Negative conditions

Conditional Forms

By Kenneth Beare, About.com

http://esl.about.com/od/gramma1/a/conditional.htm

Conditional 0

Situations that are always true if something happens.

NOTE

This use is similar to, and can usually be replaced by, a time clause using 'when' (example: When I am late, my father takes me to school.)

If I am late, my father takes me to school.
She doesn't worry if Jack stays out after school.

Conditional 0 is formed by the use of the present simple in the “ if clause” followed by a comma the present simple in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If he comes to town, we have dinner. OR We have dinner if he comes to town.

Conditional 1

Often called the "real" conditional because it is used for real - or possible - situations. These situations take place if a certain condition is met.

NOTE

In the conditional 1 we often use unless which means 'if... not'. In other words, '...unless he hurries up.' could also be written, '...if he doesn't hurry up.'.

If it rains, we will stay at home.
He will arrive late unless he hurries up.
Peter will buy a new car, if he gets his raise.

Conditional 1 is formed by the use of the present simple in “ if clause” clause followed by a comma will verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If he finishes on time, we will go to the movies. OR We will go to the movies if he finishes on time.

Conditional 2

Often called the "unreal" conditional because it is used for unreal - impossible or improbable - situations. This conditional provides an imaginary result for a given situation.

NOTE

The verb 'to be', when used in the 2nd conditional, is always conjugated as 'were'.

If he studied more, he would pass the exam.
I would lower taxes if I were the President.
They would buy a new house if they had more money.

Conditional 2 is formed by the use of the past simple in the “ if clause” followed by a comma would verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If they had more money, they would buy a new house.

OR

They would buy a new house if they had more money.

Conditional 3

Often referred to as the "past" conditional because it concerns only past situations with hypothetical results. Used to express a hypothetical result to a past given situation.

If he had known that, he would have decided differently.
Jane would have found a new job if she had stayed in Boston.

Conditional 3 is formed by the use of the past perfect in the “ if clause” followed by a comma would have past participle in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If Alice had won the competition, life would have changed. OR

Life would have changed if Alice had won the competition.

Second Conditional

Alternate Forms

Could in Result Clause

Modals can be used in the result clause to indicate hypothetic possibilities.

Examples

If you were more serious about your work, you could find a new job.

Were to

If followed by subject + 'were to' emphasizes the hypothetical character of the statement.

Example

If I were to buy a new car, what would you say?

If it were not for

'If it were not for' emphasizes that one event depends on another for completion. This form is often used to show the negative results without a certain person or thing.

Example

If it weren't for his dedication, this company wouldn't exist!

Supposing

'Supposing' is used in place of 'if' to emphasize the imaginary. It is more commonly used in everyday speech.

Example

Supposing he came to visit you, what would you do?

Third Conditional Alternate Forms

Modals in Result Clause

Modals can be used in the result clause to indicate past hypothetical possibilities, permission and advice.

Examples

If he had known, he could have given you a hand.
You might have finished the assignment on time, if you had planned more carefully.
If you hadn't prepared, you should have told the professor.

But for

'But for' replaces 'if not' and is followed by a noun. It is usually used in formal speech.

Example

But for our savings, we wouldn't have been able to make the payments.

If it hadn't been for

'If it hadn't been for' emphasizes that one event depended on another for completion. This form is often used to show what the negative results would have been without a certain person or thing.

Example

If it hadn't been for Jack, we would have failed.

Mixed Conditional

A result clause can use the conditional to express a present hypothetical result based on a past action.

Example

If she hadn't helped me, I wouldn't work here now.

Mixed conditionals include the verb forms from two different conditional patterns. These are the two most common mixed patterns.

Mixed second / third conditional

This conditional describes a hypothetical situation or event in the present, which is contrary to known facts. The result in the main clause refers to the past:

If the island were still a tourist attraction, last week's earthquake would have caused far more deaths.

(= The island is no longer a tourist attraction so the earthquake didn't cause a huge number of deaths.)

Mixed third / second conditional

This conditional describes a hypothetical situation or event in the past, which is contrary to known facts. The result in the main clause refers to the present:

If Fleming hadn't discovered penicillin, there would be far more fatalities every year than there actually are.

(= Fleming did discover penicillin so there are fewer fatalities now.)

ALTERNATIVES TO IF

Negative conditions

We often use unless to express a negative condition. It is similar to if... not or only if:

Unless you've got a doctor's note to say you've passed the medical, they won't allow you to go on the activity holiday. (= If you don't have a doctor's note..., they won't allow you...)

Unless they all retreat, the casualty count could be horrendous. (= The casualty count could be horrendous if they don't all retreat.)

I wouldn't be willing to help you out again unless you paid me. (= I would help again only if you paid me.)

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