Conditional sentences

There are many different ways of expressing conditions, but there are four main types of conditional sentences.

1. If + present + present simple, to express a general condition (when there is a predictable consequence of an action):

If water is heated to 100 °C, it boils.

2. If / unless + present simple + will + infinitive, referring to an open possibility:

If you come this evening, I’ll make dinner for you.

You won't pass the exam unless you work harder.

3. If + simple past form + would + infinitive, referring to a hypothetical situation or a possibility:

If I were you, I’d take a holiday.

If you listened more carefully, you wouldn ’t make so many mistakes.

What would you do if you had a million roubles?

Remember: Though the past form is used, the meaning here refers to the present or the future.

4. If + past perfect + would have + V-ed (past

participle) to express ‘unreal’ conditions in the past:

You'd have liked the film if you’d seen it. (but you didn’t)

If I had passed the examination, I would have gone to the university, (but I didn’t)