How Many Types of Conditional Sentences?

In English grammar, the conditional sentences are used to talk about the cause & effects. There are two parts of such sentences – Conditional clause & Main Clause. The conditional clause consists of the cause of a situation while the main clause consists of its effect. The former can be placed at either of the locations – before or after the main clause. They are also called as “If” clause which means that the main clause can only take place if it satisfy certain conditions. The conditional sentences are quite helpful in effective English communication if used correctly.

There are three types of conditional sentences:

1) First Conditional Sentence (Open Condition)

2) Second Conditional Sentence (Imaginary Condition)

3) Third conditional Sentence (Unfulfilled Condition)

The brief description of these sentences is given below:

1) First Conditional Sentence (Open Condition):

a) It is used to talk about any action which will happen in future.

b) It also shows that something will happen if a particular condition is fulfilled.

FORM:

IF Clause -- Simple Present Tense

Main Clause – Simple Future Tense using will/ shall/ can / may

Structure of Sentences:

Positive Sentence:

1. If you work hard you will surely succeed.

2. We shall postpone our trip if the weather is bad.

3. If he runs fast he can win the race.

Negative Sentences:

1. If you don’t work harder you will fail.

2. The children will play in the park if it doesn’t rain.

3. He may not work for you if you are rude to him.

Interrogative Sentences:

1. What will you do if he doesn’t reach on time?

2. Will you go with Suzanne if she insists?

3. How will you manage your expenses if you don’t get a job?

2) Second Conditional Sentence (Imaginary Condition): It is used to talk about the imaginary situations which are unlikely to happen.

FORM:

IF Clause -- Simple Past Tense

Main Clause – Would / Should/ Could / Might + Base form of the verb Exception: With “to be” verb, we use “were” irrespective of the subject.

Examples:

Incorrect Sentence: If I was rich, I would buy a Ferrari.

Correct Sentence: If I were rich, I would buy a Ferrari.

Structure of Sentences:

Positive Sentence:

1. If I were taller, they would select me for the gymnastics.

2. If I had enough money, I could visit any country in the world.

Negative Sentence:

1. If I were you, I wouldn’t be late.

2. If you didn’t eat greasy food, you wouldn't be so fat.

Interrogative Sentences:

1. What would you do if you become the king of the world?

2. How would your life change if you were rich?

3) Third Conditional Sentence (Unfulfilled Condition): It is used to talk about actions which did not happen in the past as the condition was not fulfilled.

FORM:

IF Clause -- Past Perfect Tenses

Main Clause – Would / should/ could / Might + have + past participle

Structure of Sentences:

Positive Sentence:

1. You would have been angry if I had told you the truth.

2. If he had come on time we would have left early for the airport.

Negative Sentence:

1. If I hadn’t had brothers & sisters, I would have felt alone.

2. I wouldn’t have worked harder if I had a lot of money

Interrogative Sentences:

1. Why would you have learnt English if you hadn’t needed it in your profession?

2. What would you have done if you had the time machine?