c) Type 1 conditional clauses: Probable conditions Type 1 conditional clauses describe real or probable future situations. The condition will probably be fulfilled. Conditional clause Main clause If it snows, I won’t go out. • Most common form: If + present simple, “will” future If you’re going shopping, will you buy me some bread? If he’s had enough, he’ll stop. • The present continuous or the present perfect can also be used to talk about the future in the if-clause. When I see her, I’ll tell her. • When can replace if in the conditional clause to show that something is more certain. If I pass my exam, we could celebrate. If you go now, you might see him. • Could/Might can replace will in the main clause to show that something is less certain. d) Type 2 conditional clauses: Unlikely but possible conditions Type 2 conditional clauses describe imaginary, improbable or unlikely situations. It’s rather unlikely that the condition will be fulfilled, but it is possible. Conditional clause Main clause If I knew, I would tell you. • Most common form: If + past simple, would/could/might + infinitive If I were you, I would apply for the job. If he were here, what do you think he would do? • In a more formal style use were, not was, after if. If I was you, I’d stay at home. • In less formal situations, was can be used in the first and third persons. If I won the lottery, I could travel round the world. If I went to Australia, I might see some kangaroos. • Could/Might can replace would in the main clause to show that something is less certain. e) Type 3 conditional clauses: Unreal/Hypothetical conditions in the past Type 3 conditional clauses describe possibilities in the past that did not happen. It’s impossible to fulfil the condition because it’s too late. Conditional clause Main clause If she hadn’t spent so much money on her car, she wouldn’t have been so angry about the crash. • Most common form: If + past perfect, would/could/might + have + past participle If Jones hadn’t been injured, we could have won the match. If you had told him about the meeting, he might have called the boss right away. • Could/Might can replace would in the main clause to make the possibility less certain. 165 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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