Conditional sentences in English

Conditional sentences are compound sentences in colloquial and literary speech , consisting of a clause and a main part. In the subordinate clause the condition is called, in the main - the consequence, which expresses the result of this condition. In this case, as a consequence, so the condition can be treated as by now, and to the past, and to the future.

Often, clauses are introduced using the union if (if). If you compare with the Russian language, then in English sentences a comma is placed in a compound sentence only when the subordinate clause goes before the main clause.

Conditional sentences in English are divided into three types, which depends on the degree of probability that the design expresses. The type of conditional supply to use depends solely on the addressee and his relationship to his message.

Conditional sentences: the first type

Proposals of this type are used when the speaker considers the events to be real, so he uses the predicates not in a conditional mood, but in real ones. Also, the first type expresses unlikely events using the should + infinitive. This shows that the speaker considers this course of events unlikely, however, it is still possible.

Thus, such conditional sentences express the absolute possibility of implementing a condition in the future or the present. A sentence sentence is used in Present Indefinite, the main thing is Future Indefinite with an infinitive or a verb in the imperative mood. For example, If I see my brother, I will tell him the truth. By the way, the subordinate clause can be not only before the main, but also after it. Proposals that relate to the future express a lesser degree of probability, and such a variation is called a supposed inclination. For example, If I should see my brother, I will tell him the truth.

Conditional sentences: second type

Used to express almost unreal events. The speaker does not consider events in reality, but suggests that it would be if something happened. The second type expresses the unreality or the extremely low probability that the condition will take place. This model is used to report that the conditions necessary for the performance of a particular action are either absent or very small. The sentence sentence is in a form that coincides with the past indefinite time, and the main one contains the design would-could-might plus the infinitive.

In colloquial speech , the abbreviation 'd, if the words would-could-might apply not for emotional stress, is used. Very popular use were (If I were you ...), however, it is gradually replaced by the words was, got and others. In addition, modal verbs like might and could could be used. For example, If I could, I would help. Sometimes in the subordinate clauses with were and had an inversion occurs, and these words are omitted. For example, Were I at home, I would do the task.

Conditional sentences: the third type

Such proposals describe absolutely unreal events, when nothing can be changed, and all that remains is to fantasize. Proposals of the third type express certain unreal conditions that have already occurred. Often there is a reported loss of opportunity. The sentence sentence has the form: - had + third form. The main sentence contains the construct would-should-could + the perfect infinitive.

A mixed type is a mixture of several main types in one sentence. For example, when a condition in the past has an effect in the present or vice versa. For the successful use of a mixed type, it is important to orientate well in the first three.

This topic is very important and compulsory for studying by people who want to know English at a high level. Conditional sentences are found both in fiction and in colloquial speech, therefore, for a clear understanding of English speech and the transmission of all necessary information, it is necessary to clearly understand the difference between the types of such sentences and the main features of their construction.