Conditionals

Borbás Tibor – Simon Péter: Use of English Unit 4: Conditionals and… Page 1 of 14
4. Conditionals and unreal tenses

Contents
4.1 If-sentences and conditionals
4.1.1 Zero conditional
4.1.2 First conditional
4.1.3 Second conditional
4.1.4 Third conditional
4.1.5 Mixed conditionals
4.1.6 Modals used in conditional sentences
4.1.7 Linking words used instead of if
4.1.8 Less likely conditions
4.1.9 Inversion in conditional sentences
4.2 Wish, if only
4.3 It's (high) time
4.4 As if, as though
4.5 Would rather, would sooner
4.5.1 Simple sentence with one subject
4.5.2 Complex sentence with two subjects
4.6 Prefer, would prefer
Guiding questions
• Which if-sentence is not a conditional sentence?
• When is a tense unreal?
• How can we mix conditional sentences?
• What modals can be used in conditionals?
• What is the similarity between conditionals and sentences starting with I wish…/If only…?
• What happens to conditional sentences in indirect speech?
The unreal (or hypothetical) tenses have the form of the Past Simple or the Past Perfect but they refer to
present or past time, respectively. They are used in subordinate clauses which hypothesise an imaginary
present or an impossible past situation.
I wish you were here. (an imaginary present situation, because you are not here)
If I had gone to bed earlier, I wouldn’t have overslept. (an impossible past situation, because I didn’t go
to bed earlier)
This applies to the subordinate clauses in the second and third conditionals, wish/if only, as if/as though,
it’s (high) time, would rather/would sooner, etc. sentences. These structures are discussed in details in
this chapter.
4.1 If-sentences and conditionals

You have probably learnt about the three types of conditional sentences. Besides these, there are other
sentences with if which are not conditionals because they do not express a condition. Some books,
however, call these sentences the "zero conditional", and for the sake of convenience we will use this
term, too. Also note that in addition to these basic types there is also what we call the mixed conditional.
Note the punctuation rule for all kinds of if-sentences: there is a comma between the two clauses if the if-
clause is first. If not, there is no comma.
4.1.1 Zero conditional

As we have mentioned above, this type of if-sentence does not imply a condition, but rather it expresses
that something is or was always true. Here the linking word if means when. Note that in the other
conditional sentences we cannot replace if with when.
4.1.1.1 Present reference
IF-CLAUSE WITH PRESENT SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS

MAIN CLAUSE WITH PRESENT SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS
If I stay up until 3 in the morning, I am totally exhausted the next day.

If he is cursing, it means that he is very angry.
4.1.1.2 Past reference
IF-CLAUSE WITH PAST SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS

MAIN CLAUSE WITH PAST SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS
If we weren’t in the mood, we didn’t talk to each other for hours.

She walked the streets without an umbrella if it was raining.
If she was sad, she just stared into the distance

without saying a word.
4.1.2 First conditional
This type describes a real situation with reference to the future. If the condition is fulfilled, the action in
the main clause is likely to happen.
IF-CLAUSE WITH PRESENT TENSE (ANY)

MAIN CLAUSE WITH FUTURE SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS
She won't be happy if you tell her the news.

If I break my leg on the ski run, I won’t be giving a party tonight.
The use of present tenses in the if-clause of the first conditional is similar to that in time clauses discussed
in 2.5.2.
4.1.2.1
If one event depends on the completion of another, we can use the Present Perfect in the if-clause.
If you’ve finished, (then) we’ll go.
4.1.2.2
The Present Continuous is also possible in the if-clause.
If you are looking for Lucy, you’ll find her in the bathroom. (referring to a present action)
If you are staying for the weekend, we’ll go and see the film Mulholland Drive again. (referring to a
future arrangement)
4.1.2.3
Going to is possible in both clauses (cf. 2.5.3).
If you keep acting in such a selfish way, you are going to lose all your friends. (prediction)
If you are going to hurt me, I’ll leave. (intention)
4.1.2.4
We can also use imperatives.
If you've finished, go home.

Finish quickly, and I will let you go home. (here the if-clause is replaced with the imperative)
NOTE
The difference between the zero and the first conditional is that while the zero conditional expresses a
general present or past situation, the first conditional refers to a specific future event.
If you drink too much, you have a hangover the next day.
You is a general subject here expressing one, anybody or people and the sentence expresses a general
truth.
If you drink too much, you will have a hangover tomorrow.
You in this second sentence is the second person singular pronoun and the sentence expresses a warning.
4.1.3 Second conditional
This type usually describes an unreal situation with reference to the present. We imagine a hypothetical
situation, which is in contrast with the real situation in the present.
IF-CLAUSE WITH PAST SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS

MAIN CLAUSE WITH WOULD + INFINITIVE (SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS)
Note that here it is only the form of the Past Simple or Continuous that we use. Remember the phrase If I
were you…, where were is obviously not the past form of be in the first person singular. Were in this case
is the past subjunctive form of be (cf. later in this book). Although this is what prescriptive grammar
dictates, for many native speakers of English, nowadays, it is becoming common to use was instead of
were in the first and third person singular. Note that were sounds more formal.
If I had some cigarettes, I would give you one.

I would be surprised if she weren't/wasn't still sitting there.
In some cases, the second conditional can express a theoretically possible but unlikely situation. This can
refer to future time.
If the Third World War broke out, it would mean the end of humankind.
Some sentences may look like a second conditional but in fact are not.
If he was hungry, he would always run to the nearest take-away.
This is actually a zero conditional (cf. 4.1.1), where would in the main clause expresses a past habit (cf.
2.2.5) and if means when or whenever.
4.1.4 Third conditional
The third type describes an unreal situation with reference to the past. We hypothesise a past situation
which did not happen and cannot happen any more. It is also called the impossible condition.
IF-CLAUSE WITH PAST PERFECT SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS

MAIN CLAUSE WITH WOULD + PERFECT INFINITIVE (SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS)
If he had been more careful, he wouldn't have been killed in the accident.
4.1.5 Mixed conditionals
The second and third conditionals can be mixed in the following ways.
4.1.5.1 Past condition, with a result in the present
If you had smoked less, you wouldn't be sick now.

If Mr Douglas had had a moustache, Zeta Jones wouldn't be his wife now.
If we had followed the sign,

we wouldn’t be lost now.
4.1.5.2 General condition, with an unreal event in the past
If Mr Douglas had a moustache, Ms Zeta Jones would probably not have married him.
If I were smarter, I would have been able to answer.
Compare:
If I were smarter, I would have been able to answer. (I am dumb.) (mixed conditional)
If I had been smarter, I would have been able to answer. (It wasn't my day.) (third conditional)
4.1.6 Modals used in conditional sentences
4.1.6.1 First conditional
4.1.6.1.1 Main clause
Instead of will we can use may/might (certainty/uncertainty), may (permission), can (permission or
ability) or must/should (obligation).
You may leave the room if you’ve finished the test.

If he doesn’t arrive in a few minutes, we must leave without him.
If you ever go to Chicago, you should take a boat

trip on the river.
4.1.6.1.2 If-clause
In the if-clause we can use should (to express that the condition is less likely; cf. 4.1.8.1), can (permission
or ability), will or would (politeness and emphasis), must (obligation) or may (permission).
If you can speak English, you may apply for this position.
If you must cry, cry.
If you should see Kate, could you ask her about my CD?
Will and would in the if-clause can express politeness and emphasis.
Politeness
If you will/would wait here (, I’ll see if the boss is in). (request; would is more polite)
If you’d just fill in this form. (request; e.g. in a hotel)
In these two cases inversion is possible.

Will you wait here (, I'll see if the boss is in)?
Would you fill in this form?
Since in these cases the result is obvious or not important, the main clause can be omitted.
Emphasis: insistence or refusal
If he will walk around in a T-shirt at this time of the year, he will surely catch a cold. (if he insists
on walking...)
If she won’t greet me, I won’t greet her either. (if she refuses to greet me...)
Note that in these two sentences the auxiliaries will and won’t in the if-clause are always stressed in
speech and cannot be contracted with the subject:
*If he’ll walk around in a T-shirt in the winter, no wonder he catches colds.
4.1.6.2 Second conditional
Instead of would we can use could (permission or ability), might (certainty/uncertainty) or should
(obligation).
If you were taller, you could play for the Lakers.

If you weren’t under 18, I should punish you.
4.1.6.2.2 If-clause
Could (permission or ability)
If I could swim, I could be a sailor.
4.1.6.3 Third conditional
Instead of would it is possible to use could (ability or possibility), should (obligation) or might
(possibility).
George could have won the race if his shoelace hadn’t come undone.
4.1.6.3.2 If-clause
Could + perfect infinitive
If he could have got to the airport on time, he would not have missed the flight.
4.1.7 Linking words used instead of if
4.1.7.1 Even if
Even if emphasises that something will happen whatever the condition is. It is possible in all types of
conditionals.
I will wear my red shirt even if you don’t like the idea.
4.1.7.2 Only if
Only if can be used to connect the main clause and the if-clause to express a more restrictive condition.
Acetaminophen is dangerous to kids only if dosage is too high.
It is possible in all types of conditionals. Note that if the sentence starts with the condition, the main
clause is inverted (cf. 9.2.1.2).
Only if you really like Mozart is it worth coming tonight.

Only if “only if” is at the beginning of the sentence will we use inversion in the main clause.
Only if you enjoy walking on the ocean floor

should you come to our summer camp.
4.1.7.3 Provided, providing, as long as

Provided and as long as can also replace if. These are usually used in the first conditional.
You can stay here as long as you keep quiet.

Provided/Providing (that) the bills are paid, tenants will not be evicted.
4.1.7.4 Suppose, supposing

The meaning of these connectors is similar to that of provided or if. They are used in informal or
everyday language.
Suppose/supposing you won the lottery, what would you do?
4.1.7.5 Unless
Unless means if…not, therefore negation is not possible after it.
My leg's broken. I can't stand up unless you help me. (not: *…unless you don't help me.)
4.1.8 Less likely conditions
To make a condition less likely you can use phrases (for example, by any chance) or the following
structures.
4.1.8.1 First conditional
Should (cf. 4.1.6.1.2), happen to, should happen to
If you happen to see Kate, could you ask her about my CD?
If you should see Kate, could you ask her about my CD?
If you should happen to see Kate, could you ask her about my CD?
The last one is the least likely.
4.1.8.2 Second conditional
Were to
If you were to be a mythical creature, which one would you be?

If he were to ask you to marry him, what would you say?
The first sentence expresses an unlikely present situation, while the second one refers to an uncertain
future.
If you were to be a mythical creature,

which one would you be?
4.1.9 Inversion in conditional sentences
If + subject + auxiliary can be replaced in formal English, or for dramatic effect, by the inversion of the
auxiliary and the subject with if omitted.
Were I in his shoes... (= If I were in his shoes...)

Should you need anything... (= If you should need anything...)
Had I known... (= If I had known...)
Had it not been for your foolishness... (= If it hadn’t been for your foolishness...)
Will you sit down? (= If you will sit down…)
Could you tell me where the station is? (= If you could tell me where the station is…)
Were I to tell you… (= If I were to tell you…)
NOTE
1
If it were not for/if it hadn’t been for, but for
These expressions have the meaning of “without”. They are used in the second and third conditionals, in
formal language and must be followed by a noun form.
If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t know what to do now. ( = Without me, … / If I weren't so smart, …)
If it hadn’t been for your foolishness, we wouldn’t have been caught. ( = If you hadn't been such a fool,
…)
But for your help, I would have been in big trouble. ( = If you hadn’t helped me, …)
2
If so/if not can refer to a sentence implied but not stated.
There is a possibility that he will be late. If so, we’ll start without him. ( = If he is late, …)
There is a possibility that he will be late. If not, we will start together. ( = If he is not late, …)
3
If and adjectives
In expressions like if it is necessary or if it is possible we can omit the verb be.
If necessary, call Jake at home.

If interested, apply no later than 21 December. ( = If you are interested, …)
4
In case and if
In case is followed by a present or past tense or modal auxiliaries. In case gives a reason for the action in
the main clause, while if defines a condition.
He always took his umbrella in case it rained.

I'll buy some flowers in case she learns/should learn the truth.
4.2 Wish, if only

These add emphasis to hypothetical situations, or, with past events a sense of regret.
WISH/IF ONLY + SUBJECT + PAST TENSE refers to the present.

WISH/IF ONLY + SUBJECT + PAST PERFECT refers to the past.
If only I could talk to her! = I wish I could talk to her!

If only I hadn’t gone to that party! = I wish I hadn’t gone to that party! (I regret going/having gone to that
party.)
You might have noticed the similarities between the subordinate clauses of the conditional sentences in
point 4.1 and the ones mentioned above. Actually, if you complete the sentences above, you will get
conditional sentences.
If only I could talk to her, I would explain everything to her!

If only I hadn’t gone to that party, I wouldn’t have met him again!
This is no surprise as both the second and third conditional and the wish/if only structures express
hypothetical present and past situations. And the same applies below (4.3, 4.4, 4.5).
I wish the weather had been better on our holiday.
WISH/IF ONLY + SUBJECT + WOULD + INFINITIVE refers to the future.
We use the structure above when there is a chance that something may happen or somebody (but not the
person who wishes) may change their (annoying) habit or behaviour.
I wish it would stop raining.

I wish you wouldn’t keep coming to class late.
Jean wishes I would give up smoking.
4.3 It's (high) time

It's (high) time you left. You will miss the bus.
This sentence refers to present time and it implies that perhaps it is already too late.
We can use this structure in the past tense too, however, the unreal tense in the second clause will not
change.
It was time I left.
But:
It's time (for me) to go.
This one implies that the speaker is still in time.
4.4 As if, as though

Clauses that start with as if/as though express doubt or uncertainty if they are followed by an unreal tense.
Otherwise, they express that the statement is true or might be true.
He looks as if he knows the answer. ( = He seems to know the answer, and he probably does.)
He looks as if he knew the answer. ( = He seems to know the answer, but he doesn't.)
In the past tense both sentences will read as follows. Mind that knew in the second sentence does not
change into had known.
He looked as if he knew the answer.
The meaning of this sentence, therefore, can only be deduced from the context.
If we talk about a hypothetical past situation, the Past Perfect tense is used.
You seem as if you hadn’t slept for three days. (= You seem not to have slept for three days, but I know
you have.)
He grinned as though he’d been drinking for hours.
4.5 Would rather, would sooner

These structures may seem complicated but on closer inspection we will find them quite simple. We
could actually call them compressed conditional sentences. There are two types; one is a simple sentence
(one clause with one subject), while the other is a kind of complex sentence (two clauses with two
different subjects).
4.5.1 Simple sentence with one subject
WOULD RATHER/SOONER + INFINITIVE
I would rather not go to the opera tonight. (I don’t want to go to the opera.)
Note that *I would not rather go... is not possible in this case.
Where would you rather sleep?

Would you rather go by tram than on foot?
I would rather be sunbathing right now...

WOULD RATHER/SOONER + PERFECT INFINITIVE
Would you rather have had pork than veal?

I’d rather not have called the police.
If we delete the word rather in the sentences in 4.5.1, we get the main clauses of the second and third
conditional.
4.5.2 Complex sentence with two subjects
SUBJECT1 + WOULD RATHER/SOONER + CLAUSE (SUBJECT2 + UNREAL TENSE)
I would rather you didn’t smoke in my office. ( = I don’t want you to smoke in my office.)
Tim would sooner I returned his camera. ( = Tim would like me to return his camera.)
Where would you rather I slept? ( = Where would you prefer me to sleep?)
Would you rather my sister dated your brother? ( = Would you be happy if my sister dated your brother?)
SUBJECT1 + WOULD RATHER/SOONER + CLAUSE (SUBJECT2 + PAST PERFECT)
I’d rather we had never met. ( = If only we had never met.)

What would you rather I had written? ( = What do you wish I had written?)
4.6 Prefer, would prefer

Prefer expresses preference (when you like something or someone more than another person or thing).
The following structures are used with this verb.
4.6.1
PREFER + NOUN + TO + NOUN
I prefer cats to dogs. ( = I like cats better than dogs.)
4.6.2
WOULD + PREFER + NOUN + TO + NOUN
I’d prefer tea to coffee. ( = I would rather have tea than coffee.)
I’d prefer tea to coffee
4.6.3
PREFER + TO + INFINITIVE
I prefer to go to the dentist every year. ( = I like to go to the dentist because I think it’s essential, not
because I enjoy it.)
4.6.4
WOULD + PREFER + TO + INFINITIVE
I’d prefer to stay at home instead. ( = I’d rather stay at home.)

I’d prefer to have gone by tram. ( = I’d rather have gone by tram. / I’d be happier if I had gone by tram.
(cf. 4.1.5.1))
Note the difference between the sentence above and this one:
I would have preferred to go by tram. ( = I would have liked to go by tram. / I would have been happier if
I had gone by tram. (cf. 4.1.4))
4.6.5
PREFER + SOMEBODY + TO + INFINITIVE
I would prefer you to be on time. ( = I want you to be on time.)
(Cf. 5.2.3)
4.6.6
PREFER + IT + IF-CLAUSE
I would prefer it if it stopped snowing.
This is a second conditional sentence.

Revision questions
• When does if mean when?
• Why is this sentence ambiguous: If I lied to my parents, they would punish me?
• What is the difference between a real and an unreal situation?
• Can we use the modals will and would after the linking word if?
• What other linking words can be used instead of if?
• What can be used in the second conditional to express what should expresses in the first?
• When is as if followed by a real tense?
• When do we use unreal tenses after would rather?

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Borbás Tibor – Simon Péter: Use of English Unit 4: Conditionals and… Page 1 of 14

4. Conditionals and unreal tenses

4.1 If-sentences and conditionals

4.1.1 Zero conditional

4.1.1.1 Present reference

IF-CLAUSE WITH PRESENT SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS

If I stay up until 3 in the morning, I am totally exhausted the next day.

4.1.1.2 Past reference

IF-CLAUSE WITH PAST SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS

If we weren’t in the mood, we didn’t talk to each other for hours.

If she was sad, she just stared into the distance

4.1.2 First conditional

IF-CLAUSE WITH PRESENT TENSE (ANY)

She won't be happy if you tell her the news.

If you’ve finished, (then) we’ll go.

If you've finished, go home.

If you drink too much, you will have a hangover tomorrow.

4.1.3 Second conditional

IF-CLAUSE WITH PAST SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS

If I had some cigarettes, I would give you one.

If he was hungry, he would always run to the nearest take-away.

4.1.4 Third conditional

IF-CLAUSE WITH PAST PERFECT SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS

4.1.5 Mixed conditionals

4.1.5.1 Past condition, with a result in the present

If you had smoked less, you wouldn't be sick now.

If we had followed the sign,

4.1.5.2 General condition, with an unreal event in the past

4.1.6 Modals used in conditional sentences

4.1.6.1 First conditional

4.1.6.1.1 Main clause

You may leave the room if you’ve finished the test.

If you ever go to Chicago, you should take a boat

In these two cases inversion is possible.

Emphasis: insistence or refusal

4.1.6.2 Second conditional

4.1.6.2.1 Main clause

If you were taller, you could play for the Lakers.

Could (permission or ability)

If I could swim, I could be a sailor.

4.1.6.3 Third conditional

4.1.6.3.1 Main clause

Could + perfect infinitive

4.1.7 Linking words used instead of if

Acetaminophen is dangerous to kids only if dosage is too high.

Only if you really like Mozart is it worth coming tonight.

Only if you enjoy walking on the ocean floor

4.1.7.3 Provided, providing, as long as

You can stay here as long as you keep quiet.

4.1.7.4 Suppose, supposing

Suppose/supposing you won the lottery, what would you do?

4.1.8 Less likely conditions

Should (cf. 4.1.6.1.2), happen to, should happen to

The last one is the least likely.

4.1.8.2 Second conditional

If you were to be a mythical creature, which one would you be?

If you were to be a mythical creature,

4.1.9 Inversion in conditional sentences

Were I in his shoes... (= If I were in his shoes...)

If necessary, call Jake at home.

He always took his umbrella in case it rained.

4.2 Wish, if only

WISH/IF ONLY + SUBJECT + PAST TENSE refers to the present.