Conditional Sentence Type 1
Often called the "real" conditional because it is used for real or possible situations. These situations take place if a certain condition is met. It is possible and also very likely that the condition will be fulfilled.
Form:
If + Simple Present, + Simple Future |
Use
Conditional Sentences Type 1 refer to the future. An action in the future will only happen if a certain condition is fulfilled by that time. We don't know for sure whether the condition actually will be fulfilled or not, but the conditions seems rather realistic ΓÇô so we think it is likely to happen.
Example:
If I have enough time, I'll watch the football match.
I may have time to watch the match but I'm not sure about it.
Conditional Sentence Type 2
Often called the "unreal" conditional because it is used for unreal impossible or improbable situations. This conditional provides an imaginary result for a given situation. It is very unlikely that the condition will be fulfilled.
Form:
if + Simple Past, + would + base verb |
Were / Was
In conditional type 2, we usually use were" instead of "was" in the if clause " even if the pronoun is I, he, she or it. "were" here is a subjunctive form.
NOTE "was" is also a possible form.
Example:
If I were a millionaire, I would buy a castle.
Use
Conditional Sentences Type 2 refer to an action in the present that could happen if the present situation were different. I don't really expect the situation to change because it is very unlikely.
Example:
If I had a lot of money, I would travel around the world.
Conditional Sentence Type 3
It is impossible that the condition will be met because it refers to the past.
Form:
if + Past Perfect, + would + have + Past Participle |
Use
Conditional Sentences Type 3 refer to situations in the past. They express hypothetical results to past given situations.
Example:
If he had been careful, he wouldn't have had that terrible accident.
Sometimes in the past, he was careless. He drove so fast. So he had a terrible accident
Things to remember
1. The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, don't use a comma.
Examples:
"Phosphorus burns if you expose it to air."
" I will send her an invitation if I find her address."
" I would travel around the world if I had a million dollars."
"He wouldn't have had that terrible accident if he had been careful."
2. Main clause and/or if clause might be negative.
Example:
If I donΓÇÖt see him this afternoon, I will phone him in the evening.
If he had been careful, he wouldn't have had an accident.