TTC
Level Three Grammar
Conditional Sentences
Dr. Kamela Golmohammadi
Conditional Sentences (Conditionals)
conditional sentences consist of two parts:
Main clause/ result clause
If clause / conditional clause
In if clause, we say a condition and in main clause, we say
the result of the mentioned condition.
Example:
If you work hard, you will get the first position.
If clause Main clause
Types of Conditional Sentences
There are five types of conditional sentences.
1) Type Zero (Zero Condition)
This type of conditional sentence is used to describe things
that are always true. In this conditional an action always
happens automatically because of another action.
If clause Main clause
Simple present tense Simple present tense
Examples:
If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.
If people eat too much, they get fat.
You get water if you mix oxygen with hydrogen.
Note: In type zero ‘if’ can be replaced by ‘when’.
Example:
when you heat ice, it melts.
2) Type One (Open Condition)
This type of condition expresses real and possible situations in the
future.
If clause Main clause
Simple present tense Simple future tense
Examples:
If you work hard, you will get the first position.
If it snows, we will stay home.
Will you help Ali if he asks you?
Note: In type one, in the main clause instead of ‘will’ we use ‘can’
and ‘may’ to express ability and possibility.
Examples:
If she doesn’t make absence anymore, the teacher may allow her
to continue the term.
If he studies day and night, he can get the first position.
3) Type Two (Half Open Condition)
This type of conditional sentence describes an unreal and impossible
situations with regard to the present or future.
If clause Main clause
Simple past tense Would + 1st V
Examples:
If I had money, I would buy a new car.
If she were present, she would receive 1000$.
You would catch the last bus if you left on time.
Note: In type two, the to be verb ‘were’ is used for all subjects.
Better to know: In type two, we can use ‘might’ or ‘could’ instead of would
to talk about possibility or ability.
Examples:
If you worked hard, you might pass the test well.
He could go to Baghman if he had a car.
4) Type three (Closed Condition)
Type three conditional sentences express situations that can not
exist, just we imagine against past actions.
If clause Main clause
Past Perfect Tense Would + Have + 3rd V
Examples:
If I had won the lottery, I would have bought a house by the sea.
If she had studied her lessons well, she would have been a doctor.
He would have bought that building if he had had money.
If I hadn’t broken my leg, I would have ridden that bike.
5) Mixed Conditional
This type of conditional sentence mixed type two and type three.
There are a few combinations. The condition emphasizes the result
of the action in the future, past or present day.
If clause Main clause
Past Perfect Tense Would + 1st V
Examples:
I would buy a house by the sea (now or future) if I had won the
lottery.
If you had taught me how to make waffles (in the past), I wouldn’t
have to buy them (now).
Their team would have scored more in the match yesterday if they
were good players.
Thank you
