TOEIC Grammar: Conditionals (For My Students Around The World)

Conditionals

 

Type 0 General truth	If-clause (hypothesis)	Main clause (result)	Use
	If + present simple	Present simple
	If the temperature falls below 0 C, water turns into ice.
Type 1 Real present	If + present simple, present perfect or can	future/ imperative can/may/might/must/should/ could/have to + bare infinitive	real – likely to happen in the present or future
	If he doesn’t pay the fine, he will go to prison. If you need help, come and see me. If you have finished your work, we can have a break. If you’re ever in the area, you should come and visit us.
Type 2 Unreal present	If + past simple (were)	would/could/should + bare infinitive	imaginary situation contrary to facts in the present; also used to give advice
	If I had time, I would take up a sport. (but I don’t have time – untrue in the present) If I were you, I would talk to my parents about it. (giving advice)
Type 3 Unreal past	If + past perfect (had +PII)	would/should/could + have + PII	imaginary situation contrary to facts in the past; also used to express regrets or criticism
	If she had studied harder, she would have passed the test.

Conditional clauses consist of two parts: the if-clause (hypothesis) and the main clause (result). When the if-clause comes before the main clause, the two clauses are separated with a comma. When the main clause comes before the if-clause, then no comma is necessary.

Example: If I see Tim, I’ll give him his book.

I’ll give Tim his book if I see him.

 

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