Conditional Sentences - 2

Conditional ("if") sentences normally have two parts. One part shows a result and the other shows a condition on which the result depends. The condition is normally preceded by if. In "He'll get angry if he doesn't get what he wants," the result is "he'll get angry" and the condition (introduced by "if") is "he doesn't get what he wants."

There are two main types of conditional sentences: real and unreal. Real conditional sentences refer to situations that are either true or possible. Unreal conditionals refer to situations that are untrue, impossible or hypothetical; conditional sentences of this type are often described as being contrary to fact.

Let's take another look at real conditionals.



Real Conditionals - 2
There are two types of real conditional sentences.

We saw that in the first, the result is known: it happens every time the condition is met. In conditional sentences of this type, when, whenever, or every time may be substituted for if with no change in meaning.

The second type of real conditional sentence is used for situations that are possible. In this type of real conditional sentence, the if clause is usually present tense and the result clause is usually shown by will + a simple verb. The result is possible, but it hasn't happened: it depends on meeting the condition (shown by the if clause):


If she studies, she'll get good grades.
(Getting good grades is very likely for her,but first she needs to study.)

If he's relaxed, he'll feel more confident.
(It's very likely that he'll feel more confident, but first he needs to relax.)

If they have extra money, they'll put it in their savings account.
(It's very likely that they'll put money in their savings account, but it depends on having something extra.)

If I see him, I'll give him your message.
(It's very likely that I'll give him your message, but I can't do that if I don't see him.)

Extra Notes:
1. In this type of conditional sentence, if does not = when / whenever / every time.
2. It's possible, in this type of conditional, to use will in both parts of the sentence. If will is
used in the if clause, it shows willingness (volition), not future time:

If she'll study, she'll get good grades.
(If she'll study = If she's willing to study.)

If he'll relax, he'll feel more confident.
(If he'll relax = If he's willing to relax.)

If you'll help me, I'll be grateful.
(If you'll help me = If you're willing to help me.)
 
3. Will can be used in if clauses only when it shows willingness:



illogical:
*If they'll have extra money, they'll put it in their savings account.

illogical:
*If I'll see him, I'll give him your message.

4. It's also possible to use may or might in this type of conditional sentence:

If she studies, she may / might get good grades. 
(Getting good grades is possible though not very likely for her, but first she needs to study.)

If he's relaxed, he may / might feel more confident.
(It's possible though not too likely that he'll feel more confident, but first he needs to relax.)

If they have extra money, they may / might put it in their savings account.
(It's possible though not too likely that they'll put money in their savings account, but it depends on having something extra.)

If I see him, I'll give him your message.
(It's possible though not very likely that I'll give him your message, but I can't do that if I don't see him.)

Conditional Sentences - 1
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Conditional Sentences - 6