Conditionals in English: types of conditional sentences

One of the difficult topics that English grammar includes is Conditionals. This section requires detailed consideration. An analogue of similar constructions in the Russian language are sentences in the subjunctive mood. However, in English there are a number of features that need to be considered when translating.

Zero type

This type of conditional sentence implies a causal relationship. It is used in cases where it is necessary to indicate a real condition, the result of which is always relevant. Most often, Zero conditional mood in English is used if you need to point out specific facts, the established order, habits, as well as when advice or instructions are given. The zero type does not apply to any single case, but implies scientific facts, patterns, well-known truths, everyday repeating actions.

The construction scheme is as follows:

Similar constructions are translated into Russian with the words “if” or “when”, without a particle “would”.

• If people eat more, they become fat. - If people eat more, they get better.
• If you set yourself a goal, you must try hard to achieve it. - If you set a goal, you must strive hard to achieve it.
• If you want to be in good trim, don't eat much. - If you want to be in good shape, do not eat too much.

The first type (real present)

First condition is used when it comes to the real condition and further consequences. The likely development of events in the future is implied. This type is used if it is necessary to convey prediction, irrational prejudices, forecasting, intention, caution, future plans, opportunities.

In this case, the following scheme is used:

In context, the first part of a conditional sentence means the future tense and, as a rule, is translated into Russian in the future tense (in the English version this part of the sentence is presented in the form of the present).

• If you don't hurry, you'll be late for the dinner. “If you don't rush, you will be late for lunch.”
• If I miss the plane today, I'll stay at home. “If I am late for the plane today, I will stay at home.”
• If you can get a ticket for me, I'll go to the cinema with you. “If you can get a ticket for me, I'll go to the movies with you.”
• If you see my friends later, will you tell them to call me? “If you see my friends later, can you tell them to call me?”

The second type (unreal present)

Using this type, hypothetical possibilities are expressed in the present or future tense. There may also be talk of something unlikely or almost impossible. Scheme of construction:

Note: in such sentences, was must be replaced by were . However, occasionally in everyday colloquial speech one can also find was .

The first and second conditionals in English may be close in meaning, but the 2nd type suggests that the probability of one or another action is much less than in the conditional sentence of the 1st type. This design can be applied when you imagine a different version of the existence of the present reality or express your wishes related to the present. In Russian, in such cases, there is a subjunctive mood using the words "if". When translating, you should consider the features that the English language implies. Second conditional is also called hypothetical.

• If I were you, I would apply for a job. “If I were you, I would apply for a job.”
• If I were president, I would make the life in our country better. - If I were the president, I would make life in our country better.
• If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go out every night. “If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go for a walk every night.”
• If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly. - If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly.

Third type (unreal past)

This type implies hypothetical situations related to the past. As a rule, we are talking about events that were not committed in the past. This structure is used in those cases when it is a question of an imaginary situation, the reverse of the real facts that occurred in the past. Often used to express criticism, regret, and resentment.

To use such a design, the following scheme is used:

If the word order is changed, if is not used.

• If I had worked harder, I would have bought an expensive camera. - If I worked harder, I would buy an expensive camera.
• If I had been invited to her birthday, I would have bought a gift for her. “If I had been invited to her birthday, I would have bought a present for her.”
• If I had set the alarm, I wouldn't have overslept. “If I had set an alarm, I would not have overslept.”

Mixed type

Mixed conditionals in English involve a comparison of the second and third types. As a rule, such constructions are applied if one part of the sentence refers to the past tense, and the second to the present.

Scheme 1: the condition relates to the past tense, and the consequence to the present.

2 diagram: the investigation refers to the elapsed time, and the condition refers to the present.

Mixed (mixed) conditionals in English, examples of which are presented below, will require more detailed study, since at first glance this topic may seem somewhat complicated.

• If I knew that actor, I would have spoken to him. - If I knew that actor, I would talk to him. (In this example, the first part containing the condition is type 2, and the main part is type 3).
• If Gabriela had found a job, she wouldn't be searching for one know. “If Gabriela found a job, she would not be looking for her now.” (The conditional part refers to the third type, and the main to the second).

Punctuation features

If the subclause containing the condition is in front of the chapter, a comma is placed between them. If the order is reversed, there is no comma.

For instance:

• If you had called him, he would have come immediately. “If you called him, he would have come immediately.”
• He would have come if you called. “He would have come if you had called him.”

General tips for determining the type of conditional offer

Dealing with the topic Conditionals in English and learning how to identify certain types of sentences in the original language is pretty easy if you devote enough time to this issue. However, when translating from Russian, difficulties may arise. The following are some tips on what to look for:

• The sentences, which include the words “if” and “if”, are conditional, which means that when translating into English you will have to take into account the Conditionals rules.
• It should be determined whether the real condition is implied or unreal. If the particle “would” is present, then the condition is unrealistic in this phrase.
• What time does the conditional part belong to? If to the past - this is the third type. If for the present or future - the second.
• In cases where one part of a complex sentence refers to the past, and the second to the present, the mixed type is used.

Conditionals in English: exercises with answers

Performing various tasks will help you absorb information faster:

Exercise 1:

a) compare the parts of the proposals and determine the type of condition;
b) translate into Russian.

Task 2: translate into English, determine the type:

1. If you called me, I would know about it.
2. If you want to win, you need to try harder.
3. If he loved books, he would read them.
4. If people go to the gym, they feel better.
5. If it rains when we arrive, we will cancel the picnic.

Answers 1 :

1. C. If you listened to my advice, you would not have had such troubles. (3)
2. D. If you are sick, consult a doctor. (0)
3. A. If I go to the competition, I will win. (2)
4. E. If he found out, he would be angry. (3)
5. B. If I were you, I would wear a coat. (2)
6. F. If you make a mistake, the teacher will correct. (1)

Answers 2 :

1. If you had called me, I would have known about it. (3)
2. If you want to win, you have to try harder. (1)
3. If he liked books, he would read them. (2)
4. If people go to the gym, they feel better. (0)
5. If it is raining when we arrive, we'll cancel the picnic. (1)

The Conditionals theme in English is pretty easy to understand. In order to freely use various grammatical formulas and constructions in everyday speech, accurately determining the type of conditional sentence, it is extremely important to consolidate the knowledge gained in practice. In addition to performing exercises to translate and compare phrases, you need to include such structures in your everyday speech, find them in the process of reading literature in the original and use them in writing.