Conditional sentences of type 3 in English: exercises, examples

In our everyday speech, we constantly use constructions expressing some conditions. In English, sentences are very useful, in which there is the word "if". In English, these sentences are considered quite difficult to study, but you can quickly master them if you want. In this article, the third type of conditional sentences and comparative analysis with other types will be considered in more detail.

How are the

Usually conditional sentences are divided into three types depending on how likely the situation is in the present, past or future. These three types are basic, but there are other mixed species.

The conditional proposition has traditionally two parts: the condition and the result (the result). The first is quite simple to recognize - it always has the words if (if) at the beginning. The result tells us what will happen if we fulfill a condition. There are four basic types of these sentences in English:

• 0th (Zero Conditional);
• 1st (1-st Conditional);
• 2nd (2-nd Conditional);
• 3rd (3-rd Conditional).

The last type of conditional sentences will be considered in more detail. Events of this type refer to the past tense, they could occur, but did not happen for any reason.

For all these species, there are various view-time forms that give their formulas for constructing sentences.

The word if (that is, the beginning of the condition) can go either at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence. In Russian, the condition from the total is always separated by a comma. In English, a comma is placed, only when the condition goes in the beginning.

Conditional sentences of type 3 in English

This type of proposal refers to unrealistic. Conditional sentences of type 3 in English are the most complex among the rest - the subjunctive type. The action in the third type refers to the past, the time has long expired, and there is no possibility to perform this action, which depends on this condition, since the situation is already in the past. Conditional sentences of type 2 in English affect the situation that occurs in the present, but it is unlikely in its essence. Summarizing, we can say that the condition in the sentence in the if-clause can not be implemented, it is unrealistic and contradicts the real situation. Conditional sentences of type 1 in English, on the contrary, narrate about the real situation in the present tense, what actually can happen.

Examples and the formula for the use of the third type of conditional sentences

The third type can be called an "unreal past". Its whole essence consists in one simple phrase: regret about the past. For a long time in the past, something has happened, and there is some regret and an experience in this regard, but it is no longer possible to change the situation. This is unrealistic, since much time has passed, and, as the saying goes, "the past can not be returned." In its essence, the third type is the only kind of conditional inclination that relates to the past period of time.

If I had not overslept, I would not have been late in the office for consultation. - If I did not oversleep, I would not be late for an office consultation.

If she had been more responsable, she would have been promoted three years ago. "If she was more responsible, she would have gone higher three years ago.

Conditional sentences of type 3 in English are also used when people condemn any actions that happened in the past and which can not be changed.

If you had read attentively this book, you would not have done many errors. - If you carefully read the book, you would not have made many mistakes.

If he had not left his flat door, he would not have been burgled. "If you had not left the apartment door open, you would not have robbed the apartment."

3 type is also used when it is necessary to inform about long-past events that have positively affected the present.

She did not have got much commendation. "He would not have cooked this pie, if he had not received so much advice."

If I had not loved you, I would not have married you. "If I did not love you, I would not have married you."

Pay attention to the fact that conditional sentences of type 3, as well as the second, are translated in the subjunctive mood, that is, with the "would" part in Russian.

Unions in conditional sentences

In this type of syntactic structure, the subordinate part most often joins the main by means of unions if (if) and when (when), but also other unions are often used, it can be: unless (if ... not), provided that, providing that, On condition that (provided that ...)

Unless otherwise used in colloquial speech.

You'll be off work on Sunday unless Rick gets ill. "You have a day off on Monday, if Rick does not get sick."

I'll have to call the police. "I'll have to call the police if you do not get out of here."

Constructions are provided that, providing that, on condition that are used in official written and clerical speech. In communication and simple everyday speech, the word that is often overlooked.

We can send you the letter on Monday provided (that we receive your request within the next three months. "We can send you a letter on Monday, provided we receive your request within the next three months."

Conditional sentences with modal verbs

In conditional sentences with different degrees of possibility, constructs with modal verbs are often used, and not only for the expression of the total and, but also for the purpose of expressing the basic condition. Consider the use of designs with this type of verbs.

Conditions that are real:

If they can aid, they do. (= They aid).

If she has to write, she does. (= She writes).

Conditions that are real:

If they could . (= They would aid).

If he had to visit, he would. (= He would visit).

The meaning of sentences with modal verbs

The subtleties of the use of the verbs are:

The construction of 'if I may (might)' has a meaning that is similar to saying 'if you permit me to' ("if you allow me"). 'If I might' is softer in meaning and more formal than 'if I may', but both designs are respectful forms. When 'should' is used with a condition, it is meant that its execution is unlikely or unrealistic, but it is still possible. "If you should need any aid ..." - "if you need some kind of support" (but it is unlikely to be necessary).

When the terms 'will' or 'would' are used with the condition, they express will or intention. 'If you will aid her, Sara will thank you.' "If you want to help him, he will thank you." In the conditional sentences indicated in the present or future tense, 'could' in some situations means permission, in others - the possibility, and in the third - both the permission and the ability. 'If Oleg could call you, he would.' "If Oleg could call, he would have called." In unreal conditional sentences in the past tense, 'could have' can have a meaning of ability.

Conditional sentences in English in the table

Let us consider schematically the types of conditional sentences and their formula for the formation of each type. The conditional sentences in English are shown in the table below.

Conditional sentences of type 1 in English, unlike others, show the real possibility of a situation. They have a simple time in their formula. Conditional sentences of type 3 in English, on the contrary, express an unreal past that can not be changed.

Theme fixing

So, what are conditional sentences in English? Exercises will help to fix the topic.

Write the verbs in brackets in the correct form:

If you ... (have) more money, you ... (visit) Indonesia last year. "If you had more money, you would have visited Indonesia last year."

If you (love) me, you never leave me before our wedding. "If you loved me, you would not leave me before the wedding."

If she (attend) the classes, she (get) more positive marks three days ago. - If she attended classes, she would have received higher marks three days ago.

If our driver ... (not take) the wrong turn, you ... (not come). - If our driver did not make the wrong turn, you would not have arrived late yesterday.

If your mother ... (not quarrel) with you a week ago, you ... (go) to the theater. "If your mother did not quarrel with you a week ago, you would go to the theater."

If I (be) more smart ten years ago, I never (get) along with you. "If I were smarter than 10 years ago, I would not reconcile with you."

If we (buy) a car five weeks ago, we really (save) $ 2000. "If we bought a car five weeks ago, we would save 2000 dollars."