Теоретический и контрольно-тестовый материал по теме "Условные предложения"

The conditional sentences

Knyazeva E.G.

Vyazma, Smolensk region

School № 2

Theoretical Part

Very often conditional sentences are confusing for learners. This presentation is designed to explain general aspects of “IF − clauses”. Here you can find the rules, examples and tests to check out your knowledge.

A conditional sentence is a complex sentence with a subordinate clause of condition that usually begins with the conjunction IF. The clause of condition (the if − clause) indicates the conditions under which the action in the main clause may be realized. So, when you begin your sentence with IF you should do this:

• To determine if there is “IF” in a sentence (real or unreal condition)
• To determine what tense is used in a sentence (present, past or future)

The conditional sentences are divided into the following types:

• Zero conditional sentences
• First conditional sentences
• Second conditional sentences
• Third conditional sentences
• Mixed sentences

Zero conditional sentences

(if + present simple, ... present simple)

This conditional is used when the result will always happen. It implies not a particular situation but general one and often describes laws of nature and widely known facts. In this conditional “IF” also can be replaced by “WHEN” without changing the meaning. The present simple is used in both clauses.

e.g. If people eat too much, they get fat.

e.g. If babies are hungry, they cry .

e.g. You  get  water if you  mix  hydrogen and oxygen.

First conditional sentences

(if + present simple, ... will + infinitive)

This conditional expresses real or possible situations in the present or future.

e.g. I will go shopping on the way home if I have time.

e.g. If I  study  today, I will go  to the party tonight.

e.g. If I  have  enough money, I will buy  some new shoes.

Second conditional sentences

(if + past simple, ... would + infinitive)

This conditional is used when an implementation of an action in certain situations in the present or future is unreal. We can use it when:

• we speak about our dreams and wishes or something that is not going to happen:

e.g. If I  won  the lottery, I  would buy  a big house. (I probably won't win the lottery)

e.g. If I  met  the Queen of England, I  would say  hello.

e.g. Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?

• we speak about something in present that is not possible because it is not true:

e.g. If I  had  his number, I  would call  him. (I don't have his number now, so it's impossible for me to call him).

Third conditional sentences

(if + past perfect, ...would + have + past participle)

This conditional expresses a situation in the past that did not happen, but we image the result.

e.g. If she  had studied , she  would have passed the exam (but, really we know she didn't study and so she didn't pass).

e.g. If we  had taken  a taxi, we wouldn't have missed  the plane.

Mixed sentences

We use Second and Third conditional in order to form mixed sentences. In this case the subordinate clause is related to the future and the main clause is related to the past.

e.g. If I were smarter, I  would have graduated   from Stanford.

e.g. If my father hadn’t lost  his keys, we  wouldn’t have to wait until he finds them.

Complete the conditional sentences

• If you (go)  out with your friends tonight, I (watch)  the football match on TV.
• I (earn)  a lot of money if I (get)  that job.
• If she (hurry / not)  we (miss)  the bus.
• If he (try)  harder, he (reach)  his goals.
• I (buy)  these shoes if they (fit).
• It (surprise / not)  me if he (know / not)  the answer.
• If we (listen)  to the radio, we (hear)  the news.
• If you (switch)  on the lights, you (fall / not)  over the chair.
• She (come)  to our party if she (be / not)  on holiday.
• If I stronger, I'd help you carry the piano .

• If I (be) stronger, I'd help you carry the piano.
• If we'd seen you, we (stop).If we (meet) him tomorrow, we'll say hello.
• He would have repaired the car himself if he (have) the tools.
• If you drop the vase, it (break).
• If I hadn't studied, I (pass) the exam.
• I wouldn't go to school by bus if I (have) a driving licence.
• If she (see) him every day, she'd be lovesick.
• I (travel / not) to London if I don't get a cheap flight.
• We'd be stupid if we (tell) him about our secret.

• If you (do) what your parents said, you would be rich now.
• Nick would have passed that English exam if he (have / not) lazy.
• If I had been you, I (tell) your mother about yesterday.
• If you had taken the job, you (earn) much more now.
• If I were a good cook, I (cook) your favorite meal.
• If you decide to study medicine ten years ago, you would be a good doctor.
• If I had won the Lotto yesterday, I (fly) across the world today.
• If she (arrive) two hours ago, I would be angry now.

The information is taken from:

http://www.ego4u.com/

http://englishstyle.net/

http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/

http://usefulenglish.ru/