Conditional Sentences

<<Previous By: Richard Blazek, last updated: Friday, June 03, 2005 Next>>

ALWAYS TRUE OR INSTRUCTIONS

If + <verb in present>  + <verb in present>

  • If I read in the car, I feel sick.
  • If you put petrol on a fire, it burns more quickly.
  • If the phone rings, answer it.

You can also use "When" or "Whenever" to start the sentence.

PREDICT LIKELY RESULTS IN THE FUTURE

If + <verb in present> + <verb in future (will)>

  • If we don't hurry up, we'll miss the plane.
  • If you keep listening to loud music, you'll go deaf.

SPECULATION ABOUT IMPROBABLE SITUATIONS

If + <verb in past simple> + would | could | might

  • If you did more exercise, you'd be fitter.
  • If people didn't drive so fast, there wouldn't be so many accidents.
  • If I were you, I'd think about dieting.
  • If you were on a diet, you might feel healthier.

SPECULATION ABOUT THE PAST

If + <verb in past perfect> + <would | might | could> have + past participle

  • If I'd had your e-mail address, I might have sent you an e-mail
  • If you'd been more careful, you might not have had the accident.