Conditional Sentences : English Language Notes for Bank and Other Competitive Exams

Dear Aspirants,

Study Notes are part of an effective strategy that helps you learn about a subject. Your mind collects data of random details in the form of keywords and memory maps visualized during preparation. Jotting down main phrases & keywords, making memory maps and highlighting important facts help one speed up the learning process. Study notes not only help you learn effectively but also play a crucial role during last minute revisions.

Conditional Sentences

Definition:

These sentences comprise two parts – the main clause and the conditional clause or the ‘if clause’.

They are used to denote that the action in the main clause can only take place if a certain condition (conditional clause) is fulfilled.

Some examples (the part in BOLD indicates the conditional clause or the if clause) –

I would give you a chocolate if you got good marks in your exams.
When a dog barks nearby her, Sakshi gets scared.
Unless Anmol helps Nitesh, he will not be able to complete his work in time.

The following words/phrases are used to denote an ‘if-clause’ –

If; unless; as soon as; provided; no sooner; until; when; in case; but for; so long as; etc.

Some basic rules –

1. If the ‘if clause’ is in present tense –

If + Simple present, Simple future

Example – If Harish gets a wicket on this ball, our team will win the match.

2. If the ‘if clause’ is in simple past tense –

If + Simple past, subject + would + V1

Example – If I had money, I would buy you those shoes.

3. If the ‘if clause’ is in past perfect tense –

If + past perfect, subject + would + have + V3

Example – If you had told me about this earlier, I would have helped you.