Conditional sentences express hypothetical situations and their consequences. They are a fundamental part of English grammar and are frequently tested in the ЕГЭ English exam. Understanding the different types of conditionals and using them correctly will help you express complex ideas and demonstrate your command of English grammar.
Conditional sentences typically consist of two clauses: a condition (usually beginning with "if") and a result. The verb forms used in these clauses depend on the type of conditional and the time reference. In the ЕГЭ English exam, you may be asked to identify, form, or transform different types of conditional sentences.
The zero conditional is used to talk about general truths, scientific facts, and situations where the result always happens if the condition is met.
If + present simple, present simple
Examples:
The condition and result clauses can be in either order. When the "if clause" comes first, a comma is usually used before the main clause.
Instead of "if," you can also use "when," "whenever," or "as long as" in zero conditionals:
The first conditional is used to talk about real or possible situations in the present or future and their likely results.
If + present simple, will + base verb
Examples:
There are several variations of the first conditional structure:
Instead of "if," you can also use "unless," "as long as," "provided (that)," or "on condition that" in first conditionals:
The second conditional is used to talk about unreal, hypothetical, or improbable situations in the present or future and their results.
If + past simple, would + base verb
Examples:
In formal English, we use "were" instead of "was" for all subjects in the second conditional:
If I were rich, I would travel around the world.
If she were here, she would help us.
This is called the subjunctive mood. In the ЕГЭ exam, it's better to use "were" to demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.
There are several variations of the second conditional structure:
The third conditional is used to talk about unreal or impossible situations in the past (things that didn't happen) and their hypothetical results.
If + past perfect, would have + past participle
Examples:
There are several variations of the third conditional structure:
Mixed conditionals combine different types of conditionals when the time reference of the condition and result are different.
This type combines the third conditional (past unreal condition) with the second conditional (present result):
If + past perfect, would + base verb
Examples:
This type combines the second conditional (present unreal condition) with the third conditional (past result):
If + past simple, would have + past participle
Examples:
In formal English, we can form conditional sentences without "if" by inverting the subject and the auxiliary verb in the condition clause:
| Normal Form | Inverted Form |
|---|---|
| If I were you, I would accept the offer. | Were I you, I would accept the offer. |
| If he had studied harder, he would have passed. | Had he studied harder, he would have passed. |
| If you should need any help, please call me. | Should you need any help, please call me. |
This inverted form is common in formal writing and literature and demonstrates a high level of language proficiency.
Modal verbs can be used in conditional sentences to express different degrees of certainty, possibility, or necessity:
| Modal Verb | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| can/could | If you finish early, you can leave. | Possibility or ability |
| may/might | If it rains, we might cancel the picnic. | Possibility (less certain than "will") |
| should | If you want to improve, you should practice daily. | Advice or recommendation |
| must | If you want to attend, you must register in advance. | Necessity or obligation |
Be aware of these common mistakes when using conditional sentences:
"Would" can be used in if-clauses when it expresses willingness (not as part of the conditional structure):
If you would help me with this task, I would be very grateful. (= If you are willing to help me...)
| Type | Structure | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero | If + present simple, present simple | General truths, scientific facts | If you heat ice, it melts. |
| First | If + present simple, will + base verb | Real or possible situations (present/future) | If it rains, we will stay home. |
| Second | If + past simple, would + base verb | Unreal or hypothetical situations (present/future) | If I had more time, I would travel more. |
| Third | If + past perfect, would have + past participle | Unreal situations in the past | If I had studied, I would have passed. |
| Mixed (Past→Present) | If + past perfect, would + base verb | Past condition affecting present result | If I had chosen medicine, I would be a doctor now. |
| Mixed (Present→Past) | If + past simple, would have + past participle | Present condition affecting past result | If I knew her number, I would have called her yesterday. |
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
Answers:
1. If I had enough money, I would buy a new car. (second conditional)
2. If it hadn't rained yesterday, we would have gone to the park. (third conditional)
3. If you heat water to 100°C, it boils. (zero conditional)
4. If I were you, I would talk to her about the problem. (second conditional with subjunctive)
5. She would have attended the party if she had received an invitation. (third conditional)
Identify the type of conditional in each sentence and explain its meaning.
Analysis:
1. Second conditional - Expresses an unreal or hypothetical situation in the present/future. The speaker thinks it's unlikely they will win the lottery.
2. Third conditional - Expresses an unreal situation in the past. The person didn't tell about the problem, so help wasn't provided.
3. First conditional - Expresses a real possibility in the future. It might rain tomorrow, and if it does, the event will be canceled.
4. Zero conditional - Expresses a scientific fact or general truth. Mixing blue and yellow always results in green.
5. Mixed conditional (Past→Present) - A past condition (not studying medicine) affects the present result (not being a doctor now).
In the ЕГЭ English exam, pay special attention to the verb forms in conditional sentences. Using the correct tense combinations is crucial for demonstrating your understanding of English grammar. Also, remember that using inverted conditionals and the subjunctive form "were" can help you achieve a higher score by showing advanced language proficiency.