Conditional sentences

What is conditional sentences?

We use conditional sentences to say one thing depends on another.

We have 4 type of conditions:

• Type 0: Facts which are generally true or scientific facts.
• Type 1: condition possible to fulfill
• Type 2: condition in theory possible to fulfill
• Type 3: condition not possible to fulfill (too late)

Type 0

Facts which are generally true or scientific facts.

if-clause	main clause
Simple Present	Simple Present

• If you freeze water, it turns to ice.
• It turns to ice if you freeze water.

Type 1

A possible stuation in the future.

if-clause	main clause
Simple Present	will-future or (Modal + infinitive)

• If I study, I will pass the exam.
• I will pass the exam if I study.

Type 2

It is theoretically possible to fulfil a condition which is given in the if-clause.

if-clause	main clause
Simple Past	would + infinitive *

• If I studied, I would pass the exams.
• I would pass the exams if I studied.

Type 3

It is impossible to fulfil a condition which is given in the if-clause.

if-clause	main clause
Simple Present	would + have + past participle *

• If I had studied, I would have passed the exams.
• I would have passed the exams if I had studied.