FORM

If + the present simple tense, + the present simple tense (zero conditional)

If we bill more hours, our bonus goes up.

If + the past simple tense + would have / could have / should have / might have + past participle (V3) (mixed conditional)

If the CEO were more transparent, the scandal would not have erupted in the first place.

If + the past perfect tense + would /could / might / should + infinitive (mixed conditional)

If I had passed the bar exam earlier, I could be a lawyer today.

If + were to + infinitive  + would have  / could have / might have / should have + past participle ( V3) (mixed conditional)

If I were to win the lottery tomorrow, I would have paid off my student loans years ago.

If + should + would have / could have / might have + past participle ( V3) (mixed conditional)

If the negotiations should fail next month, the merger would have collapsed long before now.

USES

1   Describing basic facts (zero conditional)

These facts are always true, the speaker rarely has any influence on them.

If the company has financial problems, the price of the shares goes down.

If you order in bulk, you usually get a discount.

If the paperwork is incomplete, the goods are often held up at the border.

In legal English the zero conditional is relatively rarely used.

2      Giving a warning or instruction or when making an invitation (the present simple tense in both parts of the sentence)

If the red light comes on then turn off the machine immediately.

If Mrs Olsen calls, tell her I’m in a meeting.

If you need it, ask for help.

3   Mixed conditionals, various meanings

If Robert wasn’t so lazy, he could have been promoted. (he is permanently lazy which explains why he failed to get promotion)

If you had set off earlier, you would be there by now. (this is true at the moment of speaking; the second part of the sentence does not refer to the past so would have been is incorrect)

If you will come this way, I‘ll show you to Mrs Harvey’s office. (will can be used after if in polite requests)

I’ll lend you 1,000 euros if it‘ll help you set up your business. (I am willing to lend you the money if it helps your business. Here if means if it is true that.)

We would be grateful if you would send us your payment made out to the order of ‘InfoMart’. (a polite request)

EXERCISE 1

It’s generally the case. Choose the correct ending of the sentences.

YOUR SCORE(S) IN THIS EXERCISE:

EXERCISE 2

Mixed conditionals. Look at the following sentences and answer the questions.

YOUR SCORE(S) IN THIS EXERCISE: