Conditional clauses

Conditional clauses

Linkers:
If
Unless = if...not

Type 0: Universal general truth
If-clause (present simple) + Main clause (present simple)

Ex: If you heat ice it turns into water

Type 1: Possible
If-clause (present simple) + Main clause (Future simple (s+will+V) / imperative / Modal (can/may/must))

Ex: If we arrive early we will go to the cinema

Type 2: Hypothetical

If clause (past simple) + Main clause (simple conditional (s+would+V) / Modal (could/might/should))

Ex: If I knew the answer, I would tell you

Type 3: Impossible

If clause (past perfect) + Main clause (perfect conditional (s+would+have+past participle) / Modal (could, should, might+ perfect infinitive))

Ex: If he had studied harder, he would have passed the exam