | Present |
A distinctive feature is that such sentences express certain patterns or understandable logical conclusions.
- If you heat water up to 90 degrees, it boils. If you heat the water to 90 degrees, it will boil (everyone understands the fact, and it does not matter that the future tense is used in Russian).
- He gets no salary if he doesn't work. He won't get paid if he doesn't work.
Type 1 conditional sentences
The situation is different with 1 Conditional, the rule of which says the following: this type of clause is used to express the possible course of events when a certain condition is met. In such constructions, the formula is used:
|
Main offer |
Related clause with if |
| Future tense | Present |
It doesn't matter which part the sentence starts with.
- If you get a high scholarship, you will buy a new bag. If you receivea big scholarship, you will buy a new bag (quite a real action, but it will be done only after the condition is met).
- We will go to the Crimea if our father has a day off. We will go to the Crimea if dad has a day off.
- He can visit her if she is ill. He will be able to visit her if she falls ill (modal verbs are used in the form that corresponds to this tense).
2 type (Second conditional): rule
This type of offer is different from the previous one. Conditional 2, which has a slightly more complicated usage rule, is used to express an unrealizable future. The performance of an action is unlikely, and in Russian it is conveyed by the saying "If only, if only." This is the main difference of Second conditional. The rule for forming such an offer:
| Main offer | Related clause with if |
|
Future in the past (would + infinitive) |
Past tense |
A feature of this construction is that the verb to be here has only one form were, which is used in all numbers and persons.
- If we bought a ticket, we would go to this play. If we had bought a ticket, we would have gone to this performance.
- He would marry her if she agreed. He would marry her if she agreed.
- If I were you I would phone her. If I were you, I would call her.
3 types of conditional sentences
There are other types of Conditionals. The type 3 application rule implies a certain unaccomplished situation in the past, that is, something that could have happened, but definitely did not happen. To express such an action, the formula is used:
| Main offer | Related clause with if |
| would + perfect infinitive | Past perfect tense |
Sometimes it is allowed to form a sentence without a preposition.
- If she had bought me a toy, I would have played with it all through the day. If she bought me a toy, I would play with her all day.
- He would have sold the bike if his parents had presented him a car. He would sell the motorcycle if his parents gave him a car.
- Had he called her, she would have come. If he had called her, she would have come.
Mixed type
There is another mixed type of Conditionals. The rule for its use says the following: if you need to express a combination of different conditions from sentences of type 2 or 3, you can apply this type of construction. In such a sentence, one of the actions necessarily refers to the past. The formula may look different. With the ratio of the condition to the past:
| Main offer | Related clause with if |
| would + infinitive | Past perfect tense |
If he had finished the work in time, we would be home now. If he had finished work on time, we would be at home now
If the consequence refers to the past, then the sentence is constructed as follows:
| Main offer | Related clause with if |
| would + perfect infinitive | Past tense |
If we were students, we would have done it in another way then. If we were students, we would have done things differently then
From all the material it is clear that the use of conditional sentences will not cause difficulties if you carefully study the rules. Practice using them in speech and writing and you won't have any problems.
