Unreal Conditionals

Structure of if-clauses

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If-clauses can be clause-initial (1.), clause-medial (2.) as well as clause-final (3.).

1. If you like, we can watch a film.

2. We, if you like, can watch a film.

3. We can watch a film if you like.

• ​Aside from the typical type I, II, III structure, conditionals can be divided into real and unreal conditionals.

• ​In type 1 conditional sentence, the tense in the "if" clause is the simple present, and the tense in the main clause is the simple future.

• ​As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not fixed. You may have to rearrange the pronouns and adjust punctuation when you change the order of the clauses, but the meaning is identical.

• ​Function

  The type 1 conditional refers to a possible condition and its probable result. These sentences are based on facts, and they are used to make statements about the real world, and about particular situations. We often use such sentences to give warnings. In type 1 conditional sentences, the time is the present or future and the situation is real.

• ​The second conditional uses the past simple after if, then 'would' and the infinitive

• ​it has two uses.

  First, we can use it to talk about things in the future that are probably not going to be true. Maybe I'm imagining some dream for example.

  If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house.(I probably won't win the lottery)

  If I met the Queen of England, I would say hello.

  She would travel all over the world if she were rich.

  She would pass the exam if she ever studied.(She never studies, so this won't happen)

• ​Second, we can use it to talk about something in the present which is impossible, because it's not true. Is that clear? Have a look at the examples:

  If I had his number, I would call him. (I don't have his number now, so it's impossible for me to call him).

  If I were you, I wouldn't go out with that man.

Form

In a Type 3 conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the past perfect, and the tense in the main clause is the perfect conditional or the perfect continuous conditional.

As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not fixed. You may have to rearrange the pronouns and adjust punctuation when you change the order of the clauses, but the meaning is identical.

Function

The type 3 conditional refers to an impossible condition in the past and its probable result in the past. These sentences are truly hypothetical and unreal, because it is now too late for the condition or its result to exist. There is always some implication of regret with type 3 conditional sentences. The reality is the opposite of, or contrary to, what the sentence expresses. In type 3 conditional sentences, the time is the past and the situation is hypothetical.