Today we are interested in a topic such as Conditionals. The rule for the formation of this type of proposal depends on the type of condition. We will analyze all the options for such offers. There are several types of conditional sentences. The rules for their construction are simple, but still require careful study. Once you delve into the essence of the topic, you will no longer have difficulties in using the necessary forms, both in oral and in written speech.
Conditional sentences: rules of use
First you need to figure out what the conditional sentences are. Recall the syntax rules. The grammar distinguishes between:
- simple sentences;
- complex sentences.
Complicated sentences, in turn, are divided into:
- difficult subordinates;
- Complicated.
Complex structures in structure consist of:
- main offer;
- subordinate clause.
From what function in relation to the main sentence the subordinate performs, its type also depends. The following types are known:
- additional;
- definitive;
- adverbial.
Due to the fact that circumstances are different, they also distinguish different subordinate clauses:
- time;
- places
- way of action;
- causes;
- goals
- conditions.
So we came to the topic that interests us today, namely, “Conditional clauses”. You probably noticed that all the information is absolutely identical to the rules of the syntax of the Russian language. But from this moment the differences begin, so carefully study all the rules for their correct use. There are several types of conditions:
All of them have their own formation rules. We will talk about each of them separately. The general rule for all is the use of the if union, which translates as if. Sometimes when may occur in the meaning of when. Also, all types of conditional sentences apply to the punctuation rule, which states: if the subordinate clause is at the beginning, then it is separated from the main comma; if the main thing is ahead, no punctuation is necessary. To translate the whole sentence, it does not matter in what order the parts of a complex design are.
Conditional sentences 0 type
This is the very first type of Conditionals. The rule of their formation is that the present tense is applied in both parts of the sentence, despite the fact that the future sounds in Russian.
Main offer | Clause with if |
Present | Present |
A distinctive feature is that in such sentences certain laws are expressed or logical conclusions are clear to everyone.
- If you heat water up to 90 degrees, it boils. If you heat the water to 90 degrees, it will boil (it’s an understandable fact, and it doesn’t matter that the future tense is used in Russian).
- He gets no salary if he doesn't work. He will not receive a salary if he does not work.
Type 1 conditional sentences
The situation is different with 1 Conditional, the rule of which says the following: this type of subordinate clause is used to express the possible course of events when a certain condition is fulfilled. In such designs, the formula is used:
Main offer | Clause with if |
Future | Present |
Moreover, it doesn’t matter which part the sentence begins with.
- If you get a high scholarship, you will buy a new bag. If you receive a large scholarship, you will buy a new bag (a very real action, but it will be completed only after the condition is met).
- We will go to the Crimea if our father has a day off. We will go to the Crimea if dad has a day off.
- He can visit her if she is ill. He will be able to visit her if she gets sick (modal verbs are applied in a form that corresponds to a given time).
Type 2 (Second conditional): rule
This type of offer is different from the previous one. Conditional 2, the rule of use of which is a little more complicated, is used to express an impracticable future. The fulfillment of the action is unlikely, and in the Russian language is transmitted by the proverb “If only if only.” This is the main difference between Second conditional. The rule of formation of such a proposal:
Main offer | Clause with if |
Future in the past (would + infinitive) | Past time |
The peculiarity of this design is that the verb to be here has only one form were, which is used in all numbers and persons.
- If we bought a ticket, we would go to this play. If we bought a ticket, we would go to this performance.
- He would marry her if she agreed. He would marry her if she agreed.
- If I were you I would phone her. If I were in your place, I would call her.
Conditional sentences 3 types
There are other types of Conditionals. The rule of application of type 3 implies a certain unfulfilled situation in the past, that is, what could happen, but it certainly didn’t happen. To express such an action, the formula is used:
Main offer | Clause with if |
would + perfect time infinitive | Past perfect tense |
Sometimes the formation of a sentence without an excuse is allowed.
- If she had bought me a toy, I would have played with it all through the day. If she bought me a toy, I would play with her all day.
- He would have sold the bike if his parents had presented him a car. He would sell a motorcycle if his parents gave him a car.
- Had he called her, she would have come. If he had called her, she would have come.
Mixed type
There is another, mixed type Conditionals. The rule of its use says the following: if you need to express a combination of different conditions from sentences of type 2 or 3, you can apply this type of construction. In such a proposal, one of the actions necessarily refers to the past. The formula may look different. With the ratio of conditions to the past:
Main offer | Clause with if |
would + infinitive | Past perfect tense |
- If he had finished the work in time, we would be home now. If he finished the work on time, we would be at home now.
If the investigation refers to the past, then the proposal is constructed as follows:
Main offer | Clause with if |
would + perfect time infinitive | Past time |
- If we were students, we would have done it in another way then. If we were students, then we would have done everything differently.
From all the material it is clear that the use of conditional sentences will not cause difficulties if you carefully study the rules. Practice using them in spoken and written language, and you will have no problems.