In our everyday speech, we constantly use constructions that express any conditions. In English, sentences that contain the word "if" are very common. In English, these sentences are considered quite difficult to learn, but if desired, they can be quickly mastered. In this article, the third type of conditional sentences and a comparative analysis with other types will be considered in more detail.
conditional sentences of type 2 in English
How are formed
Normally conditional sentences are divided into three types depending on how likely the situation is that unfolds in the present, past or future. These three types are the main types, but there are other mixed types.
A conditional sentence traditionally has two parts: a condition and a result (result). The first one is quite easy to recognize - it always has an if at the beginning of the words. The result tells us what will happen if any condition is met. There are four basic sentence data types in English:
0th (Zero Conditional);
1st (1st Conditional);
2nd (2nd Conditional);
3rd (3rd Conditional).
We will consider the last type of conditional sentences in more detail. Events of this type refer to the past tense, they could have happened, but did not happen for some reason.
conditional sentences in English in the table
For all these species, different species-temporal forms are used, which give their formulas for constructing sentences.
The word if (that is, the beginning of the condition) can go either at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. In Russian, the condition is always separated from the total by a comma. In English, a comma is placed only when the condition comes at the beginning.
conditional sentences of type 3 in English
3 types of conditional sentences in English
This type of offer is unrealistic. Type 3 conditional sentences in English are the most complex among the others - the subjunctive type. The action in the third type refers to the past, the time has expired, and there is no way to perform this action, which depends on this condition, since the situation is already in the past. Conditional sentences of type 2 in English affect a situation that occurs in the present, but it is inherently unlikely. Summing up, we can say that the condition in the if-clause cannot be implemented, it is unrealistic and contradicts the real situation. Conditional sentences of type 1 in English, on the contrary, tell about a real situation in the present tense, something that actually can happen.
first typeconditional sentences in English
Examples and formula for using the 3rd type of conditional sentences
The third type can be called "unreal past". Its whole essence lies in one simple phrase: regret for the past. Something happened long ago in the past, and there is some regret and experience about this, but it is no longer possible to change the situation. This is unrealistic, since a lot of time has passed, and, as the saying goes, "the past cannot be returned." At its core, the third type is the only kind of conditional that refers to the past period of time.
If I hadn't overslept, I wouldn't have been late in the office for consultation. – If I hadn’t overslept, I wouldn’t have been late to the office for a consultation.
If she had been more responsable, she would have been promoted three years ago. – If she had been more responsible, she would have been promoted three years ago.
Also, type 3 conditional sentences in English are used when people condemn any action that happened in the past and which can no longer be changed.
If you had read attentively this book, you wouldn't have done many errors. – If you had read the book carefully, you would not have made many mistakes.
If he hadn't left his flat's door open, it wouldn't have been burgled. – If you hadn’t left the apartment door open, the apartment wouldn’t have been robbed.
3 type is also used when it is necessary to report on long-past events that positively affected the present.
She wouldn't have prepared this pie if shehadn't got so much commendation. – He wouldn’t have made this cake if he didn’t get so much advice.
If I hadn't loved you, I wouldn't have married you. – If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t marry you.
Pay attention to the aspect that conditional sentences of the 3rd type, as well as the 2nd, are translated in the subjunctive mood, that is, with a particle "would" into Russian.
conditional sentences in English exercises
Conjunctions in conditional sentences
In this type of syntactic constructions, the subordinate clause is most often attached to the main one using the unions if (if) and when (when), but other unions are also often used, these can be: unless (if … not), provided that, providing that, on condition that (provided that…)
Unless is commonly used in colloquial speech.
You’ll be off work on Sunday unless Rick gets ill. – You have Monday off if Rick doesn’t get sick.
I'll have to call police unless you go away from here. – I'll have to call the police if you don't leave here.
conditional sentences of type 1 in English
Constructions provided that, providing that, on condition that are used in official written and clerical speech. In communication and simple everyday speech, the word that is often omitted.
We can send you the letter on Monday provided (that) we get your request within the next three months. – We can send you a letter on Monday, provided thatWe will receive your request within the next three months.
Modal conditional sentences
In conditional sentences with different degrees of possibility, constructions with modal verbs are often used, and not only to express the total and, but also to express the main condition. Consider the options for using constructions with this type of verbs.
Conditions that are real:
If they canaid, they do. (=They aid).
If she has towrite, she does. (=She writes).
Conditions that are real:
If they could aid they would. (=They would aid).
If he had to visit, he would. (=He would visit).
Meaning of sentences with modal verbs
Subtleties of using verbs of duty:
The 'if I may (might)' construct has a similar meaning to 'if you permit me to'. 'If I might' is softer and more formal than 'if I may', but both are respectful forms. When 'should' is used with a condition, it means that it is unlikely or unrealistic, but still possible. ‘If you should need any aid…’
When the verbs 'will' or 'would' are used with a condition, they express will or intention. ‘If you will aid her, Sara will thank you.’ - “If you want to help him, he will thank you.” In conditional sentences in present or future tense, ‘could’in some situations it means permission, in others it means possibility, and in others it means both permission and ability. ‘If Oleg could call you, he would.’ - “If Oleg could call, he would have called. In unreal conditional sentences in the past tense, ‘could have’ can have the meaning of ability.
Conditional sentences in English in the table
Let's consider schematically the types of conditional sentences and their formula for the formation of each type. Conditional sentences in English in the table are presented below.
Conditional Type
Education
Condition
Result
The null conditional type describes the actual state of affairs.
If + Present Indefinite
Present Simple
The first type of conditional in English describes events that may happen in the present or future.
If + Present Indefinite
Future Simple
The second type of conditional describes conditions in the present or future that are unrealistic.
If + Past Indefinite
would + verb without to
The third type of conditional sentences are unreal events in the past
If + Past Perfect
would have + past participle
Type 1 conditional sentences in English, inunlike others, show the real possibility of a situation. They have the present simple tense in their formula. Type 3 conditional sentences in English, on the contrary, express an unreal past that cannot be changed.
Fixing the topic
So what are conditional sentences in English? Exercises will help reinforce the topic.
Write the verbs in brackets in the correct form:
if you… (have) more money, you… (visit) Indonesia last year. - If you had more money, you would have visited Indonesia last year.
If you (love) me, you never (leave) me before our wedding. - If you loved me, you wouldn't leave me before the wedding.
if she (attend) the classes, she (get) more positive marks three days ago. - If she had attended class, she would have gotten higher grades three days ago.
if our driver … (not take) the wrong turn, you … (not come) late yesterday. - If our driver hadn't taken the wrong turn, you wouldn't have arrived late yesterday.
If your mother … (not quarrel) with you a week ago, you… (go) to the theatre. - If your mother had not quarreled with you a week ago, you would have gone to the theater.
If I (be) more smart ten years ago, I never (get) along with you. - If I had been smarter 10 years ago, I wouldn't have made peace with you.
If we (buy) a car five weeks ago, we really (save) $2000. - If we had bought the car five weeks ago, we would have saved $2,000.
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