conditionals

CONDITIONALS

Conditional linking words : if, as/ so long, unless, even if, providing, provided ( that), on condition that, no matter how/ who/what/ where/when

GENERAL TRUTH

Form : if + present simple  + present simple in the main clause

Use : to describe general truth

If there is life on other planets, we are not alone

POSSIBILITY / LIKELIHOOD IN THE PRESENT OR FUTURE

Form : if + present simple/ present continuous/ present perfect + present continuous, future or imperative in the main clause

Use : to describe what is possible or likely in the present or future

We won’t get an interview unless you’ve filled in an application form

Ask Tom  to buy the land no matter how much it costs

If you are watching TV  you will see  him presenting the news

UNLIKELY IR CONTRARY TO PRESENT FACT

Form :  if + past simple/ continuous + would/could etc + past participle in the main clause

Use : to talk about something:

That is contrary to the present facts or seen as very unlikely to happen

If I was/were  twenty years younger, I’d emigrate

If I was/were Prime Minister, I’d make health care free

 Which is very unlikely to happen in the future

No matter how safe it was, I wouldn’t want to travel in space

 I wouldn’t apply for that job unless/thought I had a good chance of getting it

To give advice

I’d write it out again if I were you

CONTRARY TO FACT IN PAST

Form : if + past perfect + would/could etc have + past participle in the main clause

Use : to describe something in the past that could have happened but didn’t , or that shouldn’t have happened but did

I wouldn’t have told her that if I’d known she ‘d tell everyone else

She could have got there on time if she’s not missed the bus

MIXED CONDITIONAL

An if clause referring to the past with a main clause referring to a present or future

If I had invested in that company ten yeas ago, I would be rich now

If we hadn’t been given all that homework we could go swimming

An if clause referring to the present or future with a main clause referring to the past

If you don’t like sweet things you shouldn’t have ordered that dessert

If you have got an exam tomorrow you ought to have started revising by now

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