Conditional Clauses 1 Realistic Conditions conditions

Conditional Clauses

1. Realistic Conditions >> conditions which the speaker thinks can be fulfilled IF +INICATIVE , WILL-FUTURE – If the plane arrives on time, we will catch our train. – Unless it is raining tomorrow, we’ll have a barbecue.

• VARIATIONS – If you can spare time, please come to my party. (imperative) – If you put thyme on pork chops, they taste a lot better. (general truth) – If we don’t feed the baby at 6 am, he always gets (will get) very grumpy. (habitual action) – If he should get the job, he will have to move. (not very likely condition)

>> or (may) have already been fulfilled – If the plane has arrived on time, Pat will already be waiting for us. – If Kevin has broken his leg, he will be in plaster for weeks. – If the plane left on time, they’ll be landing in a few minutes. – If you have ever been to Capetown, you will have noticed how nice it is.

2. Hypothetical/unreal conditions >> conditions which cannot be fulfilled or can only theoretically be fulfilled IF + SIMPLE PAST , WOULD/MIGHT/COULD + INF • If I had a billion dollars, I would buy Chelsea London. • If I met Lady Gaga, I might borrow her outfit for Carnival. • If only I could play the guitar, I’d apply for a job with ACDC. (hyp. wish)

>> conditions which can no longer be fulfilled as they are a speculation about the past IF + PAST PERFECT , CONDITIONAL PERFECT (would/might/could + have + participle) • If she had left in time, she wouldn’t have been late for the movies. • If he hadn’t had his friend with him, it might have been a very dull party. • If only I hadn’t bought this house, we wouldn’t have had to borrow so much money from the bank. (hyp. wish referring to the past)

There are 4 types of conditional clauses (+ variations) 1. 2. 3. 4. The zero conditional (Type 0) Type 1 (if - present tense , will-future) Type 2 (if - simple past , would+inf) Type 3 (if – past perfect , would have + participle)

Look at these sentences and decide which type of conditional clause it represents. 1. If she had seen you, she would have spoken to you. 2. If it rains, she‘ll stay home. 3. If he won the lottery, he would buy a Ferrari. 4. Even if you were the last man on Earth, I wouldn‘t go out with you. 5. If you heat water, it boils eventually. 6. If I were you, I would shave my armpits. 7. If we go to Aldi‘s, it will be chaeper. 8. If I hadn‘t gone to the party, I wouldn‘t have woken up with the worst hangover ever.