Real Conditionals
Conditional sentences express a choice and the possible consequences of that choice.
There are three types of conditional sentences: Real, Unreal and Unreal Past.
The first type is the easiest to learn. It involves a present choice and a future consequence.
- If you drive north for three miles, you will get to Columbus.
- If he doesn’t exercise, Fred will gain weight.
- If you purchase a raffle ticket, you might win a car.
Real conditional sentences contain two parts, the if clause, and the result clause.
The if clause indicates the choice and is expressed in present tense.
It indicates a choice and can be either positive or negative. If statements can also imply the opposite choice and result.
| If you study hard you will pass the test. | (Choice and possible result) |
| If you don’t study hard, you could fail. | (Implied opposite choice and result. |
The result clause indicates the consequence or possible consequence, and is expressed in future tense or with modals can, could or might.
| If clause | Result clause |
| If you eat your spinach, | you will grow stronger. |
| If I quit my job, | I can spend more time with the kids. |
| If Troy moves to Hollywood, | he might become a movie star. |
Textbook Recommendation : Touchy Situations, Chapter 11
See also :
Conditional Introduction (from Englishpage.com)
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