Conditional sentences – type 1, 2, 3

Conditional sentences – type I

1. Use

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

2. Form

if clause	main clause
Simple Present	will-future
	infinitive
	Modal + infinitive

3. Examples

if clause	main clause
If I study,	I will pass the exams.
If you see John tonight,	tell him to e-mail me.
If Ben gets up early,	he can catch the bus.

The if-clause can be at the beginning or at the end of a sentence.

if clause	main clause
If I study,	I will pass the exams.
main clause		if clause
I will pass the exams		if I study.

Conditional sentences – type II

 

1. Use

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

2. Form

if clause	main clause
Simple Past	would + infinitive
	could + infinitive
	might + infinitive

3. Examples

if clause	main clause
If I studied,	I would pass the exams.
If I studied,	I could pass the exams.
If I studied,	I might pass the exams.

The if-clause can be at the beginning or at the end of a sentence.

if clause	main clause
If I studied,	I would pass the exams.
main clause		if clause
I would pass the exams		if I studied.

 

Conditional sentences – type III

 

1. Use

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

2. Form

if clause	main clause
Past Perfect	would + have + past participle
	could + have + past participle
	might + have + past participle

3. Examples

if clause	main clause
If I had studied,	I would have passed the exams.
If I had studied,	I could have passed the exams.
If I had studied,	I might have passed the exams.

The if-clause can be at the beginning or at the end of a sentence.

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