In our everyday speech, we constantly use constructions expressing any conditions. In English, sentences that contain the word “if” are very common. In English, these sentences are considered quite difficult to learn, but if desired, they can be quickly mastered. In this article, the third type of conditional sentences and comparative analysis with other types will be considered in more detail.
How are formed
Usually conditional sentences are divided into three types, depending on how likely the situation is, which unfolds in the present, past or future. These three types are basic, but there are other mixed species.
A conditional sentence traditionally has two parts: a condition and a result (result). The first is pretty easy to recognize - it always has an if (if) at the beginning. The result tells us what will happen if a condition is met. There are four basic types of offer data in English:
- 0th (Zero Conditional);
- 1st (1-st Conditional);
- 2nd (2-nd Conditional);
- 3rd (3-rd Conditional).
We will consider the latter type of conditional sentences in more detail. Events of this kind relate to the past tense, they could happen, but did not happen for any reason.
For all these species, various species-time forms are used, which give their own formulas for constructing sentences.
The word if (that is, the beginning of a condition) can go either at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. In Russian, the condition is always separated by a comma from the total. In English, a comma is placed only when the condition comes at the beginning.
Conditional sentences 3 types in English
This type of offer is unrealistic. Conditional sentences of type 3 in the English language are the most complex among the rest - the subjunctive type. The action in the third type refers to the past, the time has expired, and there is no way to perform this action, which depends on this condition, since the situation is already in the past. Type 2 conditional sentences in English affect a situation that occurs in the present, but it is unlikely in nature. Summing up, we can say that the condition in the sentence in if-clause cannot be fulfilled, it is unrealistic and contradicts the real situation. Conditional sentences of type 1 in English, on the contrary, narrate about the real situation in the present tense, what actually can happen.
Examples and use of the 3rd type of conditional sentences
The third type can be called "unreal past." Its whole essence lies in one simple phrase: regret about the past. Something happened in the past, and there is some regret and worry about this, but it is no longer possible to change the situation. This is unrealistic, since a lot of time has passed, and, as the saying goes, "the past cannot be returned." At its core, the third type is the only type of conditional mood that relates to the past period of time.
If I hadn't overslept, I wouldn't have been late in the office for consultation. - If I hadn’t overslept, I wouldn’t be late for an office consultation.
If she had been more responsable, she would have been promoted three years ago. - If she were more responsible, she would have gone up three years ago.
Also, conditional sentences of type 3 in the English language are used when people condemn any actions that happened in the past and which can no longer be changed.
If you had read attentively this book, you wouldn't have done many errors. “If you read the book carefully, you would not have made many mistakes.”
If he hadn't left his flat's door open, it wouldn't have been burgled. “If you had not left the door of the apartment open, you would not have robbed the apartment.”
Type 3 is also used when it is necessary to report on past events that have a positive impact on the present.
She wouldn't have prepared this pie if she hadn't got so much commendation. “He wouldn’t have made this pie if he hadn’t gotten so much advice.”
If I hadn't loved you, I wouldn't have married you. - If I did not love you then I would not marry you.
Pay attention to the aspect that conditional sentences of the 3rd type, as well as the 2nd, are translated in the subjunctive mood, that is, with a bit of “to” into Russian.
Unions in conditional offers
In this type of syntactic constructions, the subclause most often joins the main one with the help of unions if (if) and when (when), but other unions are also often used, these can be: unless (if ... not), provided that, providing that, on condition that (provided that ...)
Union unless is commonly used colloquially.
You'll be off work on Sunday unless Rick gets ill. “You have a day off on Monday if Rick doesn't get sick.”
I'll have to call police unless you go away from here. “I'll have to call the police if you don't leave here.”
Constructions provided that, providing that, on condition that are used in official written and clerical speech. In communication and simple everyday speech, the word that is often overlooked.
We can send you the letter on Monday provided (that) we get your request within the next three months. - We can send you a letter on Monday, provided that we receive your request within the next three months.
Conditional sentences with modal verbs
Conditional sentences with varying degrees of opportunity often use constructions with modal verbs, and not only to express the result and, but also to express the main condition. Consider the options for using constructions with this type of verb.
Conditions that are real:
If they can aid, they do. (= They aid).
If she has to write, she does. (= She writes).
Conditions that are real:
If they could aid they would. (= They would aid).
If he had to visit, he would. (= He would visit).
Meaning of sentences with modal verbs
Subtleties of using verbs of obligation:
The construction of 'if I may (might)' has a meaning similar to the statement 'if you permit me to'. 'If I might' is softer in value and more formal than 'if I may', but both constructs are respectful forms. When 'should' is used with a condition, it is understood that its execution is unlikely or unrealistic, but still possible. 'If you should need any aid ...' - “if you need any support” (but it is unlikely to be needed).
When the verbs 'will' or 'would' are used with a condition, they express will or intention. 'If you will aid her, Sara will thank you.' “If you want to help him, he will thank you.” In conditional sentences specified in the present or future tense, 'could' in some situations means permission, in others it means opportunity, and in the third it means permission and ability. 'If Oleg could call you, he would.' “If Oleg could call, he would call.” In unreal conditional sentences in the past tense, 'could have' may have the value of ability.
Conditional sentences in English in the table
We consider schematically the types of conditional sentences and their formula for the formation of each type. Conditional sentences in English in the table are presented below.
Conditional type | Education |
Condition | Total |
The null type of conditional sentence describes the actual state of affairs. | If + Present Indefinite | Present Simple |
The first type of conditional sentence in English describes events that may occur in the present or future. | If + Present Indefinite | Future simple |
The second type of conditional sentences describes conditions in the present or future, which is unrealistic. | If + Past Indefinite | would + verb without to |
The third type of conditional sentences is unrealistic events in the past. | If + Past Perfect | would have + past participle |
Conditional sentences of type 1 in English, unlike others, show the real possibility of a situation. They have in their formula a real simple time. Conditional sentences of 3 types in English, on the contrary, express an unreal past that cannot be changed.
Pin topic
So what are conditional sentences in English? Exercises will help consolidate the topic.
Write the verbs in parentheses in the correct form:
if you ... (have) more money, you ... (visit) Indonesia last year. - If you had more money, then you would have visited Indonesia last year.
If you (love) me, you never (leave) me before our wedding. “If you loved me, you would not leave me before the wedding.”
if she (attend) the classes, she (get) more positive marks three days ago. - If she attended classes, she would have received higher grades three days ago.
if our driver ... (not take) the wrong turn, you ... (not come) late yesterday. “If our driver hadn’t made the wrong turn, you would not have arrived late yesterday.”
If your mother ... (not quarrel) with you a week ago, you ... (go) to the theater. “If your mother had not quarreled with you a week ago, you would have gone to the theater.”
If I (be) more smart ten years ago, I never (get) along with you. - If I were smarter than 10 years ago, I would not have reconciled with you.
If we (buy) a car five weeks ago, we really (save) $ 2000. - If we bought a car five weeks ago, we would save $ 2,000.