The Structure of Conditionals


If I had an extra hand, I wouldn't have such a problem.

Conditionals are formed by a complex sentence consisting of two clauses: a main clause and a subordinate clause. Example:

These clauses express the dependence of a situation on another and usually, the subordinate clause begins with IF. In most cases the order of the clauses can be inverted. Example:

Note that if the subordinate clause is placed at the beginning, a comma (,) must be inserted before the main clause.

In conversation:

The if clause is not really needed. Example:

A: What would you do if you saw a bat?

B: I'd try to catch it!

Some of the relationships between the form of a conditional and its meaning can be summarized in the following chart:


Present Tense


Physical laws, scientific discourse
If a small asteroid enters the earth's atmosphere, it will burn.


Present Tense, Modals


Inferences based on your precedent knowledge


If the soccer game is on TV, my brother must be at home.


Past Tense


Past habits that are not currently taking place


If we had homework in high school, we all got together to check our answers.


Past Tense + would


Events that are not likely to occur in reality


If I spoke to God, I would ask him to stop war.

Go to the exercise page: Check your knowledge!

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