1. If clause

2. the latter indicates the result
There are four types of conditional sentence.
It is sometimes called the "if" clause.
It is formed by two clauses.The
former clause expresses the condition while
the latter indicates the result
of that condition or vice versa.

3. Type 0 If clause Main clause
We use this type of condition to express a
universal truth.
The present simple tense is used in both
the main clause and the subordinate clause.
If clause
e.g. If you heat water to 100℃,
it boils.
Main clause

4. 1.If it _________ (rain) heavily, our house _________ (leak).
Exercise
1.If it _________ (rain) heavily, our house
_________ (leak).
2.If we ________ (put) ice in the sun,it
_________ (melt) quickly.
3.If we _____________(feel) well, we
________(see) a doctor.
4.If a dog ________ (see) stranger,it
________(bark).
rains
leaks
put
melts
do not feel
see
sees
barks

5. Present v Future Type 1 This type of condition is used for present or
future activities which are likely to happen.
We use the present simple tense in the if clause
and the shall/will/can/may+infinitive construction
in the main clause.
Present v
e.g. If you work hard, you will succeed.
Future

6. 1.If you ____________ (work) hard,you_______ _______(fail).
Exercise
1.If you ____________ (work) hard,you_______
_______(fail).
2.If it ________(rain),I ___________(come)
and meet you in the car.
3.If it ___________ (rain) tomorrow,I _______
___________ (stay) at home.
don't work
will
fail
rains
will come
rains
will
stay

7. Past tense / past subjunctive would+infinitive
Type 2
The condition is used for present or future activities
which are unlikely or impossible to happen.
We use the past simple tense in the if clause and
the should/would+infinitive contruction in the
main clause.
e.g. If you asked me, I would help you.
Past tense / past subjunctive
would+infinitive n

8. 1.If I _________ (be) a bird, I _____________ (fly) everywhere.
Exercise
1.If I _________ (be) a bird, I _____________
(fly) everywhere.
2.If you _________ (tell) me the truth,I ______
_____________________ (give) you some
constructive advice.
3.If there _________ (be) a typhoon tomorrow,
I _______________ (be) very happy.
would fly
were
told
would/
could/might give
was
could be

9. If I had had time last year, I would have joined the Student Union.
Type 3
This is the only type of condition which deals with
past situations.The action mentioned did not
really happen.
We use the past perfect tense in the if clause and
the should/would+have+past participle construction
in the main clause.
Past Perfect
If I had had time last year,
I would have joined the Student Union. h
would + have + past participle

10. 1.If it ____________(rain) yesterday, I ___________
Exercise
1.If it ____________(rain) yesterday, I ___________
_____________(stay) at home.
2.If the principal __________________(allow) us to
supervise the tuck shop, food poisoning ____________
____________(occur) last Friday.
3.If the chairman _______________(ask) me to
help, I_______________(join) to fight for
better hygienic conditions.
had rained
should/would
have stayed
had allowed
would not
have occured
had asked
would have joined

11. Conclusion If clause Main clause Type 0 General Truth Present simple
Probable situation
Future
Type Unlikely to happen
Past
simple
Would+ infinitive tense
Type 3
Impossible situation in past
Past Perfect
Would+ have+ Past perfect

12. Exercises We are affected!!
Economic recession affects all local employees. My
father (1)____________fired if his company does not
have sufficient orders next year.Luckily, my mother
is a junior civil servant who is working in the Regional
Council.She might be dismissed only if she (2)________
a crime or made serious mistakes. Yet with the
combination of the Urban Council and Regional Council,
many posts are redundant. She (3)_______________
her job if her department shrinks.
She is rather anxious about losing her job. “If I
(4)__________a university degree, I would not have
been a janitor,” my mother said. “Don’t worry!The
SAR government is a good boss. If I were you, I
will/may be
committed
will/might/may lose
had got

13. would not have been fired/dismissed
(5)_________as hard as I could,” my father tried
to comfort her.
Frankly, if my parents lost their jobs, I
(6)_____________ my studies, too.
If I (7)_________part of the HKSAR government, I would create more job opportunities
for all local workers.Measures like diversification
of trade and markets may compensate the unemployment rate. Hong Kong is highly competitive. You will be dismissed by your boss if you (8)_____
_____hard. Uncle Tom is a typical example.If he
had worked hard, he (9)______________________ by his manager.
Even students must try their utmost or they (10)__________ expelled from school.
would work
would give up
were
don't
work
would not have been fired/dismissed
will be