The conditional clauses
The conditional clauses are also known as "if-sentences" in the English grammar, due to their initiation with the word “if”
The following points should be worth considering:
- A condition is compiled by two parts: the “if“-part (the actual condition) and the outcome (the condition is accomplished).
| Condition | Outcome |
| If we run, | we will catch the train. |
| If I had more time, | I would come with you. |
| If they had not left, | they would have met you. |
- The order of the if-sentence and the main clause can be inverted without changing the meaning. (Here, the comma is dropped.)
| Condition | Outcome |
| We will catch the train | if we run. |
| I would come with you | if I had more time. |
| They would have met you | if they had not left. |
There are “three stages” of conditions: the real, the possible and the impossible. They demand a very specific interaction of tenses.
"The Real Stage"
If the (real) condition is fulfilled, the outcome will really occur. This form of conditional clauses demands the following tenses:
| Condition | Outcome | Outcome | Condition |
| if-sentence | Main Clause | Main Clause | if-sentence |
| If it rains today, | we won't go out. | We won't go out | if it rains. |
| present tense | + future tense | future tense | + present tense |
"The Possible Stage"
If the condition is probably fulfilled, the outcome will occur. This form of conditional clauses demands the following tenses:
| Condition | Outcome | Outcome | Condition |
| if-sentence | Main Clause | Main Clause | if-sentence |
| If you asked me, | I would come. | I would come | if you asked me. |
| past tense | + conditional present
(first conditional) |
conditional present
(first conditional) |
+ past tense |
conditional present/first conditional = would + infinitive (1st form)
Keep in mind:
- In the case of "to be" the formal English language uses "were", also when using I, he, she and so on. In everyday language more and more the word “was“ has prevailed. One can find both versions in spoken and written form.
| formal English | Everyday language |
| If Joe were at home, ... | If Joe was at home, ... |
| If I were in your place, ... | If I was in your place, ... |
| If it weren't so hot, ... | If it wasn't so hot, ... |
- More and more “would” has superseded the past tense in everyday English. But this cannot be observed everywhere, so be careful!
If Mike came to the party, ... - If Mike would come to the party, ...
"The Impossible Stage"
The condition cannot be fulfilled. It is impossible to fulfil, because it is in the past. This form of conditional clauses demands the following tenses:
| Condition if-sentence | Outcome Main Clause |
| If Mr. Smith had been at home, | he would have answered the phone. |
| past perfect tense | + conditional perfect (second conditional) |
conditional perfect/second conditional = would have + past participle (3rd form)
Do you like wijng? Share it with your friends, add it to you prefered social network:
