Conditional Sentences (Frases condicionales)El uso del condicional significa que una acción depende de otra. Los condicionales se utilizan para hablar sobre situaciones reales o irreales. En general, las frases condicionales llevan la palabra "if" (si).Ten en cuenta que no existe un tiempo verbal para el condicional en inglés como existe en español. A la vez, se usa el verbo auxiliar "would" para formar el condicional en inglés.Hay cuatro tipos de frases condicionales y el uso de uno u otro refleja la probabilidad de la acción.Conditional Types (Tipos de los condicionales)Zero Conditional (Tipo 0)Se usa este tipo de condicional cuando la condición y el resultado siempre es verdad, como por ejemplo los hechos científicos.

IF Condition Result

If Present simple Present simpleEjemplos:PlayIf you heat water to 100° C, it boils. / Water boils if  you heat  it to 100° C.  (Si calientas agua a 100 ° C hierve.)PlayIf  I don't practice the piano everyday I play poorly. / I play the piano poorly  if  I don't practice everyday.  (Si no practico el piano cada día toco mal.)PlayDoes your mom get mad  if you don't call her? /  If  you don't call your mom, does she getmad?  (¿Si no llamas a tu madre, se enoja?)Nota: Podemos cambiar el orden de las frases sin cambiar el significado. También, en general con este tipo de condicional, podemos sustituir "if" por "when" sin alterar el significado.First Conditional (Tipo 1)Este tipo de condicional se utiliza para el futuro y en los casos en que es muy probable que la condición pasará.

IF Condition Result

If Present simple Future simple ("will")Ejemplos:PlayIf Bill  studies, he will pass the exam. / Bill will pass  the exam if he studies.  (Si Bill estudia, aprobará el examen.)PlayIf  it doesn't rain, we will go  to the beach. / We will go  to the beach  if  it doesn't rain.  (Si no llueve, iremos a la playa.)PlayWill you take the train  if you miss  the bus? /  If  you miss the bus, will you take the train?(¿Cogerás el tren si pierdes el bus?)Nota: Se pueden usar algunos verbos modales en vez de "will" para cambiar la probabilidad o expresar una opinión. Para más información, ver la lección sobre los verbos modales.Ejemplos:Play  If it doesn't rain, we may go to the beach.  [*Con el uso de "may", el significado de esta frase cambia. Ahora, el hablante reconoce que puede ir a la playa pero no esta tan seguro de si irá.]Play  If it doesn't rain we should go to the beach.  [*En este caso, el uso de "should" expresa la opinión del hablante.]Play  If it doesn't rain we can go to the beach.["Can" significa que es posible ir a la playa, pero no indica la probabilidad.]Second Conditional (Tipo 2)Se utiliza el tipo 2 para expresar una posibilidad irreal en el presente, como un deseo o un sueño, o para una acción en el futuro no tan probable.

IF Condition Result

If Past simple "Would" + infinitivoEjemplos:PlayIf I won the lottery, I would travel around the world. / I would travel around the world if Iwon the lottery. (Si ganara la lotería, viajaría alrededor del mundo.)PlayIf Rachel had more time, she would learn to play the guitar. / Rachel would learn to play the guitar if she had more time. (Si Rachel tuviera más tiempo, aprendería a tocar la guitarra.)PlayWould you be happy if you were to get married? / If you were to get married, would you behappy? (¿Estarías feliz si te casaras?)

Nota: Como en el tipo 1, se pueden usar otros verbos modales en vez de "would" para cambiar el significado y la posibilidad.Third Conditional (Tipo 3)A diferencia a los tipos 1 y 2, se utiliza el tercer tipo de condicional cuando hablamos de una condición en el pasado que no ha sucedido.

IF Condition Result

If Past perfect "Would have" + past participleEjemplos:PlayIf I had known then what I know now, I would have done things differently. / I would have done things differently if I had known then what I know now. (Si hubiera sabido en el pasado lo que sé ahora, hubiera hecho las cosas de manera diferente.)PlaySuzanne wouldn't have had the heart attack if she had gone on a diet as her doctor recommended. / If Suzanne had gone on a diet as her doctor recommended she wouldn't have had the heart attack. (Suzanne no hubiera tenido el infarto si hubiera hecho dieta como su médico le recomendó.)PlayWould you have liked to go to university if you had been able to afford it? / If you had been able to afford it, would you have liked to go to university? (¿Te hubiera gustado ir a la universidad si te lo hubieras permitido pagar?)Nota: Como en los tipos 1 y 2, se pueden usar otros verbos modales en vez de "would" para cambiar el significado y la probabilidad.CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

Cuando deseas hablar acerca de una "posible" situación y sus resultados, debes utilizar una oración condicional. Observa estos ejemplos:

If people invite you to a party, they expect you to come properly dressed.(Si te invitan a una fiesta, se espera que vayas correctamente vestido/a)

If I wear the green jacket, it'll go with my new shoes.(Si uso la chaqueta verde, ésta hará juego con mis zapatos nuevos)

En este tipo de oraciones condicionales existe una posibilidad real de que suceda lo que en ellas se expresa. Básicamente, existen DOS tipos de estructuras:

CLAUSULA CONDICIONALIF + present simple

CLAUSULA PRINCIPALpresent simple

Se usa este tipo de oración condicional para hablar acerca de algo que siempre sucede. Es como una ley. En este tipo de condición if (si) tiene un significado similar a when (cuando):

If you put water in a cooler, it freezes.(Si colocas agua en el congelador, ésta se congela)(= When you put water in a cooler, it freezes)(Cuando colocas agua en el congelador, ésta se congela)

If you heat ice, it melts.(Si calientas hielo, éste se derrite)(= When you heat ice, it melts)(Cuando calientas hielo, éste se derrite)  

CLAUSULA CONDICIONALIF + present simple

CLAUSULA PRINCIPALWILL / 'LL / WON'T + infinitive

En cambio, se utiliza esta segunda alternativa de oración condicional para hablar acerca de un probable resultado futuro, es decir, que no es absolutamente seguro:

If I wear the green jacket, it'll go with my new shoes. (Si uso la chaqueta verde, ésta hará juego con mis zapatos nuevos)

If you don't study, you won't pass the FCE exam.(Si no estudias, no aprobarás el examen de First Certificate)  >>  ;-(

En estas oraciones condicionales generalmente podemos utilizar unless (a menos que) en lugar de la estructura if... not (si... no). Observa:

Unless you study, you won't pass the exam.(A menos que estudies, no aprobarás el examen de First Certificate)(= If you don't study, you won't pass the exam)(= Si no estudias, no aprobarás el examen)  

Unless I wear clothes like theirs, my friends will think I'm a bit strange.(A menos que use  el mismo tipo de ropa que ellos, mis amigos pensarán que soy algo raro/a)(= If I don't wear clothes like theirs, my friends will think I'm a bit strange)(Si no uso el mismo tipo de ropa que ellos, mis compañeros pensarán que soy algo raro/a)  

Los ejemplos que has analizado arriba muestran dos patrones diferentes para esta case de condiciones. Sin embargo, son posibles también otras combinaciones de formas verbales. Aquí tienes dos ejemplos:

If you get the chance, visit Buenos Aires in spring.(Si tienes la oportunidad, visita Buenos Aires en primavera)  

If you're not nervous, why is your hand shaking?(Si no estás nervioso/a, ¿por qué está temblando tu mano?)  

Las combinaciones posibles pueden llevar incluso verbos modales como en estos tres ejemplos.

If you have finished, you may go.  >>  MODAL VERB: may(Si has terminado, puedes irte)

If you're feeling ill, you ought to see a doctor.  >>  MODAL VERB: ought to(Si te estás sintiendo mal, deberías ver a un médico)

If Mirta, Ricardo and Miguel could do those webs, they can do anything.>>  MODAL VERBS: could (past) - can (present)(Si Mirta, Ricardo y Miguel pudieron hacer esas webs, pueden hacer cualquier cosa).

Conditional Sentence Type 1→ It is possible and also very likely that the condition will be fulfilled.Form: if + Simple Present, will-FutureExample: If I find her address, I’ll send her an invitation.more on Conditional Sentences Type I ►Conditional Sentence Type 2→ It is possible but very unlikely, that the condition will be fulfilled.Form: if + Simple Past, Conditional I (= would + Infinitive)Example: If I found her address, I would send her an invitation.more on Conditional Sentences Type II ►Conditional Sentence Type 3→ It is impossible that the condition will be fulfilled because it refers to the past.Form: if + Past Perfect, Conditional II (= would + have + Past Participle)Example: If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.more on Conditional Sentences Type III ►ExceptionsSometimes Conditional Sentences Type I, II and III can also be used with other tenses.IF Clause Type 3Formif + Past Perfect, main clause with Conditional IIExample: If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, don't use a comma.Example: I would have sent her an invitation if I had found her address.Note: Main clause and / or if clause might be negative. See Past Perfect and Conditional II on how to form negative sentences.Example: If I hadn’t studied, I wouldn’t have passed my exams.UseConditional Sentences Type III refer to situations in the past. An action could have happened in the past if a certain condition had been fulfilled. Things were different then, however. We just imagine, what would have happened if the situation had been fulfilled.Example: If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.

Sometime in the past, I wanted to send an invitation to a friend. I didn't find her address, however. So in the end I didn't send her an invitation.Example: If John had had the money, he would have bought a Ferrari.I knew John very well and I know that he never had much money, but he loved Ferraris. He would have loved to own a Ferrari, but he never had the money to buy one.Exercises on Conditional Sentences Type 1PartyvorbereitungSome friends are planning a party. Everybody wants to party, but nobody's really keen on preparing and organising the party. So everybody comes up with a few conditions, just to make sure that the others will also do something.Complete the Conditional Sentences Type I.If Caroline and Sue prepare the salad, Phil will decorate the house.If Sue cuts the onions for the salad, Caroline will peel the mushrooms.Jane will hoover the sitting room if Aaron and Tim move the furniture.If Bob tidies up the kitchen, Anita will clean the toilet.Elaine will buy the drinks if somebody helps her carry the bottles.If Alan and Rebecca organise the food, Mary and Conor will make the sandwiches.If Bob looks after the barbecue, Sue will let the guests in.Frank will play the DJ if the others bring along their CDs.Alan will mix the drinks if Jane gives him some of her cocktail recipes.If they all do their best, the party will be great.Exercises on Conditional Sentences Type 1Complete the Conditional Sentences (Type I) by putting the verbs into the correct form.If you send this letter now, she will receive it tomorrow. If I do this test, I will improve my English. If I find your ring, I will give it back to you. Peggy will go shopping if she has time in the afternoon. Simon will go to London next week if he gets a cheap flight. If her boyfriend does not phone today, she will leave him. If they do not study harder, they will not pass the exam. If it rains tomorrow, I will not have to water the plants. You will not be able to sleep if you watch this scary film. Susan cannot move into the new house if it is not ready on time. Exercise on Conditional Sentences Type 2Principio del formularioJanine is a daydreamer. She imagines what would happen if she won the lottery.Complete the Conditional Sentences Type II.If I played the lottery, I would have a chance to hit the jackpot.If I hit the jackpot, I would be rich.If I were rich, my life would change completely.I would buy a lonely island, if I found a nice one.If I owned a lonely island, I would build a huge house by the beach.I would invite all my friends if I had a house by the beach.I would pick my friends up in my yacht if they wanted to spend their holidays on my island.We would have great parties if my friends came to my island.If we liked to go shopping in a big city, we would charter a helicopter.But if my friends' holidays were over, I would feel very lonely on my lonely island.Complete the Conditional Sentences (Type II) by putting the verbs into the correct form. Use conditional I with would in the main clause.If we had a yacht, we would sail the seven seas. If he had more time, he would learn karate. If they told their father, he would be very angry. She would spend a year in the USA if it were easier to get a green card. If I lived on a lonely island, I would run around naked all day. We would help you if we knew how. My brother would buy a sports car if he had the money. If I felt better, I would go to the cinema with you. If you went by bike more often, you would not be so flabby. She would not talk to you if she were mad at you. Exercise on Conditional Sentences Type 3Principio del formularioComplete the Conditional Sentences (Type III) by putting the verbs into the correct form. Use conditional II with would in the main clause.If you had studied for the test, you would have passed it. If you had asked me, I would have helped you. If we had gone to the cinema, we would have seen my friend Jacob.

If you had spoken English, she would have understood. If they had listened to me, we would have been home earlier. I would have written you a postcard if I had had your address. If I had not broken my leg, I would have taken part in the contest. If it had not started to rain, we would have walked to the museum. We would have swum in the sea if there had not been so many sharks there. If she had taken the bus, she would not have arrived on time. Exercise on Conditional Sentences Type 3Principio del formularioWhat a match – your favourite team has lost again! So after the game, the supporters discuss what could have been different.Complete the Conditional Sentences Type III.If the midfielders had passed the ball more exactly, our team would have had more chances to attack.If the forwards had run faster, they would have scored more goals.Their motivation would have improved if they had kicked a goal during the first half.The fullbacks would have prevented one or the other goal if they had marked their opponents.If the goalie had jumped up, he would have caught the ball.If the referee had seen the foul, he would have awarded a penalty kick to our team.Our team would have been in better form if they had trained harder the weeks before.The game would have become better if the trainer had sent a substitute in during the second half.If it had been a home game, our team would have won the match.If our team had won the match, they would have moved up in the league.Exercise on Exceptions (Conditional Sentences with different Tenses)Principio del formularioExercise on Conditional Sentences with AuxiliariesComplete the conditional sentences (type I). Remember to use the auxiliary verbs.If it doesn't rain, we can go swimming tomorrow.If you train hard, you might win first prize.If we go to Canada next year, we can improve our English.I may go to the disco in the evening if I do the washing-up now.If we go on holiday next week, I cannot play  tennis with you.If you see Gareth tomorrow, you should tell him that you love him.If my parents go shopping in the afternoon, I must look after my little sister.He must be a good drummer if he plays in a band.If you are listening to the radio after 10 pm, you should turn the volume down.If you like that shirt, you can have it.Exercise on Exceptions (Conditional Sentences with different Tenses)Principio del formularioConditional Sentences Type ITo illustrate the use of different tenses, similar examples are used in the exercise. Complete the Conditional Sentences Type I according to the information in brackets.If it is still raining, stay  here for another while.If it has stopped raining, we will go  .If it starts raining, we always close  the windows.If it should rain, please close  the windows.If it rains, the windows must be closed  .Exercise on Exceptions (Conditional Sentences with different Tenses)Principio del formularioConditional Sentences Type IIStudy the following situations. In every sentence, the 'if' clause expresses a general situation in the present (Type II). Decide, however, whether the consequences refer to the present (Conditional I) or past (Conditional II).I am trying to reach Sue on the phone now, but I'm afraid she is not there because …If she were at the office, she would answer the phone.A couple of minutes ago, I tried to reach Sue on the phone, but I'm afraid she is not there because …If she were at the office, she would have answered the phone.I want to ring a friend now, but I don't know his phone number.If I knew his phone number, I would ring him.A week ago, I wanted to ring a friend, but I don't know his phone number.If I knew his phone number, I would have rung him.A friend tells me what she is planning to do. I don't think what she is planning is a good idea.If I were you, I would not do this.A friend tells me what she did. I don't think what she did was a good idea.If I were you, I would not have done this.

Somebody tells me that Sarah is on holiday in Italy at the moment. This cannot be true because I'm seeing her in town tonight.If Sarah were in Italy, I would not see her in town tonight.Somebody tells me that Sarah is on holiday in Italy at the moment. This cannot be true because I saw her in town last night.If Sarah were in Italy, I would not have seen her in town last night.My brother feels like he is getting the flu. I tell him …You would not get the flu if you ate more fruit.A few weeks ago, my brother had the flu. I tell him …You would not have got the flu if you ate more fruit.Exercise on Exceptions (Conditional Sentences with different Tenses)Principio del formularioConditional Sentences Type IIIStudy the following situations. In every sentence, the 'if' clause expresses a situation in the past (Type III). Decide, however, whether the consequences refer to the present (Conditional I) or past (Conditional II).It didn't rain yesterday. So I had to water the plants yesterday.If it had rained yesterday, I would not have watered the plants.It didn't rain yesterday. So I am watering the plants now.If it had rained yesterday, I would not water the plants now.I went to bed late last night. So I am still tired now.If I had gone to bed earlier yesterday, I would not feel so tired now.I went to bed late last Tuesday. So I was very tired the following day.If I had gone to bed earlier that Tuesday, I would not have felt that tired the following day.After a night out, I want to drive home now. I haven't drunk any alcohol.If I had drunk alcohol, I would not drive.After a night out last weekend, I drove home. I hadn't drunk any alcohol.If I had drunk alcohol, I would not have driven.We won the match last week. So when we came home, we looked really happy.We would not have looked that happy if we had not won the match.We've just won a match. So we look really happy now.We would not look that happy if we had not won the match.My daughter is blamed for having done something. She tells me now that she didn't do it. I believe her.She would tell me if she had done it.Last year, my daughter was blamed for having done something. She told me that she hadn't done it. I believed her.She would have told me if she had done it.Evaluation and AnswersYou answered 0 out of 22 (0%) questions correctly. That is 6Hold the mouse pointer over   in order to get an explanation on the correct answer. Is the correct answer coloured in brown, hold the mouse pointer over the correct answer to see what your wrong answer.If Clauses Type I - FormIn the if clause of a Conditional Sentence Type I, we use Simple Present.In the main clause of a Conditional Sentence Type I, we use will-Future.Choose the correct form.If we go to London, we will visit  the Tower.If the shop is open, I will buy  a souvenir.If she misses the bus, she will not get  here on time.He will help me if he knows  the answer.Jane will let you in if I am not  here.Complete the Conditional Sentences Type I.If you eat an ice-cream, I will have  a hot chocolate.If she needs a computer, her brother will give  her his computer.If we do not have time this afternoon, we will meet  tomorrow.He will talk to her if you do not want  to do it.You will not win the game if you do not know  the rulesEvaluation and AnswersYou answered 0 out of 25 (0%) questions correctly. That is 6Hold the mouse pointer over   in order to get an explanation on the correct answer. Is the correct answer coloured in brown, hold the mouse pointer over the correct answer to see what your wrong answer.Conditional Sentence Type IComplete the Conditional Sentences Type I.If you wash the dishes, I will cook  dinner tonight.If my dad has time next week, we will paint  my room.You will learn a lot about American history if you visit  the exhibition.If the weather is not too bad tomorrow, we will play  golf.We will not get there on time if we do not catch  the bus.Conditional Sentence Type IIComplete the Conditional Sentences Type II.

If I had more time, I would learn  to play the guitar.If she studied harder, she would get  better marks.If we knew more about history, we would not be  afraid of the test.I would go jogging with Tom and Sue if they were  here this week.It would surprise me if she did not help  you.Conditional Sentence Type I or IIComplete the sentences with the correct form (Type I or II).If you need the car in the afternoon, I will go  shopping in the morning.If I wore  a hat, I would look like an old woman.I'll buy this bag if they have  it in blue.She wouldn't pay cash if she had  a credit card.If I didn't have you, I would not know  what to doEvaluation and AnswersYou answered 0 out of 28 (0%) questions correctly. That is 6Hold the mouse pointer over   in order to get an explanation on the correct answer. Is the correct answer coloured in brown, hold the mouse pointer over the correct answer to see what your wrong answer.Conditional Sentences Type IComplete the Conditional Sentences Type I.If you go out with your friends tonight, I will watch  the football match on TV.I will earn a lot of money if I get  that job.If she does not hurry, we will miss  the bus.Conditional Sentences Type IIComplete the Conditional Sentences Type II.If he tried harder, he would reach  his goals.I would buy these shoes if they fitted  .It would not surprise me if he did not know  the answer.Conditional Sentences Type IIIComplete the Conditional Sentences Type III.If we had listened to the radio, we would have heard  the news.If you had switched on the lights, you would not have fallen  over the chair.She would have come to our party if she had not been  on holiday.Conditional Sentences Type I, II or IIIComplete the Conditional Sentences with the correct form (Type I, II or III).If I were  stronger, I'd help you carry the piano.If we'd seen you, we would have stopped  .If we meet  him tomorrow, we'll say hello.He would have repaired the car himself if he had had  the tools.If you drop the vase, it will break  .If I hadn't studied, I would not have passed  the exam.I wouldn't go to school by bus if I had  a driving licence.If she didn't see  him every day, she'd be lovesick.I won't travel  to London if I don't get a cheap flight.We'd be stupid if we told  him about our secret.Conditional Sentences Type I, II, IIIComplete the sentences according to the basic rules for Conditional Sentences.It would be  silly if we tried to walk there.I will watch  the film only if the reviews are good.She'd have taken me to the station if her car hadn't broken  down.If you don't ask  , he won't help you.If it hadn't rained  yesterday, we would have gone sailing.Will you look  after their dog again if they go on holiday this year?Would you mind if I used  your mobile?I would not have opened  the mail if it had contained a virus.Even if I had  a wet-suit, I wouldn't go scuba-diving.Would you have been  that strict if you'd known the truth?ExceptionsComplete the following sentences. Note that you might have to use other tenses (active/passive voice) than required in the basic rules.If I had more time, I would have come  to your party yesterday.Give the book to Jane if you have read  it.If you hadn't lost our flight tickets, we would be  on our way to the Caribbean now.If you are having  dinner right now, I'll come back later.If we had set  off earlier, we wouldn't be in this traffic jam now.What would you do if you were accused  of murder?If I hadn't eaten that much, I would not feel  so sick now.We would take another route if they had not closed  the road.

She only sings  if she's in a good mood.If she were sensible, she would not have asked  that question, by which she offended him so much.First, Second, & Third Conditional

This analysis of conditional verb forms was written by Rob De Decker, who teaches English at a Flemish grammar school (equivalent to an American high school) in Schellebelle, Belgium. It is used here with his permission.

Conditional Clause and Main ClauseIf I have enough money,conditional clause    

I will go to Japan.    main clause

I will go to Japan,main clause    

if I have enough money    conditional clause

First, Second, and Third Conditional1. First conditional: If I have enough money, I will go to Japan.

2. Second conditional: If I had enough money, I would go to Japan.

3. Third conditional: If I had had enough money, I would have gone to Japan. Conditional clause Main clause

1. If + Present Tense will + inf / present tense / imperative

 If you help me with the dishes (if + pres), I will help you with your homework. (will + inf)If the sum of the digits of a number is divisible by three, the number is divisible by three (Pres. tense)If you see Mr Fox tonight, tell him I am ill. (imperative).

2. If + Past Tense would + inf

3. If + Past Perfect Tense would have + past participle

We do not normally use will or would in the conditional clause, only in the main clause.

Uses of the ConditionalFirst conditionalNature: Open condition, what is said in the condition is possible.Time: This condition refers either to present or to future time.e.g. If he is late, we will have to go without him.If my mother knows about this, we are in serious trouble.

Second conditionalNature: unreal (impossible) or improbable situations.Time: present; the TENSE is past, but we are talking about the present, now.e.g. If I knew her name, I would tell you.If I were you, I would tell my father.Compare: If I become president, I will change the social security system. (Said by a presidential candidate)If I became president, I would change the social security system. (Said by a schoolboy: improbable)If we win this match, we are qualified for the semifinals.If I won a million pounds, I would stop teaching. (improbable)

Third conditionalNature: unrealTime: Past (so we are talking about a situation that was not so in the past.)e.g. If you had warned me, I would not have told your father about that party.(But you didn't, and I have).Remember!1. The conditional construction does not normally use will or would in if-clauses. EXCEPTION: If will or would express willingness, as in requests, they can be used in if-clauses.e.g. If you will come this way, the manager will see you now.I would be grateful if you would give me a little help.(= ± please, come this way; please, give me...)2. For the second conditional, were replaces was:If I were a rich man...3. After if, we can either use "some(-one, -where...)" or "any(-one, -where...).If I have some spare time next weekend....or : If I have any spare time...

4. Instead of if not, we can use unless.e.g. I'll be back tomorrow unless there is a plane strike.He'll accept the job unless the salary is too low.5.There is a "mixed type" as well, for the present results of an unreal condition in the past:If + Past Perfect - would + inf.If you had warned me [then], I would not be in prison [now].Conditional sentencesThe conditional sentences are sometimes confusing for learners of English.Watch out:1) Which type of the conditional sentences is used?2) Where is the if-clause (e.g. at the beginning or at the end of the conditional sentence)?There are three types of the if-clauses.

type condition

I condition possible to fulfill

II condition in theory possible to fulfill

III condition not possible to fulfill (too late)

Form

type if clause main clause

I Simple Present will-future (or Modal + infinitive)

II Simple Past would + infinitive *

III Past Perfect would + have + past participle *

Examples (if-clause at the beginning)

type if clause main clause

I If I study, I will pass the exam.

II If I studied, I would pass the exam.

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

Examples (if-clause at the end)

type main clause if-clause

I I will pass the exam if I study.

II I would pass the exam if I studied.

III I would have passed the exam if I had studied.

Examples (affirmative and negative sentences)

type Examples

long forms short/contracted forms

I

+ If I study, I will pass the exam. If I study, I'll pass the exam.

- If I study, I will not fail the exam.If I do not study, I will fail the exam.

If I study, I won't fail the exam.If I don't study, I'll fail the exam.

II

+ If I studied, I would pass the exam. If I studied, I'd pass the exam.

- If I studied, I would not fail the exam.If I did not study, I would fail the exam.

If I studied, I wouldn't fail the exam.If I didn't study, I'd fail the exam.

III

+ If I had studied, I would have passed the exam. If I'd studied, I'd have passed the exam.

- If I had studied, I would not have failedthe exam.If I had not studied, I would have failedthe exam.

If I'd studied, I wouldn't have failed the exam.If I hadn't studied, I'd have failed the exam.

* We can substitute could or might for would (should, may or must are sometimes possible, too).

I would pass the exam.

I could pass the exam.

I might pass the exam.

I may pass the exam.

I should pass the exam.

I must pass the exam.

Conditional SentencesHay cuatro tipos de frases condicionales. El uso de uno u otro depende de la probabilidad de la acción.CONDITIONAL TYPES (TIPOS DE CONDICIONALES)Zero Conditional (Tipo 0)Se usa este tipo del condicional cuando la condición y el resultado siempre es verdad, como por ejemplo en los hechos científicos.

IF Condition ResultIf Present simple Present simple

Ejemplos: If you heat water to 100° C, it boils. / Water boils if you heat it to 100° C. (Si calientas agua a 100

° C hierve.) If I don't practice the piano everyday I play poorly. / I play the piano poorly if I don't

practice everyday. (Si no practico el piano cada día toco mal.)Nota: Podemos cambiar el orden de los frases sin cambiar el significado.

First Conditinal (Tipo 1)Este tipo del condicional se utiliza para el futuro y en los casos en los que es muy probable que la condición pase.

IF Condition ResultIf Present simple Future simple ("will")

Ejemplos: If Bill studies, he will pass the exam. / Bill will pass the exam ifhe studies. (Si Bill estudia,

aprobará el examen.) If it doesn't rain, we will go to the beach. / We will go to the beach if it doesn't rain. (Si no llueve,

iremos a la playa.) Will you take the train if you miss the bus? / If you miss the bus, will you take the

train? (¿Cogerás el tren si pierdes el bus?)Second Conditional (Tipo 2)Se utiliza el tipo 2 para expresar una posibilidad irreal en el presente, como un deseo o un sueño, o para una acción en el futuro no tan probable.

IF Condition ResultIf Past simple "Would" + infinitivo

Ejemplos: If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world. / I would travel around the world if I won the

lottery. (Si ganara la lotería, viajaría alrededor del mundo.) If Rachel had more time, she would learn to play the guitar. / Rachel would learn to play the

guitar if she had more time. (Si Rachel tuviera más tiempo, aprendería a tocar la guitarra.) Would you be happy if you got married? / If you got married,would you be happy? (¿Estarías feliz

si te casaras?)Third Conditional (Tipo 3)A diferencia a los tipos 1 y 2, se utiliza el tercer tipo del condicional cuando hablamos de una condicion en el pasado que no ha sucedido.

IF Condition ResultIf Past perfect "Would have" + past participle

Ejemplos: If I had known then what I know now, I would have donethings differently. / I would have

done things differently if Ihad known then what I know now. (Si hubiera sabido en el pasado lo que sé ahora, hubiera hecho las cosas de manera diferente.)

Suzanne wouldn't have had the heart attack if she had gone on a diet as her doctor recommended. / If Suzanne had gone on a diet as her doctor recommended she wouldn't have had the heart attack. (Suzanne no hubiera tenido el infarto si hubiera hecho dieta como su médico le recomendó.)

Would you have liked to go to university if you had been able to afford it? / If you had been able to afford it, would you have liked to go to university? (¿Te gustaría ir a la universidad si te lo hubieras permitido pagar?)

Aquí os dejos unos enlaces para que podáis seguir trabajando con las oraciones condicionales.