CONDITIONALS

                                

A conditional sentence is that in which one of the clauses tells the condition for the action indicated in the second clause to be performed.

Examples: 1)If you work hard,you will be successful.

                 2) If he is unable to understand the sum,he can request the teacher to reexplain.

                 3)If I had more money,I would buy a villa.

                 4) If  the doctor had visited the patient in time,she would have been saved.

          All above mentioned sentences are Conditional Sentences.In sentence (1) the first clause lays down the condition (if you work hard) for the action expressed in the second clause of sentence(you will be successful).Similar pattern can be noticed in other examples.

A conditional sentence has two clauses:

1) the if-clause; and                       2) the main clause

                                      TYPES OF CONDITIONALS

TYPE 0 CONDITIONAL:

* Used to describe general truths and scientific facts.

Pattern: If+simple present+simple present.

Examples: If there is silence all around,we study properly.

                 Plants wither if we don't water them.

THE FIRST CONDITIONAL( PROBABLE CONDITIONAL)

* Such sentences describe something that is likely to take place.So also called'Probable or Likely conditions

Pattern: If+simple present tense+will/will not.(future)

USAGE:

   *For things likely to happen.Ex. If you make her a request,you will get a reply.

   *For making a request,giving advice,command and permission.

   * For showing ability

.Note: We can use the main clause in Type 1 condition for the above mentioned things.

Examples: If you meet Hari,convey him  my regards.( request)

               If you want to grow your channel, circulate the post among more groups.(suggestion)

               If there is shortage of water,stop wasting it.(command)

               If you take exercise daily,you will reduce your weight.(possibility)

               If he studies well, he can stand first in class.( ability)

THE SECOND CONDITIONAL(also called improbable or unlikely conditional)

Example: If I had a lot of money,I would buy a big house.

The If clause is in the simple past or the past continuous tense

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The 'If' clauses indicate unreal situation in the second conditional.So,they are called unlikely/improbable conditionals.

The second conditional is used for actions that are unlikely to occur.

Pattern: if+ simple past+would......

Examples: If I were to buy some ornaments, I would go the jeweler's shop

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Note: In the main clause,'might' and 'could' can also be used in place of' would.'

Example: If she had his address,she could visit him.

Note:In the 'if' clause,the pattern:were+to (infinitive) can be used.

Example:P If I were to join their group,I would approach them.

THE THIRD CONDITIONAL:

*Used for  actions not possible  to happen.

*Condition unfulfilled as the main clause refers to an event that has already happened.

Example:If we had reached  the station on time,we would have caught the train.

Pattern: If+past perfect,would/could etc.+have+past participle.......

Note: The 'if' clause can also begin with 'had' if we use it instead of 'if'

Example:Had You studied properly,you would have passed with good marks.

Note:The 'if' clause can be at the beginning or at the end of a sentence.If it is in the beginning,it is always followed by a comma.(,)

Example: If she telephones me,I will explain her everything.