Conditional sentences of type 1. How to use English conditionals correctly. Zero and first type. How conditional sentences are constructed in English

There are several types of conditional sentences in English. In different educational materials, the number of these types can vary from three to five. We distinguish four such types. In this topic we will look at two types of conditional sentences.

Conditional sentences in English, as in Russian, are complex-subordinate sentences. But, based on the translation into Russian, English conditional sentences differ from Russian ones.

Any conditional sentence consists of two parts - conditional and main. The conditional part, as in Russian, is usually expressed using the adverb If/if.

The first type of conditional sentences is called real, because fulfilling the conditions in these proposals is entirely feasible.

Despite the Russian translation, the conditional part of the sentence is expressed only using the Present tense (usually Present Simple). And in the main part the future tense is used.

If you finish your homework, we shall go to the cinema.

In the Russian translation, both parts of the sentence will be in the future tense.

If you finish your homework, we will go to the cinema.

Besides if, words and phrases such as: when, as soon as(as soon as), before, until.

When she reads the letter, she will become nervous.
As soon as you are ready, I"ll drive you home.

The conjunction is also used in conditional sentences unless(unless / unless) which can be replaced by if + not(negation). After the union unless the predicate verb is put in the affirmative form, since the conjunction unless already contains negation.

She will forget about it unless we remind her.
She will forget about it unless we remind her.
She will forget about it if we don"t remind her.

A subordinate clause that usually begins with the word if, can appear either at the beginning of a conditional sentence (before the main clause) or at the end. If it comes at the beginning, then a comma is placed after it. If it comes at the end, then a comma is not placed before it.

If you leave now, you"ll catch the train.
You"ll catch the train if you leave now.

Note

In the conditional part, in addition to the Present Simple, the following present tenses can be used: Present Continuous and Present Perfect.

If you are looking for troubles, you"ll them.

When you have finished the letter, I"ll post it.
When you finish the letter, I will send it.

The main part can use the design be going to(see the corresponding lesson), which also indicates an action in the future; but most often the Future Simple is used.

If I win in the lottery, I am going to buy a new car.

Negative and interrogative forms

The conditional part of a sentence can have a negative form according to the grammatical tense in which it is found.

If we don"t/can"t find the money, we shall call the police.

The main part of a conditional sentence can also have a negation.

When he returns home, I won't talk to him anymore.

When a conditional sentence is a question, then only the main part of the sentence has the form of a question, while the conditional part can have either a declarative or an interrogative form.

Will you believe me, will you still feed me when I am sixty-four? (The Beatles)

Will she forgive him, if he doesn't take his words back?

What will happen to us if we are loose?

Answers on questions

Since questions are asked to the main part of the sentence, the answers are formed in relation to the main part.

Will you go to the picnic next weekend if you have a chance? - Yes, I will / No, I won't.

What will she do, if she misses the train? - She will take a bus.

One of the complex topics that English grammar includes is Conditionals. This section requires detailed consideration. An analogue of such constructions in Russian are sentences in However, in English there are a number of features that must be taken into account when translating.

Null type

This type implies cause-and-effect relationships. It is used in cases where it is necessary to indicate a real condition, the result of which is always relevant. Most often, Zero conditional mood in English is used if you need to point out specific facts, established procedures, habits, and also when advice or instructions are given. Type zero does not refer to any single case, but implies scientific facts, patterns, well-known truths, and everyday repetitive actions.

The construction scheme is as follows:

Such constructions are translated into Russian with the words “if” or “when”, without the particle “would”.

• If people eat more, they become fat. - If people eat more, they gain weight.
• If you set yourself a goal, you must try hard to achieve it. - If you set a goal for yourself, you must strive hard to achieve it.
• If you want to be in good trim, don't eat much. - If you want to be in good shape, don't eat too much.

First type (real present)

First condition is used in cases where we are talking about a real condition and further consequences. Implies probable future developments. This type is used if it is necessary to convey prediction, irrational prejudices, forecasting, intention, warning, future plans, possibilities.

In this case, the following scheme is used:

According to the context, the first part of the conditional sentence means the future tense and, as a rule, is translated into Russian in the future tense (in the English version, this part of the sentence is presented in the present form).

• If you don"t hurry, you"ll be late for the dinner. - If you don't hurry up, you'll be late for lunch.
• If I miss the plane today, I "ll stay at home. - If I miss the plane today, I will stay at home.
• If you can get a ticket for me, I"ll go to the cinema with you. - If you can get a ticket for me, I will go to the cinema with you.
• If you see my friends later, will you tell them to call me? - If you see my friends later, can you tell them to call me?

Second type (unreal present)

This type expresses hypothetical possibilities in the present or future tense. We may also be talking about something unlikely or practically impossible. Construction scheme:

Note: in similar sentences was needs to be replaced with were. However, occasionally in everyday colloquial speech one can also find was.

First and second conditionals in English may be close in meaning, but the 2nd type assumes that the probability of performing a particular action is much less than in a conditional sentence of the 1st type. This construction can be used when you imagine a different version of the existence of the current reality or express desires related to the present time. In Russian, in such cases there is a subjunctive mood using the words “if”. When translating, one should take into account the features that the English language implies. Second conditional is also called hypothetical.

• If I were you, I would apply for a job. - If I were you, I would apply for a job.
• If I were president, I would make the life in our country better. - would make life in our country better.
• If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go out every night. - If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go for a walk every evening.
• If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly. - If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly.

Third type (unreal past)

This type involves hypothetical situations from the past. As a rule, we are talking about events that did not happen in the past. This structure is used in cases where we are talking about an imaginary situation that is the opposite of real facts that happened in the past. Often used to express criticism, regret and indignation.

To use this design, the following scheme is used:

If the word order changes, if is not used.

• If I had worked harder, I would have bought an expensive camera. - If I worked harder, I would buy an expensive camera.
• If I had been invited to her birthday, I would have bought a gift for her. - If I was invited to her birthday, I would buy a gift for her.
• If I had set the alarm, I wouldn't have overslept. - If I set the alarm, I wouldn't oversleep.

Mixed type

Mixed conditionals in English imply a comparison of the second and third types. As a rule, such constructions are used if one part of the sentence refers to the past tense, and the second to the present.

Scheme 1: the condition refers to the past tense, and the consequence - to the present.

Scheme 2: the consequence refers to the past tense, and the condition - to the present.

Mixed conditionals in English, examples of which are presented below, will require more detailed study, since at first glance this topic may seem somewhat complicated.

• If I knew that actor, I would have spoken to him. - If I knew that actor, I would talk to him. (In this example, the first part containing the condition represents type 2, and the main part is type 3).
• If Gabriela had found a job, she wouldn't be searching for one know. - If Gabriela had found a job, she would not be looking for it now. (The conditional part belongs to the third type, and the main part to the second).

Punctuation features

If a subordinate clause containing a condition appears before a chapter, a comma is placed between them. If the order is reversed, there is no comma.

For example:

• If you had called him, he would have come immediately. - If you called him, he would come immediately.
• He would have come if you called. - He would come if you called him.

Understanding the topic of Conditionals in English and learning to define certain ones in the original language is quite easy if you devote enough time to this issue. However, difficulties may arise when translating from Russian. Here are some tips on what to look for:

• Sentences containing the words “if” and “if” are conditional, which means that when translating into English you will have to take into account
• It must be determined whether the implied condition is real or unreal. If the particle “would” is present, then the condition in this phrase is unreal.
• What time does the conditional part refer to? If to the past - this is the third type. If to the present or future - the second.
• In cases where one part of a complex sentence refers to the past, and the second to the present, a mixed type is used.

Conditionals in English: exercises with answers

Completing various tasks will help you learn information faster:

Exercise 1:

a) compare parts of sentences and determine the type of condition;
b) translate into Russian.

Task 2: translate into English, determine the type:

1. If you had called me, I would have known about it.
2. If you want to win, you need to try harder.
3. If he loved books, he would read them.
4. If people go to the gym, they feel better.
5. If it rains when we arrive, we will cancel the picnic.

Answers 1:

1. C. If you had listened to my advice, you would not have such troubles. (3)
2. D. If you are sick, consult a doctor. (0)
3. A. If I go to the competition, I will win. (2)
4. E. If he found out, he would be angry. (3)
5. B. If I were you, I would put on a coat. (2)
6. F. If you make a mistake, the teacher will correct you. (1)

Answers 2:

1. If you had called me, I would have known about it. (3)
2. If you want to win, you have to try harder. (1)
3. If he liked books, he would read them. (2)
4. If people go to the gym, they feel better. (0)
5. If it is raining when we arrive, we"ll cancel the picnic. (1)

The topic of Conditionals in English is quite easy to understand. In order to freely use various grammatical formulas and constructions in everyday speech, accurately determining the type of conditional sentence, it is extremely important to consolidate the acquired knowledge in practice. In addition to performing exercises on translation and comparison of phrases, you need to include such structures in your everyday speech, find them in the process of reading literature in the original and use them in writing.

We all live in a world of agreements and conditions. Even as children we are told: “If you behave well, Santa Claus will bring you many gifts.” Later, agreements begin with school friends: “If you let me copy your physics homework, I’ll lend you a bike for a couple of days.” And in adult life, we clearly understand the words of the boss: “If you are late with the report, you can write a statement!” We can’t escape this notorious “if”.

In English there are four types of sentences containing a condition. But in this article we will look at two of them, perhaps not the most complex. Ready? Let's figure it out together.

Zero Conditional - conditional sentences of zero type

This type of English conditional sentences is used to describe scientific facts, well-known concepts, events and phenomena that are always true for everyone. It is considered the simplest, since it is usually translated into Russian in the present tense.

Plants die if they don't get enough water. - Plants die, if they don't receive sufficient amount of water. (a scientific fact is described here, so we translate both parts of the sentence into Russian using the present tense)

A conditional sentence of zero type is formed according to the following scheme:

Interestingly, the main clause can easily be swapped with a subordinate clause, and the meaning will not change at all. However, it should be remembered that we use a comma only when the condition is at the beginning of an English sentence.

Don't forget that instead of a union if(if) can be used in similar sentences when(when), it depends on the context.

When (If) I have a day off from work, I often go to the beach. – When (If) I have a day off, I often I'm walking to the beach. (both words can be used in this context)

For your convenience, we have collected all cases of using the zero type of conditional sentences in the following table. We are sure that examples with translation will help you understand this rule as best as possible.

In order to finally master conditional sentences of the zero type, we recommend watching this video:

First Conditional - conditional sentences of the first type

The first type of conditional sentence describes a situation that will happen in the future tense. If a certain condition is met, the action is likely to happen. The conditions for performing the action are quite real and possible.

The structure of a conditional sentence of the first type is as follows:

She will get angry if we are late for the party. - She will get angry, If We we'll be late to the party.

Please note that in Russian we use the future tense in the condition and as a result, but in the English sentence only the result will be the future tense, and in the condition - the present.

Try to remember that this type of conditional sentence also helps express a warning or warning against something in English.

If you run after two hares, you will catch neither. “If you chase two hares, you won’t catch either.”

In addition to the usual structure of conditional sentences of this type mentioned above, there are several cases of using other grammatical tenses. They are clearly presented in the following table.

In order to better understand conditional sentences of the first type, we recommend watching the following video:

Conditional sentences of type 0 and 1 in cartoons

The best way to get away from boring memorization of grammatical subtleties is your favorite movie or cartoon in English. The dialogues of the characters clearly demonstrate this or that rule. So, we have collected phrases from various cartoons for you to make learning the conditional mood more fun.

Zootopia – Zootopia

Many of us have already enjoyed watching a fascinating cartoon about the life of animals in a huge metropolis. Great if you watched it in English. It will be all the more interesting for you to remember those episodes from it that clearly demonstrate cases of using conditional sentences of the zero and first types.

As we see, even the miniature fox (Nick Wilde’s partner in scams) expressed a warning for the future with all the ensuing consequences in one phrase containing .

(If) you kiss me tomorrow, I 'll bite your face off. – If you will have me tomorrow kiss you, I I'll take a bite your face.

Miss Barashkins (assistant to the mayor of Zootopia) in a conversation with the bunny policeman Judy Hopps says the phrase with. The first part contains the incentive mood, and the second contains the condition and the present simple tense Present Simple. Pay attention to the word ever(someday), thanks to which we can understand that this is not a type zero conditional. The imperative mood can be used with both the zero and the first types, but in this sentence the advice and call to action is associated with the future, and not with the moment of speech.

Just call me, if you ever need anything. - Just call to me, If Do you ever want something will be needed.

The touching scene between Nick Wilde and his new friend Judy Hopps, when the swindler fox shares his most intimate, also contains conditional sentence of the first type. Here the hero’s logical conclusions about the present are conveyed using a special grammatical construction (a condition in the form of a conjunction if, turnover be going to = gonna and present simple tense Present Simple in the second half of the phrase).

By the way, expand your vocabulary with our analysis of the cartoon Zootopia.

If the world's only gonna see a fox as shifty and untrustworthy, there’s no point in trying to be anything else. – If world will see Since the fox is only a cunning and unreliable creature, there is no point in trying to change.

Inside Out – “Puzzle”

Another cartoon that we couldn’t ignore. At the epicenter of events is a girl named Riley. Her emotions live in her head and take turns guiding her. Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and even Disgust try to get along and help Riley in their own way.

In this episode, the girl's father deliberately uses the phrase conditional sentence of the first type to show her possible developments in the future. Please note that both parts of the sentence contain negative forms.

Riley, if you don't eat your dinner, you're not gonna get any dessert. – Riley If You you won't have lunch, then no dessert you won't get it.

You may remember the episode when Joy and Sadness decided which way was best to get there in order to help the girl as quickly as possible. Bingo Bongo (Riley's imaginary friend) offered a shortcut, but hardly a safe one. It is obvious that in this phrase conditional clause of type zero describes developments based on common sense. And in the second part of the sentence, the imperative mood is used - a call to immediate action, an instruction.

If you want to walk the long way – go for it! But Riley needs to be happy. – If You You want to go the long way - Let's! But Riley should be happy.

The Secret Life of Pets – “The Secret Life of Pets”

This bright and dynamic cartoon is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. He gave connoisseurs of the English language so many useful words, phrases and grammatical structures. We will look at the most obvious examples of conditional sentences of types zero and one from this animated masterpiece right now.

The adorable dog Gidget, who lives in her owners' apartment in Manhattan, loves soap operas. While watching the next episode, in the passionate dialogue of the characters, she hears the following phrase:

Maria, if he's your truth love, save him! – Maria, If are you really his you love, save his!

You can already easily recognize an example in this sentence null type. The main clause here uses the imperative mood, and the subordinate clause, as always, contains a condition and the present simple tense Present Simple.

In the episode on the roof, the treacherous hawk Tiberius tries to lull Gidget's vigilance. He understands perfectly well how he can manipulate the actions of a naive Spitz dog and offers her his help, but not without certain conditions:

If you let me out, I'll find your friend. – If You you'll release me, I I'll find it your friend.

In this case conditional sentence of the first type in the main clause expresses the goal, and the subordinate clause indicates what needs to be done to achieve this goal.

Finding the missing Max is an important task for Gidget, because she is in love with him. She enters into an agreement with the hawk and discusses certain prospects for the future. Here's what her line sounds like in the cartoon:

If you find Max, I'll be your best friend. – If You you'll find Max, I I'll become your best friend.

Conditional sentence of the first type in this case, it shows an action that is likely to happen if the condition is met.

Read our analysis of the cartoon “The Secret Life of Pets” and learn 20 adjectives and 7 expressions from this cartoon.

We suggest downloading a table with the types of conditional sentences in English discussed in this article.

(*pdf, 208 Kb)

Now we suggest you take a short test to consolidate your knowledge about 2 types of conditional sentences.

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Test

How to use English conditionals correctly. Zero and first type

In order to understand the essence of a conditional sentence, or rather subordinate clause conditions, let's look at a few examples:

Conditional Sentence

As can be seen from the examples above, a conditional sentence is a subordinate clause that expresses the condition under which the action of the main sentence is or would be carried out. Such a subordinate clause answers the question ‘under what conditions?’ - “under what conditions?”

Separate with commas subordinate clauses in Russian and English have significant differences. For conditional subordinate clauses, these differences are manifested in the fact that a comma is separated, mainly the subordinate clause, which is in preposition, that is, standing before the main one. Whereas the conditional sentence after the main sentence is not separated by commas.

Subordinate clauses of conditions are introduced most often using a conjunction if - “if”. Subordinate clauses with the following conjunctions are less common in the table:

All subordinate clauses in English are distinguished by one important grammatical feature - in them no verb usedwill and its past form would, even if there is an action that will be performed in the future. At the same time, the future tense can be used in the main sentence, which will be discussed in more detail below. However, we should not forget that the conjunction if is used not only in the meaning of “if”, but also in the meaning of “whether” and does not introduce conditional sentences. With the conjunction if meaning “whether” the verb will, as well as its form would, are used. Let's compare:

In English, there are several types of conditional sentences depending on the time and reality of the condition described in them.

Zero Conditionals / Conditional sentences of zero type

Such conditional sentences are not often used in speech, since they denote certain well-known truths that are repeated from time to time and do not relate to any specific moment in time or individual incident in life. Such sentences denote a real condition. In the subordinate clause of the condition, in this case it is only permissible to use different tenses of the Present group, while in the main predicate the predicate is used either in or in the imperative mood Imperative :

Zero Conditionals are used in cases where the sentence talks about:

A distinctive feature of conditional sentences of the zero type is the ability to replace the conjunction if with when (“when”):

First Conditionals / Conditional sentences of the first type

One of the most common types of conditionals are First Conditionals. They are characterized by the presence real condition (real possibility), covering a specific situation in the future or present.

The formation of conditional sentences of the first type is characterized by the use of Future Simple (will + Infinitive) or Imperative in the main clause and Present Simple in the subordinate clause:

Second Conditionals / Conditional sentences of the second type

Along with conditional sentences of the first type, Second Conditionals occupy a leading position in popularity in speech. Such sentences mean unreal possibility

Which would make a certain situation possible in the present or future:

In this kind of unrealistic sentences finds its application conditional moodConditional Mood- a verb form formed by adding to the auxiliary verb would (or should, but in the context of this topic it is not of particular interest to us) an indefinite form of the verb (the Infinitive) without the particle to or similar to the tense forms of the Past group. Conditional Mood partly corresponds to the Russian subjunctive mood. It shows the attitude of the author of the statement to a particular action, reflecting his personal perception. The verb form in this case shows the action not as real, but rather as expected, desirable or possible. The conditional mood is used in both simple and complex sentences, but its main area of ​​application is subordinate clauses of condition:

Taking a closer look at the examples presented above, it is easy to notice that after the subject in the third person singular we use were (for example, ...it were possible). No, this is not a mistake, but a distinctive feature of the conditional mood - the use of were is acceptable for all persons. If you use was rather than were in such a sentence, this will also not be a mistake, but were is more common in unreal sentences.

Let's return to conditional sentences of the second type. To form them in the main sentence, the predicate is put in the form would + Infinitive Simple(a simple infinitive is the original form of the verb), and in the main sentence the predicate is in a form similar to . Both forms, as we have already seen above, correspond to the conditional mood.

It should be noted that would often used in the abbreviated form - ‘d, For example:

A striking manifestation of conditional sentences of the second type are sentences of character If I were you... - “If I were you, I would...”(literally: “If I were you...”), where were is also used instead of was:

Third Conditionals / Conditional sentences of the third type

This type of conditional clause serves to express unrealistic condition related to events in past.

Since we are talking about actions that happened, or rather, did not happen in the past, the use of perfect forms becomes natural. At the same time, the subordinate clause uses the form (less often), while the main clause uses would + Infinitive Perfect (less often Infinitive Perfect Continuous). For those who are not familiar with the topic in English, let us explain that Infinitive Perfect = have + V 3 (a semantic verb in the third form), and Infinitive Perfect Continuous = have been + Ving (a semantic verb with the ending -ing).

Mixed Conditionals / Mixed type of conditional sentences

Sometimes a sentence combines a condition associated with an action from the past (Third Conditional) in a subordinate clause and its probable consequences for the present or future (Second Conditional) - in this case they speak of a mixed type of conditional sentence, also called the fourth:

We all love to dream:

“If he knew English, he would go to live abroad. If she had a lot of money, she would open her own store. If they lived by the sea, they would surf."

In all these sentences we are talking about imaginary events that do not actually exist.

In English, we construct such sentences using the second type of conditional sentences.

Many people learning English have problems understanding this topic, so today we will look in detail at how to construct such sentences.

Conditional sentences of type 2 (Second conditional) we use when we talk about imaginary situations in the present and future . The events referred to in such sentences are unlikely or unrealistic.

For example:

If he won the lottery, he would buy a car. (But it is unlikely that he will win)

If it hadn't been raining, we would have gone for a walk in the park. (But it's raining, so the action is unrealistic)

Let's look at how to construct such sentences in English.

Rules for the formation of type 2 conditional sentences in English

Conditional sentences of type 2 consist of 2 parts:

• condition - events that are unrealistic or unlikely
• main part - the action that would occur if the condition were met

A conditional sentence can begin with either a main clause or a condition.

How to build each of these parts?

Main part

The main part contains an action that could happen in the present or future, but is unlikely to happen.

The main part is formed using would(this will is in the past tense). When constructing a sentence, we put would after the actor, and then comes the verb in the initial form.

Also in such sentences, instead of would, the following can be used:

• should - should
• could - may/could
• might - perhaps/can

I would buy it……
I would buy this......

He would go abroad…
He would go abroad.....

He could come…..
He could come......

Conditional part

This part contains a condition that is unrealistic or unlikely.

In the conditional part we use the Past Simple tense.

Depending on the verb, this tense is formed as follows:

• if the verb is regular, we add the ending -ed (cook - cooked)
• if the verb is not regular, we put it in the 2nd form (see - saw).

The conditional part begins with the word if, which is translated as “if”.

By combining the two parts, we get the following scheme for the formation of conditional sentences of type 2:

Actor + would + action + if + actor + regular verb ending -ed or 2nd form of irregular verb

He would buy the car if he won the lottery.
He would buy a car if he won the lottery.

They would call you if they had a phone.
They would call you if they had a phone.

We can swap the two parts, putting the condition first. Education rules will remain the same. Only a comma will be added to separate the two parts of the sentence.

If + actor + regular verb ending -ed or 2nd form of irregular verb, actor + would + action

If she had enough time, she would cook dinner.
If she had time, she would cook dinner.

If we went to this club, we would dance all night.
If we went to this club, we would dance all night.

Also, in conditional sentences of the second type, the verb to be is very often used in the part with the condition. Let's look at this in detail.

Using the verb to be in type 2 conditional sentences in English

In English there is a special kind of verb - the verb to be. We use it when we say that someone:

• Located somewhere (He's in the park)
• Is someone (She's a nurse)
• Is somehow (The cat is gray)

In type 2 conditional sentences, the verb to be is usually used in the conditional part, so we put it in the past tense. Moreover, regardless of the actor, we use the form - were.

Incorrect: If she was a teacher…..
If she were a teacher.....

Correct: If she were a teacher…...
If she were a teacher......

If + actor + were + place/state/phenomenon + actor + would + action

If they were rich, they would travel.
If they were rich, they would travel.

If she were you, she would do it.
If she were you (in your place), she would do this.

In spoken English this rule is not always followed. You may see was used instead of were in colloquial speech. But the use of were in such sentences remains grammatically correct.

Conditional sentences of the second type with negation in English

We can use negation in such sentences. Negative ones can be:

• Main part
• Condition
• Both parts

Negation in the main part

To make the main part negative, afterwouldwe put not.

We can shorten: would + not = wouldn't’ t.

The scheme for the formation of such a proposal will be:

Actor + wouldn’t + action + if + actor + regular verb ending -ed or 2nd form of irregular verb

Negation in part with condition

Since this part uses Past Simple, then negation is formed using the auxiliary verb did and the negative particle not. In this case, we do not change the verb in any way; it is in the initial form.

We often use the abbreviation:

did + not = didn't’ t

Scheme for the formation of such a sentence:

Actor + would + action + if + actor + didn’t + action

They would go to the cinema if they didn't study.
They would go to the cinema if they weren't studying.

She would go to bed if she didn't work at night.
She would go to bed if she didn't work at night.

Negation with the verb to be in the conditional part

If the part with the condition contains the verb to be (were), then we simply put not after it.

We can shorten:

were + not = weren’t

If he weren't a doctor, he would be a teacher.
If he were not a doctor, he would be a teacher.

If I weren't sick, I would join you.
If I weren't sick, I would join you.

Negation in both parts of the conditional sentence

If there is a negation in both parts, the sentence is constructed according to the scheme

Actor + wouldn’t + action + if + actor + didn’t (weren"t) + action (place/state/phenomenon)

As you can see, in the first part we add not to would, in the second we put didn't.

She wouldn't go to his party if she didn't know him.
She wouldn't have gone to his party if she didn't know him.

They wouldn't help all people if they weren't so kind.
They wouldn't help all the people if they weren't so kind.

Now let's look at how to ask questions.

Question with conditional sentence type 2 in English

We ask a question to find out whether a person would do something under certain conditions or not.

When we ask a question, we only change the main part. In it we put would in first place. The part containing the condition does not change.

The interrogative sentence pattern will be as follows:

Would + actor + action + if + actor + regular verb ending -ed or 2nd form of irregular verb?

Would he buy this if he had any money?
Would he buy it if he had the money?

Would she stay at home if she had weekend?
Would she stay home if she had a day off?

We give the answer to the main part, therefore:

• a positive answer will contain yes, agent and would

Would they study English if they had enough time? Yes, they would.
Would they study English if they had enough time? Yes, we would study it.

• a negative answer will contain no, actor, would + not

Would he help her if he knew about her problems? No, he wouldn't’ t.
Would he help her if he knew about her problems? No, it wouldn't help.

So, we have analyzed the theory. Now let's consolidate the use of conditional sentences of type 2 in practice.

Consolidation exercise

Translate the following sentences into English:

1. If she told everything, he would help her.
2. She would wear this dress if she went to a restaurant.
3. He would buy this car if it were black.
4. They wouldn't go to school if they had holidays.
5. If he did not live in New York, he would live in Moscow.
6. Would she go to the cinema if she didn’t work?

Leave your answers in the comments below the article.