Conditional Clause

Conditional sentences are clauses that explore potential outcomes of uncertain variables or fictitious circumstances. The conditional clause refers to the conditional portion. The main clause plus a conditional clause make up conditional sentences (at times called an if clause).

You must utilize an if clause and the main clause when writing conditional sentences. The conditional clause can be used at the start, or conclusion of a sentence and typically starts with "if" or "unless." Similar to a subordinate clause, a conditional clause requires the presence of the main clause to sound right.

What Is A Conditional Clause?

An adverbial clause that expresses a hypothesis or condition, whether genuine or hypothetical, is known as a conditional clause. It consists of the main sentence and the if-clause.

It's important to understand the following regarding conditional clauses in grammar :

Conditional sentences come in four different varieties.
Since these different conditional statements express diverse meanings, it's critical to utilize the appropriate construction for each one.
Consider the verb tense while employing various conditional modes.
If the 'if-clause' comes before the main clause, a comma should come after it.

A conditional clause in English grammar expresses an assumption or circumstance that may be real (factual) or hypothetical (counterfactual). A conditional sentence, also known as a conditional construct, is a sentence with one or more conditional clauses and the main phrase describing the outcome of the condition.

The subordinating conjunction "if" is most frequently used to begin a conditional phrase. Additional conditional subordinators comprise "unless," "even if," "given that," "on [the] condition that," and "in the event of." Unless it serves as a negative subordinator, so keep that in mind.

Conditional clauses often appear at the start of complicated sentences, which are sentences that comprise an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. However, they can also appear at the conclusion, just like other adverbial clauses.

Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences explain factors that are recognized or hypothetical circumstances and their effects. Complete conditional sentences include both the result and the conditional phrase, also known as the "if-clause." Take into account the following phrases:

If a specific circumstance is true, then a specific outcome occurs.
If I won the lotto, I would go on a global vacation.
When the liquid reaches 1 ° c, it freezes.

What Kinds of Conditional Sentences Are There?

In English, there are four distinct categories of conditional statements. Each one conveys a distinct level of likelihood that an event will occur or would have happened in a particular set of circumstances.

Absolutely no conditional sentences or Zero conditional sentences
Sentences with the first condition
Second conditional sentences
Conditional third sentences

Let's take a closer look at each of these several categories of conditional statements.

How to Write Sentences with No Conditions or Zero Conditions

There are general truths?circumstances where one thing always causes another?expressed by conditional statements. When using a zero conditional, you're discussing a universal truth as opposed to a particular instance of anything.

Think about the following instances:

If you don't clean your teeth, you get dental problems.
When people take drugs, their health deteriorates.

The usage of the zero conditional in the statements mentioned above has a few important implications. First, the simple present tense should be used in both sentences when utilizing the zero conditional. The usage of the simple future tense is a common error.

When people take drugs, their health will deteriorate - Incorrect

Second, note that the words if and when are interchangeable in these zero conditional phrases. This is so that it doesn't matter "if" or "when" it occurs because the result will always be the same.

First Conditional Sentences: Usage

First conditional statements are used to represent scenarios in which the result is likely to occur in the future (but not a given). Look at the following instances:

If you relax, you will feel happier.
If you make an aim, you'll finally achieve it.

Keep in mind that the main sentence, which conveys the anticipated result, is written in the simple future tense, while the if-clause is written in the simple present. This is how we communicate that a given outcome will probably occur in the future under a specific circumstance (as stated in the if-clause).

Consider a few mistakes individuals frequently make while employing the first conditional structure:

If you will relax, you will feel happier- Incorrect
If you relax, you will feel happier- Correct

Use the simple present tense in the if-clause, as explained.

If you make an aim, you ultimately accomplish it. Incorrect
If you make an aim, you'll ultimately accomplish it. Correct

Use the zero conditional (i.e., simple present + simple present) exclusively in situations where a specific outcome is assured. Use the first conditional (simple present + simple future) if the outcome is likely.

Second Conditional Sentences: Usage

Second conditional statements can be used to describe outcomes that are totally improbable or unlikely to occur in the future. Consider the following instances:

If I earned millions of revenue, I would go on a world trip.
If I owned the shop, I might allow people to take their favorite goods.

It should be noted that the proper way to construct second conditional sentences is to utilize an auxiliary modal verb (such as could, should, would, or should) in the main or primary clause and the simple past tense in the if-clause (the one that expresses the unrealistic or unlikely result).

The phrases that follow demonstrate a few of the frequent errors individuals make when utilizing the second conditional:

If I earn millions of revenue, I would go on a world trip - Incorrect.
If I earned millions of revenue, I would go on a world trip.- Correct.

Whenever you use the second conditional, always utilize the simple past tense in the if-clause;

If I owned the shop, I will allow people to take their favorite goods.- Incorrect.
If I owned the shop, I might allow people to take their favorite goods. - Correct.

Explanation: When utilizing the second conditional mood, utilize a modal auxiliary verb in the main phrase to convey the unlikely occurrence of the result.

How to Write Sentences in the Third Condition

Third conditional statements are used to demonstrate that if a distinct event had occurred in the past, the current situation would be different. Consider the following instances:

If you had informed me you needed groceries, I would have come earlier.
If I had organized my table, I could have gone shopping.

These phrases describe an event that might have occurred in the past but did not. The first sentence's speaker had the option of coming early but chose not to. In a similar vein, the speaker in the second sentence might have organized the table but did not do so. All of these circumstances seemed likely, but sadly they did not materialize.

Keep in mind that while utilizing the third conditional, the if-clause uses the past perfect (had + past participle). The main clause's modal auxiliary (would, could, should, etc.) plus have + past participle expresses the hypothetical scenario that might have occurred.

If you would have informed me you needed groceries, I would have come earlier. Incorrect.
If you had informed me you needed groceries, I would have come earlier. Correct.

Explanation: Avoid using a modal auxiliary verb in the if-clause when using third conditional sentences.

If I had organized my table, I could go shopping. Incorrect.
If I had organized my table, I could have gone shopping. Correct.

The third conditional mood describes an event that could only have occurred in the past if a specific circumstance had been met. For this reason, we combine the modal auxiliary verb with the past participle of have.

Note: Knowing which of the two to employ might occasionally be a little challenging because second conditional clauses and third conditional clauses have a lot in common. The easiest way to remember it is that third conditionals are used to describe the same type of event that happened in the past, but second conditionals are utilized to discuss unusual or impossible events happening in the present or that may occur in the future.

Use of Conditional Sentences: Exceptions and Special Cases

Conditional sentences frequently present specific instances that call for the use of certain rules, just like most other language-related topics.

Utilizing the Simple Future in If Statements.

In general, the main phrase should be the sole place the simple future is utilized. One exception to this is when the main clause's action comes first, and the if-action clauses come afterward. For illustration, think about the phrase :

If paracetamol eases my migraine, I will take an interview today evening. Paracetamol relieving the migraine is the action in the if-clause, but it won't happen until the speaker interviews later in the evening.

"Were to" in the If-Clause

In conditional sentences, the verb phrase 'were to' is occasionally employed when the anticipated or unlikely outcome is exceptionally terrible or unimaginable. Were to is used in this situation to emphasize this possible result. Consider the following examples:

If I were to be slow, I would miss my bus.
If he were to be late again, he would have to have a seminar with the supervisor.
If the lease were to have been a couple of cents more, I would not have been able to afford it.

It should be noted that hypothetical situations in the past, present, and future can all be described using the emphatic "were to" form.

Conditional Sentences: Punctuation

Conditional statements are complicated, yet correctly punctuating them is quite easy!

Here are the details :

If the if-clause comes before the main clause, a comma should come after it.
If I'd had an hour, I would have sanitized the cottage.

There is no need for punctuation if the main clause comes before the if-clause.

I would have sanitized the cottage if I'd had an hour.

What Are Some Examples of Conditional Clauses?

View these conditional clause examples in action :

I will ace the test if I study.
I would have gotten dirty if it had splashed mud.
If you had informed me you were returning, I would have baked cookies.
If you provide me with your number, I will message you the details.
We'll be late for school if we don't start driving now.

What Are Conditional Verb Tenses in Conditional Clauses ?

To convey hypothetical or improbable circumstances, conditional clauses are created in sentences using conditional verbs and verb tenses.

Auxiliary verbs like can/could, will/would, and may/might, which are crucial in generating conditionals, can be added to conditional verbs in the past, present, or future tenses.

See the conditional verbs highlighted in these examples of sentences.

If my aunt had been just a little slimmer, she could have been an athlete player.
If I had enough funds, I would explore the world.

What Purpose Does a Conditional Clause Serve?

A conditional clause's purpose is to communicate the likelihood that a specific action or event will occur. The conditions that must be satisfied in order to achieve this result can also be stated in conditional clauses.

For instance, in the if clause :

If it had snowed, we would have gotten numb.

Contains the qualifier "if it had snowed" to illustrate what would occur IF the climate condition was different.

What Distinguishes the Main Clause From The Conditional Clause?

While the primary clause utilizes a modal verb, the if-clause utilizes the present continuous or present simple tense. The conditional clause frequently makes recommendations or offers guidance.

They are a form of a subordinate clause, and the conjunctions "if" and "unless" are most frequently used to initiate them. Due to this, they can occasionally result in conditional subordinate clauses.

The conditional clause can be placed either before or after the main phrase, like the majority of subordinate clauses introduced by a conjunction.

Here are several instances of the main clause and the if-clause combined:

Before the Main Clause

If you don't wear a jacket, you might get sick.
If you wolf down too many desserts, you'll get tooth pain.
If you don't quit smoking now, you'll be ill.
Unless you have a plausible reason, you must complete your schoolwork.
Unless you carry a novel, you might get frustrated on the journey.
Unless you're prepared, you should plan first.

Following The Main Clause

It's easy to get sidetracked if you're not watchful.
You should visit me if you're available later.
Can you assist me if you have some time ?
Let's go upstairs unless you have anything interesting to do.
I'll take you unless you can stroll.
I'm not going to attend the celebration unless I complete my coursework soon.

You can also use one of the following conditional subordinators to link the if clause and main clause:

Even if

Even if you hurry, you'll be late.

Provided that...

I'll assist you, provided that you support me.

On the condition that...

I'll distribute the invites on the condition that you give gifts.

As long as...

As long as we're around each other, we'll be okay.

In the case of

in case of an urgent situation, use the exit doors.

Complex sentences frequently begin with a conditional clause (these are sentences comprising an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses). They may also appear at the end, like other adverbial clauses.

Common Mistakes in Conditional Sentences

1. The Zero Conditional

Both clauses in the zero conditional are written in the present tense. The use of 'will' in the main sentence is a common error :

If persons eat too much, they get body fat. (using they will get is incorrect here )
Water simmers when it attains 100°C. (using will attain is incorrect here )

2. The First Conditional

We utilize the present simple within the if-clause as well as 'will' in the main clause in the first conditional. A common mistake is to include 'will' in the if-clause :

If you learn more, English proficiency will get better. (use of will learn more is incorrect here )
If I see Patriack, I will request him. (use of will see is incorrect here )

3. The Second Conditional

This is utilized in hypothetical or unlikely situations. In the if-clause, we employ the past simple and 'would' in the main clause.

Learners frequently make the error of adding 'would' in the if-clause*. This is, in reality, one of the most prevalent grammatical errors committed by non-native speakers: This mistake has been made often by Scandinavian and Dutch persons who speak great English.

If you learned more, your command of English would get better.

(use of you would research is incorrect here )

If I had additional time, I would learn to play golf.

(use of I would have is incorrect here )

* It's worth noting that native English speakers occasionally employ 'would' in the if-clause when criticizing others: If you would learn your command of the language would improve. However, most learners, except for advanced-level learners, do not need to focus on this grammar issue.

4. The Third Conditional

This is the most hardest conditional to understand, most likely because there are additional auxiliary verbs to remember, making the structure fairly extensive. Once again, the word 'would' shouldn't be utilized in the if-clause:

If you had learned more, your command of English would have improved.

(You would have learned) is incorrect here ;

Another point worth noticing regarding the third conditional is the frequency with which fluent English speakers construct it incorrectly. These examples demonstrate how certain people wrongly add the word 'have' into the if-clause:

If I had known before, I would not have done it. (Use of I would have known is incorrect here )

Other Mistakes ;

1. When the condition occurs first, a comma is normally placed after the conditional.

For instance ,

If Thomas eats his veggies, he will be permitted to eat cake.
Even if Mommy gets me up at four o'clock I won't be able to get to your place in time for practice.
If Sandra is unwell, she must remain home.
Unless you complete a bachelor's degree in education, you cannot be recruited as a certified educator.
When you leave the dog at home, he destroys the furniture.

2. There is no need for a comma if the condition appears second.

Examples :

You will be permitted to listen to songs during lessons if you promise to finish your work.
Switch off the laptop when you are done.
Jillian will go to the prom night with her only if she asks him.
You won't be able to pass this course unless you practice.
The water will turn into ice unless temperatures rises soon.

There are, of course, numerous mistakes that students make while using conditional sentences. I have merely included the most common structural mistakes.

Important Points To Remember About Conditionals

There are certain aspects of conditionals that must be understood in order to make their usage easier and clearer.

Conditionals are classified as either real or unreal. This might be interpreted as meaning feasible or impossible. As they pertain to things that are typically true or false, zero and first conditionals are possible.
That could happen in the future. Second, third, and mixed conditionals are all illogical either hypothetical or pertaining to previous occurrences that we cannot alter.
- Real Conditionals: Zero and First ;
- Unreal Conditionals: Second, Third, and Mixed ;
The condition clause in the second conditional uses the simple past. If the verb be is employed, it is commonly used in more formal circumstances. When speaking casually, though, was is more common.
- Formal: If I were you, I would consume more fluids.
- Informal: If I was you, I would not stay out so late.

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