CONDITIONALS STRUCTURE TYPE Type 0 Subordinate clause If + Present Simple Type 1 Type 2 Mixed To talk about consequences that always happen whenever the condition happens. It s used to talk about general facts. If can be substituted by when or whenever. > When you heat water to 100°C, it boils. Future Simple (Imperative, Going to future, Modal verb) To talk about future consequences that will probably happen since the condition is likely to occur. If + subject + happen + to inf. is used in spoken English to talk about something which may be possible. > If you happen to find the document I mentioned, please give me a call. If + Past Simple Type 3 Present Simple If + Present Simple (Imperative, Present perfect, Present continuous) USE Main clause Conditional Simple (Modal verb) To talk about consequences that are improbable based on conditions that are not likely to happen. In formal sentences, the verb to be is were for all persons in the subordinate clause. In the if-clause, to talk about imaginary future situations, the modal should or the expression were to may be used. > I f Carmen were to find out what she could do on this tablet, she wouldn t stop using it! If + Past Perfect Conditional Perfect (Modal verb) To talk about consequences that might have happened in the past if the condition had occurred. If + Past Perfect Conditional Simple To talk about possible present consequences if some conditions had taken place in the past. If + Past Simple Conditional Perfect To talk about consequences that might have happened in the past if the condition (though unlikely) were true in the present. The position of subordinate and main clause may be changed but, when the sentence starts with the subordinate clause, it is followed by a comma. Other conjunctions are: Unless (= if not) - Whether (when two possibilities are being discussed or to indicate doubt) - In case (possibility) - Provided/Providing (that), As/So long as, On (the) condition (that), Supposing (that)/Imagine (that) (to emphasise the condition). In formal sentences, when the main verb of the subordinate clause is were, should or had, the conjunction if may be omitted but an inversion of subject-auxiliary is necessary. > H ad I known about the harmful effects on my stomach, I wouldn t have drunk it! WISH CLAUSES TYPE Present Past Present/ Future STRUCTURE USE Main clause Subordinate clause Subj. + WISH Subj. + Past Simple To talk about desires that look highly unlikely. In formal sentences, the verb to be is were for all persons in the subordinate clause. Subj. + WISH Subj. + Past Perfect To talk about regrets or desires that are no longer feasible since they refer to the past. Subj. + WISH Subj. + Conditional Simple To talk about desires linked to something or someone else. 376 extra If only can substitute subj. + wish to express a stronger feeling of desire. For present desires, the expression I wish can be substituted, informally, with it s (high) time or I d rather.