Third Conditional (Type 3)

Zero Conditional (Type 0)

Zero Conditional Sentences express a general or scientific truth which is true for present, past and future. It is a rule that result always depends on, follows from or is caused by condition.

(‘ If ’means ‘ when/whenever ’or‘ it is true that ’)

First Conditional (Type 1)

We use First Conditional Sentences to say that events or situations are possible in the future but not certain.

The Indicative and the Imperative Mood are used.

• If he goes now, he will catch the train. (perhaps he will catch or perhaps he won’t)

• I’ ll come back later if you are working now.

• What will you do if you don’t find a job?

• Don’t be angry if I stay out late.

• If I see Jack, I will give him your message.

• If I don’t hurry, it will be dark before I get to Grandma’s house.

• If you need something from the fridge, help yourself.

Note: There are some very common expressions with ‘if’:

If I can; If I have time; If you like; If you want (to).

Notice that in all these phrases we use a present tense to talk about the future:

Second Conditional (Type 2)

We use Second Conditional Sentences (unreal present)to talk about unreal, imaginary or unlikely events or situations in the present or future.

In sentences of unreal condition referring to the present or future the Past Subjunctive of the verb ‘ to be ’ (the form ‘ were ’) is used in the subordinate clause. With other verbs the same meaning is expressed by the Past Indefinite of the Indicative Mood. In the principal clause we find the analytical subjunctive consisting of the mood auxiliary should/would and the Indefinite Infinitive (or the Future Indefinite in the Past).

• I would give up my job if I didn’t like it. Я бы ушел с работы, если бы не любил её.

• If you drove carefully, you wouldn’t have accidents. Если бы вы ездили на машине внимательно, вы не попадали бы в аварии.

• If I were better qualified, I would apply for the job.

The structure If I were you,.... is used to give advice.

• If I were you, I would apologize to her. На твоём месте я бы извинился перед ней.

• If I were the president of the country, I would increase taxation. (But it’s not very likely that I will ever be the president)

The structure ‘ I would if I could ’ is often used to make an excuse.

• Will you give me a lift? - I would if I could, but I’m just too busy.

Third Conditional (Type 3)

We use Third Conditional Sentences (unreal past) to talk about unreal, imaginary or unlikely events or situations in the past.

We also use them to express regret or criticism.

In sentences of unreal condition referring to the past the Past Perfect of the Indicative Mood is used in the subordinate clause. In the principal clause we find the analytical subjunctive consisting of the mood auxiliary should/would and the Perfect Infinitive (or the Future Perfect in the Past or the form would have + past participle).

• If I had lived in the Stone Age, I would have been a hunter. Если бы я жил в каменном веке, я был бы охотником.

• If they had invited us last week, we would have gone to the party. Если бы они пригласили нас на прошлой неделе, мы бы пошли на вечеринку.

• If you had followed my direction then, you wouldn’t have got lost. (But you didn’t follow my directions and, therefore, you got lost)

• If I had left home on time, I would not have missed the bus. (I missed the bus because I didn’t leave home on time)

• If you hadn’t lent us the money yesterday, we would have gone to the bank.

• The view was wonderful. If I had had a camera, I would have taken some photographs.

In Second and Third Conditional Sentences the modal verbs could and might can be used.

• If she had private classes, she could pass the exam.

• If they had taught us how to use the machine safely, the accident might never have happened.

• I would be grateful if I could receive any information. Я был бы благодарен, если бы смог получить какую-нибудь информацию.

• “If a man could have half his wishes, he would double his troubles.” (B. Franklin) “Если бы человек мог иметь половину того, что он хочет, он бы удвоил свои проблемы”.

• If I could have bought the painting, I might have told you. Если бы я смог купить картину, я бы, может быть, сказал тебе.

Note that you can have modal verbs in both clauses: the principal clause and subordinate clause.

Conditional Sentences: