Form of conditional sentence of type 1. How to use English conditionals correctly

One of the complex topics that English grammar includes is Conditionals. This section requires detailed consideration. An analogue of such constructions in Russian are sentences in However, in English there are a number of features that must be taken into account when translating.

Null type

This type implies cause-and-effect relationships. 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 when it is necessary to point out specific facts, established procedures, habits, and also when advice or instructions are given. Type zero does not refer to any single case, but implies scientific facts, patterns, well-known truths, and everyday repetitive actions.

The construction scheme is as follows:

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

• If people eat more, they become fat. - If people eat more, they gain weight.
• If you set yourself a goal, you must try hard to achieve it. - If you set a goal for yourself, 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, don't eat too much.

First type (real present)

First condition is used in cases where we are talking about a real condition and further consequences. Implies probable future developments. This type is used if it is necessary to convey prediction, irrational prejudices, forecasting, intention, warning, future plans, possibilities.

In this case, the following scheme is used:

According to the context, the first part of the 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 present form).

• If you don"t hurry, you"ll be late for the dinner. - If you don't hurry up, you'll be late for lunch.
• If I miss the plane today, I "ll stay at home. - If I miss 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 will go to the cinema 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?

Second type (unreal present)

This type expresses hypothetical possibilities in the present or future tense. We may also be talking about something unlikely or practically impossible. Construction scheme:

Note: in similar sentences was needs to be replaced with were. However, occasionally in everyday colloquial speech one can also find was.

First and second conditionals in English may be close in meaning, but the 2nd type assumes that the probability of performing a particular action is much less than in a conditional sentence of the 1st type. This construction can be used when you imagine a different version of the existence of the current reality or express desires related to the present time. In Russian, in such cases there is a subjunctive mood using the words “if”. When translating, one should take into account 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. - 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 evening.
• 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 involves hypothetical situations from the past. As a rule, we are talking about events that did not happen in the past. This structure is used in cases where we are talking about an imaginary situation that is the opposite of real facts that happened in the past. Often used to express criticism, regret and indignation.

To use this design, the following scheme is used:

If the word order changes, 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 was invited to her birthday, I would buy a gift for her.
• If I had set the alarm, I wouldn't have overslept. - If I set the alarm, I wouldn't oversleep.

Mixed type

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

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

Scheme 2: the consequence refers to the past tense, and the condition - to the present.

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 represents 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 had found a job, she would not be looking for it now. (The conditional part belongs to the third type, and the main part to the second).

Punctuation features

If a subordinate clause containing a condition appears before a chapter, a comma is placed between them. If the order is reversed, there is no comma.

For example:

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

Understanding the topic of Conditionals in English and learning to define certain ones in the original language is quite easy if you devote enough time to this issue. However, difficulties may arise when translating from Russian. Here are some tips on what to look for:

• Sentences containing the words “if” and “if” are conditional, which means that when translating into English you will have to take into account
• It must be determined whether the implied condition is real or unreal. If the particle “would” is present, then the condition in this phrase is unreal.
• What time does the conditional part refer to? If to the past - this is the third type. If to 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, a mixed type is used.

Conditionals in English: exercises with answers

Completing various tasks will help you absorb information faster:

Exercise 1:

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

1. If you had taken my advice...	A. ... I"ll win.
2. If you are ill...	B. ... I would put on a coat.
3. If I enter the competition...	C. ... you woudn"t have got into such trouble.
4. If he had found out...	D. ... see a doctor.
5. If I were you...	E. ...he would have been angry.
6. If you make a mistake...	F. ...teacher will correct it.

Task 2: translate into English, determine the type:

1. If you had called me, I would have known 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 had listened to my advice, you would not have 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 put on a coat. (2)
6. F. If you make a mistake, the teacher will correct you. (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 topic of Conditionals in English is quite 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 acquired knowledge in practice. In addition to performing exercises on translation and comparison of 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.

In order to understand the essence of a conditional sentence, or rather subordinate clause conditions, let's look at a few examples:

If you win a big money prize or find some treasure, you need to pay tax to the state.	If you win a big cash prize or find treasure, you need to pay tax to the state.
— I have lost my wallet. It may be somewhere in your house. — OK. I’ll phone you if I find it.	- I've lost my wallet. Perhaps he is somewhere in your house. - Fine. I'll call you if I find him.
It's raining. If I had an umbrella, I wouldn’t be so wet now.	It's raining. If I had an umbrella, I wouldn't be so wet now.
I didn’t know you were in hospital. If I had known, I would have gone to visit you.	I didn't know you were in the hospital. If I had known, I would have come to see you.
If I had gone to the party last night, I would be sleepy and tired now.	If I had gone to the party last night, I would be sleepy and tired right now.

Conditional Sentence

As can be seen from the examples above, a conditional sentence is a subordinate clause that expresses the condition under which the action of the main sentence occurs or would occur. Such a subordinate clause answers the question ‘under what conditions?’ - “under what conditions?”

Separate with commas subordinate clauses in Russian and English have significant differences. For conditional subordinate clauses, these differences are manifested in the fact that a comma is separated, mainly the subordinate clause, which is in preposition, that is, standing before the main one. Whereas the conditional sentence after the main sentence is not separated by commas.

Subordinate clauses of conditions are introduced most often using a conjunction if - “if”. Subordinate clauses with the following conjunctions are less common in the table:

unless	if (not), except that; not yet	I am not going to communicate with her any more unless she apologizes for her behavior.	I'm not going to talk to her anymore unless she apologizes for her behavior.
providing (that)	provided that	We will organize this journey providing that we get enough money.	We will organize this trip provided we receive enough money.
provided (that)	provided that	This company will sponsor your event provided that you provide good advertisement for it and its goods.	This company will sponsor your event provided that you provide good publicity for her and her products.
supposing (that)	Let's pretend that; If	Supposing you have enough time to get ready for such a travel , you surely won't get enough money for it.	Even if you assume that you will have enough time to prepare for such a trip, you probably will not have enough money for this.
once	once; once; If	Once you have decided to take part in this competition, you should try to win.	Since you have decided to take part in this competition, you must try to win.
in case	if	In case you pass this examination brilliantly , you don't have to pass any other tests.	If you do well in this exam, you will not have to take any other tests.
on condition that	provided that	I will help you on condition that you help me in your turn.	I will help you on the condition that you help me in turn.

All subordinate clauses in English are distinguished by one important grammatical feature - in them no verb usedwill and its past form would, even if there is an action that will be performed in the future. At the same time, the future tense can be used in the main sentence, which will be discussed in more detail below. However, we should not forget that the conjunction if is used not only in the meaning of “if”, but also in the meaning of “whether” and does not introduce conditional sentences. With the conjunction if meaning “whether” the verb will, as well as its form would, are used. Let's compare:

In English, there are several types of conditional sentences depending on the time and reality of the condition described in them.

Zero Conditionals / Conditional sentences of zero type

Such conditional sentences are not often used in speech, since they denote certain well-known truths that are repeated from time to time and do not relate to any specific moment in time or individual incident in life. Such sentences denote a real condition. In the subordinate clause of the condition, in this case, only the use of different tenses of the Present group is permissible, while in the main predicate the predicate is used either in or in the imperative mood Imperative :

Present Simple in subordinate clauseproposal andPrese	Ifyou buy something online you have more chances to save your money.	If you buy something online, you have a better chance of saving money.
PresentContinuous in subordinate clauseproposal andImperative in the main clause	Try not to speak if you are chewing. It can be hazardous.	Try not to talk if you are chewing. It may be dangerous.
Present Perfect in subordinate clauseproposal andPresent Simple in the main clause	You shouldn’t take another task unless you have done the previous one.	You should not take on another task until you have completed the previous one.

Zero Conditionals are used in cases where the sentence talks about:

generally known truths	If you leave meat or fish in a warm place, it will go bad.	If you leave meat or fish in a warm place, they will spoil.
scientific facts	If temperature falls under 0º Celsius water turns into ice.	If the temperature drops below 0º Celsius, the water turns into ice.
rules	Press this button if you want to turn the printer on.	Click this button if you want to turn on the printer.
obvious consequences of a certain action	If you drive a car without a driving license you will certainly get problems with the police.	If you drive a car without a driver's license, you will definitely have problems with the police.
habitual (routine) actions	My granny puts on her glasses if she wants to read or to knit.

A distinctive feature of conditional sentences of the zero type is the ability to replace the conjunction if with when (“when”):

First Conditionals / Conditional sentences of the first type

One of the most common types of conditionals are First Conditionals. They are characterized by the presence real condition (real possibility), covering a specific situation in the future or present.

If I have time,I will go to the cinema with you.	If I have time, I will go to the cinema with you.
Ann will pass this exam if she gets ready for it.	Anne will pass this exam if she studies for it.

The formation of conditional sentences of the first type is characterized by the use of Future Simple (will + Infinitive) or Imperative in the main clause and Present Simple in the subordinate clause:

Second Conditionals / Conditional sentences of the second type

Along with conditional sentences of the first type, Second Conditionals occupy a leading position in popularity in speech. Such sentences mean unreal possibility

Which would make a certain situation possible in the present or future:

If we didn't work, we wouldn't have any money.	If we didn't work, we wouldn't have money.
I wouldn't mind living in England if the weather were better.	I wouldn't mind living in England if the weather was better.

In this kind of unrealistic sentences finds its application conditional moodConditional Mood- a verb form formed by adding to the auxiliary verb would (or should, but in the context of this topic it is not of particular interest to us) an indefinite form of the verb (the Infinitive) without the particle to or similar to the tense forms of the Past group. Conditional Mood partly corresponds to the Russian subjunctive mood. It shows the attitude of the author of the statement to a particular action, reflecting his personal perception. The verb form in this case shows the action not as real, but rather as expected, desirable or possible. The conditional mood finds its application in both simple and complex sentences, but its main area of ​​application is subordinate clauses of condition:

Taking a closer look at the examples presented above, it is easy to notice that after the subject in the third person singular we use were (for example, ...it were possible). No, this is not a mistake, but a distinctive feature of the conditional mood - the use of were is acceptable for all persons. If you use was rather than were in such a sentence, this will also not be a mistake, but were is more common in unreal sentences.

Let's return to conditional sentences of the second type. To form them in the main sentence, the predicate is put in the form would + Infinitive Simple(a simple infinitive is the original form of the verb), and in the main sentence the predicate is in a form similar to . Both forms, as we have already seen above, correspond to the conditional mood.

We would need a car if we lived in the country.	We would need a car if we lived in a rural area.
If you didn't live so far away, we would visit you more often.	If you didn't live so far away, we would visit you more often.

It should be noted that would often used in the abbreviated form - ‘d, For example:

A striking manifestation of conditional sentences of the second type are sentences of character If I were you... - “If I were you, I would...”(literally: “If I were you...”), where were is also used instead of was:

If I were you, I wouldn't buy these shoes.	If I were you, I wouldn't buy these shoes.
I wouldn't wait if I were you.	I wouldn't wait if I were you.
If I were your boyfriend, I wouldn't let you go.	If I were your boyfriend, I wouldn't let you leave.

Third Conditionals / Conditional sentences of the third type

This type of conditional clause serves to express unrealistic condition related to events in past.

If I had been tired at the party, I would have gone home earlier.	If I was tired at a party, I would go home earlier.
He wouldn't have walked into the tree if he had been looking where he was going.	He wouldn't have crashed into the tree if he had been watching where he was going.

Since we are talking about actions that happened, or rather, did not happen in the past, the use of perfect forms becomes natural. At the same time, the subordinate clause uses the form (less often), while the main clause uses would + Infinitive Perfect (less often Infinitive Perfect Continuous). For those who are not familiar with the topic in English, let us explain that Infinitive Perfect = have + V 3 (a semantic verb in the third form), and Infinitive Perfect Continuous = have been + Ving (a semantic verb with the ending -ing).

Mixed Conditionals / Mixed type of conditional sentences

Sometimes a sentence combines a condition associated with an action from the past (Third Conditional) in a subordinate clause and its probable consequences for the present or future (Second Conditional) - in this case they speak of a mixed type of conditional sentence, also called the fourth:

First Conditional Sentences are the simplest type of conditional sentences in the English language. Such a sentence is also called a “real” conditional - it shows an action that will happen in the future if the condition is met.

Example

If your daughter studies are hard, she will pass the exam. – If your daughter studies hard, she will pass the exam (successfully).

How is First Conditional formed?

First Conditional is used when we talk about our plans for the present or near future and the implementation of these plans is realistic.

When constructing conditional sentences in Russian, we put both parts of it in the future tense. In English after if(conditional part) we use Present Simple(present tense), and in the second part of the sentence (result) - will + infinitive verb.

If + Present Simple --------- will + verb

Example:
If I have time, I will watch TV. – If I have time, I will watch TV.

Parts of a sentence can be interchanged, for example:
I will watch TV, If I have time.

When constructing a conditional sentence of the first type, except for the conjunction if (if) we can use:

• as soon as- as soon as
• before- before
• until- up to a certain point
• when- When

After these words, Present Simple is always used, and in the second part of the sentence will + infinitive is placed:

I will call you as soon as I get home.
I will finish my work before you come.
I will learn English until I"m completely fluent.
I will tell Bob when I see him.

Practical exercises to reinforce the material

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense (put the verb in brackets in the correct tense).

1. If Peter (do) lots of exercise he"ll be fit and healthy.
2. Please call me if you (need) any help.
3. Cathy will be able to go on holiday if she (save) enough money.
4. Unless it (rain) we"ll go for a walk.
5. If you (work) hard you may be promoted.
6. ...you...(give) me a call if you have time tomorrow?
7. If you don"t do your homework I (not/let) you match TV.
8. Mary won't go to Australia unless I (pay) for her tickets.
9. If he (arrive) on time we"ll have dinner before we go out.

View answers

Answers

First Conditional Theme

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense

1. If Peter does lots of exercise he"ll be fit and healthy.
2. Please call me if you will need any help.
3. Cathy will be able to go on holiday if she saves enough money.
4. Unless it rains we"ll go for a walk.
5. If you work hard you may be promoted.
6. Will you give me a call if you have time tomorrow?
7. If you don"t do your homework I won"t let you match TV.
8. Mary won't go to Australia unless I pay for her tickets.
9. If he arrives on time we"ll have dinner before we go out.

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense.

1. A: I"d like a cup of coffee.
   B: Well, if you (hold) the baby for five minutes, I (make) it for you.
2. A: I must go to the bank.
   B: If you (leave) now, you (get)there before it closes.
3. A: I can't do everything myself.
   B: Well, if you (wash) the dishes, I (cook) the meal.
4. A: Are you going on holiday this year?
   B: Yes, I (go) to Spain for two weeks, if I (have) some time off work.
5. A: I want to cook something special tonight.
   B: Great, if I (finish) work early, I (give) you a hand.
6. A: Could I have a chocolate biscuit, please?
   B: Yes, if you (look) in a cupboard, you (find) some cakes as well.

Once again, we present to your attention another article from the “English Grammar for Beginners” series. In our materials, we explain all the rules in simple words without complex terms, so that beginners learning the language from scratch or people who do not remember the basics of English well can understand the grammar and apply it in practice.

If you don't eat, you get hungry. - If you are do not eat, you become hungry.

Denial can also result from, for example:

If you drink a lot of water, you don't get thirsty. - If you drink a lot of water, you doesn't hurt thirst.

First type of conditional sentences

We use the first type of conditional sentences when we are talking about the real situation in the future. If the condition is met, then we we can get result.

This proposal is constructed according to a simple scheme:

When it is hot, we will go to the beach. - When it will be hot (condition), we let's go to to the beach (result).
If I get salary, I 'll buy a jacket. - If I I'll get it salary, I I'll buy jacket

Please note: despite the fact that we translate both parts into Russian in the future tense, will is never placed in the if/when parts.

Let's give an example of the formation of such a sentence with the verb to be in the second part:

If I pass my exams successfully, I will be an A-student. - If I for rent my exams successfully, I will an excellent student.

We build negative sentences according to the same principle as in conditional sentences of zero type.

If it doesn't rain, we will go to the beach. - If will not rain, we'll go to the beach.
If it rains, we will not (= won't) go to the beach. - If it rains, we will not go to the beach.

Comparison of zero and first type of conditional sentences

Conditional sentences of type zero and type one have a common property: we can easily swap parts of the sentence (condition and result), the meaning will not change, but in this case you no longer need to put a comma in the sentence before if or when.

If you touch fire, you get burned. - If you touch the fire, you will get burned. = You get burned if you touch fire. - You will get burned if you touch the fire.
If it doesn't rain, we will go to the beach. - If it doesn't rain, we'll go to the beach. =We will go to the beach if it doesn't rain. - We'll go to the beach if it doesn't rain.

How are these types of proposals different? The null conditional tells us that we we will always get the specified result: If you touch the fire, you will definitely get burned. We accept this as a fact, a law of nature, truth.

The conditional of the first type does not give us a guarantee of the result, but considers situation, which is likely to happen in the future, if the condition from the first part of the sentence is met. “If it doesn't rain, we'll go to the beach” is not a truism, not a scientific fact: next time we can go to the cinema or another place.

So, you have mastered the zero and first type of conditional sentences, all that remains is to take our test and make sure that you understand this topic well.

Test for the use of conditional sentences of type zero and type one

Adverbs in English

An adverb is a part of speech that characterizes the predicate in Russian and English, for example:

He eats (how?) fast.
I opened the window (how?) slowly.

In English, most adverbs are formed using the formula: adjective + suffix -ly.

slow (slow) – slowly (slowly)
quiet (quiet) – quietly (quiet)

However, not all adverbs are formed according to this pattern, so be sure to check the dictionary if you are not sure of a certain word. In dictionaries, an adverb will be marked as adv./adverb (adverb), and an adjective will be marked as adj./adjective (adjective). Here are examples of adverbs that are not formed according to the basic rule:

good (good) – well (good)
fast (fast) – fast (quickly)
early (early) – early (early)

We want to pay special attention to adverbs of frequency, because they are used in tenses that are already familiar to us, for example, Present Simple. First, let's figure out which words belong to these adverbs:

• always - always;
• usually - usually;
• often - often;
• sometimes - sometimes;
• ever - someday;
• never - never;
• rarely - rarely;
• rarely - rarely;
• also - also;
• just - only, just;
• already - already.

Now let's see where to put the adverb in a sentence. So, adverbs usually stand:

1. Before the semantic verb.

   He rarely eats bananas. - He rarely eats bananas.
   Do you often walk to work? - You often do you walk to work?
   Will you always eat my chocolates? - You Always will you eat my chocolates?

2. After the verb to be, if it is in the sentence.

   He isn't often angry. - He is not often angry.
   We are never sad at Christmas. - We never Let's not be sad for Christmas.

3. Between two verbs (auxiliary or modal + semantic).

   I don't often play football. - I don't often I play football. (I don't play football often.)
   They should often visit us. - They should often visit us.
   She can sometimes get up early. - She Sometimes can get up early.
   I will never tell him your secret. - I never I won't tell him your secret.

   To better remember this rule, let's remember Whitney Houston's song I Will Always Love You.

4. At the beginning of a sentence.

   Sometimes I read papers. - Sometimes I read newspapers.
   Usually I play tennis twice a week. - Usually I play tennis twice a week.

Attention! The adverbs always, rarely, rarely, hardly, ever, never, according to the classical rules of grammar, cannot be placed at the beginning of a sentence.

Test for the use of adverbs in English

So, now your task is to carefully study the next 3 topics of English grammar for beginners. Try to understand them well, and in the meantime we will start preparing the next issue of the article. We wish you success in learning English!

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Conditional sentences (Conditionals) are sentences with a conjunction if(If). Such sentences are used very often both in Russian and in English. For example:

If the weather is good, we will go to the beach.

If you studied, you would pass the exam.

These are conditional sentences, which in English are constructed according to certain patterns depending on the type of condition. Let's look at the structure of any conditional sentence in English.

A conditional sentence consists of two parts (that is, two simple clauses that together form one complex sentence).

One of the parts is subordinate clause with the conjunction if (if), containing the condition (If the weather is good...); other part - main offer, which contains the result (we will go to the beach).

In English, unlike Russian, there are several types of conditional sentences:

• Zero Conditional(conditional sentences of zero type);
• First Conditional(Conditional sentences of the first type);
• Second Conditional(Conditional sentences of the second type);
• Third Conditional(Conditional sentences of the third type).

The Zero Conditional. Conditional sentences of type zero

They are used when we talk about events and phenomena that are always true and real. As a rule, we are talking about scientific facts, laws of nature, or actions we are accustomed to. If or when the condition is met, the action will occur with a 100% probability.

If + Present Simple, … Present Simple.

If you mix hydrogen and oxygen, you get water. / You get water if you mix hydrogen and oxygen.

If you combine hydrogen and oxygen, you get water.

If she goes to Moscow, she visits her sister. / She visits her sister if she goes to Moscow.

If she goes to Moscow, then she visits her sister.

In this case, we know for sure that if the condition is met, the action will certainly occur. If we combine hydrogen and oxygen, we get water. If she goes to Moscow, she will definitely visit her sister. In such sentences the conjunction if (if) easily replaced by when (when), while the meaning of the sentence remains the same:

When she goes to Moscow, she visits her sister. — When she goes to Moscow, she visits her sister.

Structure of conditional sentences of type zero

Conditional sentences of type zero have the following structure: in both parts of the sentence (present simple tense) is most often used. Modal verbs can also be used, for example, or.

If she goes shopping, she buys very expensive clothes. — If she goes shopping, she buys very expensive clothes. (she always does this)
If I can't fall asleep, I read. — If I can’t sleep, I read. (I always do this)

The First Conditional. Type I conditional sentences

Used to express situations that may happen in the future with a very high probability. It is realistic and quite possible that the condition will be met.

If + Present Simple, … Future Simple.

If the weather is fine, we will go to the beach. / We will go to the beach if the weather is fine.

If the weather is good, we will go to the beach. / We'll go to the beach if the weather is good.

Such offers are also called real future (real future), since the probability that the condition will be met is very high. The speaker is, say, 90 percent sure that the weather will be good and they will go to the beach. But there is also a possibility (albeit small, but still there) that the weather will turn bad, and then they will not go to the beach.

Structure of conditional sentences type I

Remember that type I conditional sentences have the following structure: in a conditional sentence with a conjunction if (if) is used (present simple tense), in the main result clause - (future simple tense). Please also note that both parts of such sentences are translated into Russian in the future tense.

She will stay in Moscow if she gets a job. — She will stay in Moscow if she gets a job.
If you buy some apples, I will make an apple pie. — If you buy apples, I will make apple pie.
If I have enough money, I will buy a new dress. — If I have enough money, I will buy a new dress.
If he comes,I will be
If he doesn't come, she will be upset. “If he doesn’t come, she’ll be upset.”

Note that the main clause may contain a question:

Will we take a taxi if it rains? — Will we take a taxi if it rains?

Most often used in the main clause Future Simple(future simple tense), but modal verbs can also be used can, should, might, structure be going to. Or the main clause can be imperative.

If it doesn't rain this afternoon, we can play tennis — If it doesn't rain this afternoon, we can play tennis.
If it rains, we should stay home. — If it rains, we should stay at home.
If it rains,I might decide to stay home. — If it rains, I might decide to stay at home.
If it rains, we are going to stay home. — If it rains, we will stay at home.
Ask him to come if he calls.- Ask him to come if he calls.

The Second Conditional. Conditional sentences type II

Type II conditional sentences refer to the present or future tense. Used to express situations that are very likely not to happen in the future. It is practically unrealistic that the condition will be met (this condition may have nothing to do with reality at all, for example, when we dream of something completely impossible).

If + Past Simple, … would + verb.

If I had enough money, I would buy a car. / I would buy a car if I had enough money.

If I had enough money, I would buy a car.

If I were you, I would accept his invitation. / I would accept his invitation if I were you.

If I were you, I would accept his invitation.

Such proposals are called unreal future (unreal future), since the probability that the condition will be met is extremely small. The speaker knows that he does not have money to buy a car, and most likely he will not have it in the near future, so he does not have the opportunity to buy a car, but he has the desire. But a small probability still remains. What if he receives an inheritance or wins the lottery, and then his wish will come true.

Conditional sentences of type II are also used in situations when we are talking about something that is impossible in principle: If I were you, I would accept his invitation. (If I were you, I would accept his invitation.). But I am not you, and there is no way I can become you, so the condition cannot be fulfilled. Sentences like these are often used to give advice by expressing your opinion. Or you can just dream, knowing that this is not meant to be.

Structure of conditional sentences type II

Conditional sentences of type II have the following structure: in the condition sentence (past simple tense) is used, and in the main result sentence - would + verb in initial form. Both parts are translated into Russian using the particle “by”.

If I had enough apples, I would bake an apple pie. — If I had enough apples, I would bake an apple pie.
We would come to your party if we had time. — We would come to your party if we had time.
She would call him if she had his number. “She would have called him if she had his number.”
If you studied,you would pass the exam. - If you had studied, you would have passed the exam.
What would you say if he asked are you out on a date? -What would you say if he asked you out on a date?

Pay attention to the following feature, which is associated with the use of the verb to be in conditional sentences of type II. The conditional clause usually uses the plural form were with all the faces (If I were you, If he were, If she were, If it were), since in this case we are talking about the subjunctive mood (the condition contradicts reality and cannot be met). Sometimes in such sentences you can find the use was, but this is typical for colloquial speech. From a grammatical point of view, you need were.

If I were you, I would study more. - If I were you, I would study more.
If I were Rich, I would travel all over the world. - If I were rich, I would travel all over the world.
If he were president, he would reduce taxes. “If he were president, he would cut taxes.”

The main result clause can use more than just would, but also other modal verbs in the past tense could, might, should:

If you studied,you could pass the exam. - If you studied, you could pass the exam.

The Third Conditional. Conditional sentences type III

Type III conditional sentences are in the past tense. Used to describe situations that would or would not have happened in the past under certain conditions. In this case, we are talking about the past, so we know for sure that the condition was not met.

If + Past Perfect, … would + have + III form of the verb.

If I had studied, I would have passed the exam. / I would have passed the exam if I had studied.

If I had studied, I would have passed the exam.

If I had invited him, he would have come. / He would have come if I had invited him.

If I had invited him, he would have come.

Such proposals are called unreal past (unreal past), since we are talking about the past and we know that the condition was definitely not met. The exam had already taken place, and I didn’t pass it because I didn’t study. Or two days ago he didn’t come to dinner because I didn’t invite him. And now I regret it, because he would definitely have come if he had received my invitation. But the condition was not met, so the action did not occur. All that remains is to regret or, perhaps, rejoice about what happened (most often, of course, regret), but nothing can be changed.

Structure of conditional sentences type III

Conditional sentences of type III are constructed as follows: in the condition sentence (past perfect tense) is used, in the main result sentence - would + have + Past Participle(past participle, that is, III form of the verb). Please note that instead of would modal verbs can also be used could or might.

If he hadn't been busy, they would have gone for a walk together. — If he weren’t busy, they would go for a walk together.
We wouldn't have missed the plane if we had taken a taxi. — We wouldn’t have missed the plane if we had taken a taxi.
If the weather had been hot, we could have gone to the beach. — If the weather was hot, we could go to the beach.
If I had woken up earlier, I might have had time to finish my work. — If I had woken up earlier, perhaps I would have had time to finish my work.

Note again that Type III conditionals are a kind of “missed opportunity.” We are talking about what could have been, would have been, but did not happen because the condition was not met. In this way we often express our regret about certain events.

Please note (this rule applies to conditional sentences of all types) that a sentence can begin with any part, the meaning does not change. If a sentence begins with an if-condition, then a comma is placed before the main clause:

If he comes,I will be glad. - If he comes, I will be glad.

If the main clause comes first, and then only the condition, then a comma is not placed between them:

I will be glad if he comes. - I will be glad if he comes.