What are conditional sentences in English and how to use them?
In this article you will learn what are the conditional sentences in English, What are their types, and how to properly used in English communications.
Conditional sentences are statements discussing known factors or hypothetical situation and their consequences. We use them to communicate that something is true or happens only if something else is true of happens – that is, only under a certain condition. Complete conditional sentences contain a condition clause (often referred to as the if clause) and the consequence. Consider the following sentences:
For examples;
- If a certain condition is true, then a particular result happens.
- I would travel around the world if I won the letter.
- When the water reaches 100 degrees, it boils.
- If he stays at home, I can go to work.
- If she had informed us, I could have helped her.
Types of Conditional Sentences
There are four different types of conditioanl sentences in English. Each expresses a different degree of probability that a situation will occur or would have occurred under certain circumstance.
- Zero conditional sentences
- First conditional sentences
- Second conditional sentences
- Third conditional sentence
Let’s look at each of these types of conditional sentences in more detail.
1. Zero Conditional Sentences
Zero conditional sentences express general truths – a situation in which one thing always causes another.
For example:
- If you don’t brush your teeth, you get cavities.
- When people smoke cigarettes, their health suffers
How to use zero conditional sentences
1. When you use a zero conditional, you are talking about a general truth rather than specific instance of something. Consider the following examples:
- If you don’t brush your teeth, you get cavities.
- When people smoke cigarettes, their health suffers
2. When using the zero conditonal, the correct tense in both clauses is the simple present tense.
- If you don’t brush your teeth, you get cavities.
- When people smoke cigarettes, their health suffers
3. The words if and when can be used interchangeably in these zero conditional sentences. This is because the outcome will be the same any time the condition is in place; there is no difference in meaning for if and when to communicate.
- If you don’t brush your teeth, you get cavities.
- When people smoke cigarettes, their health suffers
Examples of zero conditional setences
- If you don’t brush your teeth, you get cavities.
- When people smoke cigarettes, their health suffers.
2. First Conditional Sentences
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How to use first conditional sentences
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Examples of first conditional sentences
- If you rest, you will feel better.
- If you set your mind to a goal, you’ll eventually achieve it.
3. Second Conditional Sentences
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How to use second conditional sentences
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Examples of second conditional sentences
- If I inherited a billion dollars, I would travel to the moon.
- If I owned a zoo, I might let people interact with the animals more.
4. Third Conditional Sentences
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How to use third conditional sentences
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Examples of third conditional sentences
- If you had told me you needed a ride, I would have left earlier.
- If I had cleaned the house, I could have gone to the movies.
Punctuating Conditional Sentences
Despite the complex nature of conditional sentences, punctuating them properly is really simple!
Here is how it words:
1. Use a comma after the if-clause when the if-clause precedes the main clause.
Example:
- If I’d had time, I would have cleaned the house.
2. If the main clause precedes the if-clause, no punctuation is necessary.
Example:
- I would have cleaned the house if I’d had time.
More Examples of Conditional Sentences
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Conclusion
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Conditional Sentences – FAQS
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Examples of zero conditional setences
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Examples of zero conditional setences
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Examples of zero conditional setences
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Examples of zero conditional setences
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