Conditional clauses

Conditional clauses
Summary
Open: If it rains tomorrow, I won’t go.
The use of conditional clauses A
We often use if to express a condition.
If you’re going into college, I could give you a lift.
Here there is a conditional clause (If you’re going into college) and a main clause (I could give you a lift).
Conditions can be open or unreal.
Unreal: If I was a bit taller, I could reach.
If I complained, no one would take any notice.
Verbs in conditional sentences B
There are many different combinations of verb forms. Here are some examples.
If I complain, no one ever takes any notice.
If I complain, no one will take any notice.
If I had complained, no one would have taken any notice.
Besides if, we can use other conjunctions to express a condition.
Should, were, had and inversion  C
We can use inversion in clauses with should, were and had.
Should it rain, the reception will be held indoors.
If, as long as, unless, in case etc  D
You can picnic here as long as you don’t leave litter.
A. The use of conditional clauses.
This real conversation contains some conditional clauses.
RENEWING YOUR LIBRARY BOOKS
Reader: And if I want to renew my books, do I have to come in, or can I phone and renew them? I think there`s a system where I can phone and tell you the numbers or something like that?
Reader: That`s the number on the back?
Librarian: Yes, that`s quite all right. Or you can even send us a letter. As long as you give us the accession number of the book.
Conditions express different degrees of reality. For example, a condition can be open or unreal.
Librarian: No, that`s the class number. The number -the accession number- you`ll find if you open the book on the fly-leaf. It`s usually about six numbers at least. And if you`d give us that, the date that is stamped on the date label-the last date stamped - and your name and address.
Reader: Uh-huh. If I do that, how do I know that it`s all right? I mean, if you want the book back, do you write to me?
Librarian: Yes, we would do that if you had written in, but of course, if you`d telephoned or called in we could tell you then.
An open condition expresses something which may be true or may become true. (You may join the library). An unreal condition expresses something which is not true or is imaginary. (You did not arrive later.)
Unreal: If you`d arrived ten minutes later, we would have been closed.
Open: If you join the library, you can borrow books.
(from M. Underwood Listen to This!)
If I win the prize, I`ll share it with you..
Note
A condition can also be definitely true.
I’m tired. ~ Well, if you`re tired, let`s have a rest.
The meaning here is similar to You`re tired, so let`s have a rest.
2. We can use conditional sentences in a number of different ways: for example to request, advise, criticize, suggest, offer, warn or threaten.
If you`re going into town, could you post this letter for me?
If you need more information, you should see your careers teacher.
If you hadn`t forgotten your passport, we wouldn`t be in such a rush.
We can go for a walk if you like.
If you don`t leave immediately, I`ll call the police.
If you`re walking along the cliff top, don`t go too near the edge.
In general we use verb forms in conditional sentences in the same way as in other kinds of sentences. In open conditions we use the present to refer to the future (if you go to one of the agencies). When we talk about something unreal we often use the past (if you lived) and would (you would have four birthdays).
B. Verbs in conditional sentences.
1. Introduction
a. We can use many different verb forms in conditional sentences. Here are some real examples.
If you haven`t got television, you can`t watch it.
If you go to one of the agencies, they have a lot of temporary jobs.
If someone else has requested the book, you would have to give it back.
If you lived on the planet Mercury, you would have four birthdays in a single Earth year.
Well, if your friends left half an hour ago, they aren`t going to get to Cornwall by tea time.
NOTE
When the condition is true, we use verb forms in the normal way.
2. Type 0 conditionals
b. There are some verb forms which often go together. These patterns are usually called Types 1, 2 and 3.
Type 1: If the company fails, we will lose our money.
Type 2: If the company failed, we would lose our money.
Type 3: If the company had failed, we would have lost our money.
There is another common pattern which we can call Type O.
Type 0: If the company fails, we lose our money.
c. The if-clause usually comes before the main clause, but it can come after it.
We lose our money if the company fails.
(= Every time I reverse the car, ...)
If/When I reverse the car, it makes a funny noise.
We can use when instead of if.
Here the pattern means that one thing always follows automatically from another.
If you heat iron, it expands.
If the doorbell rings, the dog barks.
a. The pattern is if... + present... + present.
The milk will go off if you leave it by the radiator.
b. We can also use Type 0 for the automatic result of a possible future action.
If the team win tomorrow, they get promotion to a higher league.
This is an open condition. It leaves open the question of whether the team will win or not.
NOTE As well as the present simple, we can use the continuous.
If you`re practising on the drums, I`m going out.
3. Type 1 conditionals
a The pattern is if... + present.. .+ will.
If it rains, the reception will take place indoors.
If we don`t hurry, we`ll miss the train.
NOT if it will rain But  (3d).
We do not normally use will in an open condition.
The if-clause expresses an open condition. It leaves open the question of whether it will fain or not. Here the present simple (if it rains) expresses future time;  77.
- We can use shall instead of will after I/we.
If we don`t hurry, we will/shall miss the train.
NOTE
- We can use will in the if-clause for a result, something further in the future than the main clause.
If it does/will do me more good, I`ll take a different medicine.
If I`ve finished my work by ten, I`ll probably watch a film on TV.
b. As well as the present simple, we can use the continuous or perfect.
If we`re having ten people to dinner, we`ll need more chairs.
d. We can use will in the if-clause for willingness and won `t for a refusal.
As well as will, we can use other modal verbs and similar expressions in the main clause.
If we miss the train, we can get the next one.
If Simon is hoping to borrow the car, he`s going to be disappointed.
If you phone at six, they might be having tea.
We can also use the imperative.
If you`re going out, take your key.
If you drink, don`t drive.
c. A present tense in the if-clause can refer to the present.
If you like tennis, you`ll be watching Wimbledon next week, I suppose.
If it`s raining already, I`m definitely not going out.
If you`ll just take a seat, Mr Parsons will be with you in a moment.
We can also use will in the if-clause for a request.
If the car won`t start, I`ll have to ring the garage.
If everyone will help, we`ll soon get the job done.
Here the past tense expresses an unreal condition. If I had lots of money means that really I haven`t got lots of money, but I am only imagining it.
4. Type 2 conditionals
a. The pattern is if... + past... + would.
If I had lots of money, I would travel round the world.
If Phil lived nearer his mother, he would visit her more often.
I`d tell you the answer if I knew what it was.
NOT if I had lot of money, I will travel round the world.
b. We do not usually mix the patterns for open and unreal conditions.
If I had lots of money. I would/should travel round the world.
NOTE
We can use should instead of would after I/we.
NOT if I would have lots of money (4e).
We do not use would for an unreal condition.
d. As well as the past simple, we can use the continuous or could.
If the sun was shining, everything would be perfect.
If I could help you, I would, but I`m afraid I can`t.
As well as would, we can use other modal verbs such as could or might in the main clause.
If I had a light, I could see what I`m doing.
If we could roll the car down the hill, we might be able to start it.
We can use would in the if-clause for a request.
If you wouldn`t mind holding the line, I`ll try to put you through.
Sometimes there is no main clause.
If you`d just sign here, please.
We can also use would like.
If you`d like to see the exhibition, it would be nice to go together.
c. We also use the Type 2 pattern for a theoretical possibility in the future.
If you lost the book, you would have to pay for a new one.
If we caught the early train, we`d be in Manchester by lunch time.
Here the past tense expresses an imaginary future action such as losing the book.
Compare Types 1 and 2 for possible future actions.
Type 1: If we stay in a hotel, it will be expensive.
Type 2: If we stayed in a hotel, it would be expensive.
Type 1 expresses the action as an open possibility. (We mayor may not stay in a hotel.) Type 2 expresses the action as a theoretical possibility, something more distant from reality. .
NOTE
It can be more polite to use the Type 2 pattern because it is more tentative.
Would it be OK if I brought a friend? ~Yes, of course.
Shall we go along the by- pass? ~Well, if we went through the town centre, it would probably be quicker.
5. Open conditions in the past
We can use the past tense for an open condition in the past.
Perhaps Mike took a taxi. ~Well, if he took a taxi, he ought to be here by now.
I used to live near the library. If I wanted a book, I went and got one/I would go and get one.
b. We can use a Type 2 pattern as the past of a Type 1.
Type 1: Don`t go. If you accept the invitation, you will regret it.
Type 2: I told you that if you accepted the invitation you would regret it. And now you are regretting it, aren`t you?
We can combine a past condition with a future result.
If they posted the parcel yesterday, it won`t get here before Friday.
6. Type 3 conditionals
The pattern is if. ..+ past perfect. ..+ would + perfect.
If you had taken a taxi, you would have got here in time.
If I`d phoned to renew the books, I wouldn`t have had to pay a fine.
The man would have died if the ambulance hadn`t arrived so quickly.
We`d have gone to the talk if we`d known about it.
(= We would have gone if we had known,)
Here the past perfect refers to something unreal, an imaginary past action. If you had taken a taxi means that you didn`t take one.
We cannot use the past simple or perfect in the main clause.
NOT If you had taken a taxi, you got/had got here in time.
NOTE
Would have (or had have) is not used in the if-clause except in very informal speech.
If you`d have taken a taxi, you`d have got here on time.
But many people regard this as incorrect.
b. We can use could + perfect in the if-clause.
If I could have warned you in time. I would have done.
We can use other modal verbs such as could or might + perfect in the main clause.
If I`d written the address down. I could have saved myself some trouble.
The plan might not have worked if we hadn`t had one great piece of luck.
NOTE
We can also use continuous forms.
If he hadn`t been evicted by his landlord, he wouldn`t have been sleeping in the streets.
c. We can mix Types 2 and 3.
If Tom was a bit more ambitious, he would have found himself a better job years ago.
If you hadn`t woken me up in the middle of the night, I wouldn`t feel so tired now.
NOTE
We can also use a Type 1 condition with a Type 3 main clause.
If you know London so well, you shouldn`t have got lost.
C. Should, were, had and inversion
The following types of clause are rather formal.
1. We can use should in an if-clause to talk about something which is possible but not very likely.
I`m not expecting any calls, but if anyone should ring, could you take a message?
If you should fall ill, we will pay your hospital expenses.
NOTE
We can also use happen to.
If anyone happens to ring/should happen to ring; could you take a message?
2. Sometimes we use the subjunctive were instead of was.  242 (3)
If the picture was/were genuine, it would be worth thousands of pounds.
If it wasn`t/weren`t for Emma, I`d have no friends at all.
(= Without Emma, ...)
We can also use were to for a theoretical possibility.
If the decision were to go against us, we would appeal.
3. We can express a condition with should or the subjunctive were by inverting the subject and verb.
Should anyone ring, could you take a message?
Should we not succeed, the consequences would be disastrous.
Were the picture genuine, it would be worth thousands of pounds .
Were the decision to go against us, we would appeal.
We can do the same with the past perfect (Type 3.  257(6)).
Had you taken a taxi, you would have got here on time.
Had the guests not complained, nothing would have been done.
But an if-clause is more common, especially in informal English.
D. If, as long as, unless, in case etc
1. If and when
If the doctor comes, can you let her in? (The doctor might come.)
When the doctor comes, can you let her in? (The doctor will come.)
We use if (not when) for an unreal condition.
If I could see into the future, I`d know what to do.
(1 can`t see into the future.)
But in some contexts we can use either if or when.  257(2a)
2. Short clauses
We can use a short clause with if but without a verb.
I`d like a room facing the street if (that is) possible.
If (you are) in difficulty, ring this number.
For if so and if not, 43(3e).
3. Then
After an if-clause we can use then in the main clause.
If the figures don`t add up, (then) we must have made a mistake.
If no, one else has requested the book, (then) you can renew it.
4. As long as, provided etc.
As well as if, we can also use as/so long as and provided/providing (that) to express a condition.
You can renew a book in writing as long as/so long as you give its number.
I don`t mind you using my bike provided (that) you take care of it.
We are willing to accept your offer providing (that) payment is made within seven days.
Provided/Providing (that) is a little formal.
NOTE
a On condition that is formal.
We are willing to accept your offer on condition that payment is made within seven days.
b. We can use the adverbial in that case (= if that is so).
I`ve lost my timetable. ~Well, in that case I`ll give you another one.
c. We can use the prepositions in case of and in the event of.
In case of difficulty, ring this number. (= If you have any difficulty, ...)
The prepositions with, without and but for can also express a condition.
With a bit more time, we could do a proper job. (= If we had a bit more time, ...)
But for the climate, Edinburgh would be a perfect place to live.
5. What if and suppose/supposing
After a conditional clause with these expressions, there is often no main clause.
What if the tickets don`t get here in time?
Suppose /Supposing there`s nowhere to park?
6. Unless
a. Unless means `if... not`.
We`re going to have a picnic unless it rains/if it doesn`t rain.
You can renew a book unless another reader has requested it.
Unless you refund my money, I shall take legal action. .
NOTE
We can use not unless meaning `only if`.
We won`t have a picnic unless it`s fine.
Aren`t you going to join us? ~Not unless you apologize first.
b. When an unreal condition comes before the main clause, we cannot use unless,
The horse fell, if it hadn`t fallen, it would have won the race.
NOT unless it had fallen, It would have won.
But we can use unless after the main clause, as an afterthought,
The horse won easily. No one could have overtaken it, unless it had fallen,
We do not use unless when we talk about a feeling which would result from something not happening,
Alex will be upset if you don`t come to the party.
I shall be very surprised if it doesn`t rain,
NOTE
The adverb otherwise means `if not`.
You are obliged to refund my money. Otherwise I shall take legal action.
We can use and and or to express a condition, especially in informal speech.
Touch me and I`ll scream. (= If you touch me, I`ll scream.)
Go away or I`ll scream. (= Unless you go away, I`ll scream.)
7. In case
You should insure your belongings in case they get stolen.
(= ...because they might get stolen.)
I took three novels on holiday in case I felt like doing some reading.
We can use should.
Take a pill in case the crossing is rough/should be rough.
Compare if and in case.
I`ll draw some money out of the bank if I need it.
(= I`ll draw it out at the time when I need it.)
I`ll draw some money out of the bank in case I need it.
(= I`ll draw it out because I might need it later.)
But for in case of,  (4) Note c.
NOTE For in case in American English.  307(21)
8. If and whether...or
I wouldn`t go on a camping holiday, even if you paid me.
NOT I wouldn’t go even you paid me.
Joanne wouldn`t want a dog even if she had room to keep one.
She wouldn`t want a dog whether she had room for one or not.
Whether it`s summer or winter, our neighbour always wears a pullover.
Summary
Open: If it rains tomorrow, I won’t go.
The use of conditional clauses A
We often use if to express a condition.
If you’re going into college, I could give yu a lift.
Here there is a conditional clause (If you’re going into college) and a main clause (I could give you a lift).
Conditions can be open or unreal.
Unreal: If I was a bit taller, I could reach.
If I complained, no one would take any notice.
Verbs in conditional sentences B
There are many different combinations of verb forms. Here are some examples.
If I complain, no one ever takes any notice.
If I complain, no one will take any notice.
If I had complained, no one would have taken any notice.
Besides if, we can use other conjunctions to express a condition.
Should, were, had and inversion  C
We can use inversion in clauses with should, were and had.
Should it rain, the reception will be held indoors.
If, as long as, unless, in case etc  D
You can picnic here as long as you don’t leave litter.
Thankyou for your attention