Skills

Levels

Real Conditionals




Real Conditionals

Click for Audio

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.

    If you don't study hard, you could fail.

    (Choice and possible result)

    (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

    If you eat your spinach,

    If I quit my job,

    If Troy moves to Hollywood,

    Result clause

    you will grow stronger.

    I can spend more time with the kids.

    he might become a movie star.



Textbook Recommendation: Touchy Situations, Chapter 11

See also:Conditional Introduction (from Englishpage.com)

If you have questions or comments about this page, please contact us.
Be sure to include the title of this page in the Subject line of your e-mail.

TOEFL and TOEIC are registered and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS).
No connection with EslGold.net is implied.
Last updated: 15 February, 2010 02:43:16