Conditional Sentences Zero type If when people laugh

Conditional Sentences

Zero type If/when people laugh about something, they feel better. zero type is used to talk about a general situation/fact, or something which is always true

Type I If we receive the necessary documents tomorrow we shall hold the conference on Friday. real/probable condition in the present or future real/probable consequence/result referring to the present or future

Type II If we received the necessary documents tomorrow we would hold the conference next Friday. unreal/improbable condition in the present or future unreal/improbable consequence/result referring to the present or future

Type III If we had received the necessary documents last Monday we would have held the conference yesterday. unreal/improbable condition in the past unreal/improbable consequence/result referring to the past

Mixed Type If he knew English well he would have written the test without difficulty last Tuesday. (the supposition is valid in the present as ‘he doesn’t know English well at all, i. e. now as well’)

Mixed Type If you had worked harder last year, you would know English well now We would be still puzzling over the problem if you hadn’t helped us

Special Uses of auxiliaries and modals in subordinate clauses of condition

If + 'would/should' 1. a polite request: We would be grateful to you if you would inform us of the date of your arrival. If you'd fill up this form / If you'd put your signature to the check in card.

2. To indicate willingness: If he would listen to me I would be able to help him.

3. the action, though possible, is not very likely (but not contradicting reality) In case I should meet him tomorrow I will ask him about it. I'll let you know if he should change his mind If my fellow students should call tell them I'll be back by 5 o'clock.

II. If + 'were' 1. the action is regarded as supposed but doubtful or improbable: If it were to rain, we should/would not go out (it may rain, though it is doubtful)

III. Inversion Should you require anything, don't hesitate to contact us = If you should require anything. . . Were Mother at home, my brother wouldn't dare to talk like that = If Mother were at home. . . Had the driver gone straight on, the accident wouldn't have happened = If the driver had gone. . .