If-clauses

If-clauses are used to express that the action of the main clause. There are three types of if-clauses. In this lesson, we will discuss them.

"If-clauses" in the English Grammar

What Are Condition Clauses?

Each conditional sentence consists of two clauses, one clause expresses the condition that must be met (the condition clause) and the other, main clause, expresses the result in case the condition is met. The conditional clause is marked by a condition marker while the main clause is unmarked.

Condition Markers

Condition markers are the words or phrases used to introduce condition clauses. The following is a list of condition markers with the type of condition they express:

  • If → all types
  • Unless → negative condition, type I
  • Provided that / As long as / In the event that → type I
  • In case → type I
  • Inversion with "Should" → type I
  • Suppose / Supposingtype II
  • Inversion with "Were" → type II
  • Inversion with "Had" → type III

Here are some examples:

Unless you hurry, you’ll miss the train.

Conditional type I with "Unless"

Provided that you finish your homework, you can watch TV.

Conditional type I with "Provided that"

I’ll call you in case I need directions.

Conditional type I with "In case"

Should you need assistance, please call me.

Conditional type I using inversion with "should"

Suppose you won the lottery, what would you do?

Conditional type II with "Suppose"

Were she here, she would help us.

Conditional type II using inversion with "were"

If they had studied harder, they would have passed the exam.

Conditional type III with "If"

Had I known about the meeting, I would have attended.

Conditional type III using inversion with "had"

Unless

As you can see in these examples, "unless" functions differently from the other condition markers. It is used to express a condition under which the main clause will not occur. In other words, it specifies a negative condition.

You won’t succeed unless you work hard.

This sentence means "if you don't work hard, you won't success".

Condition Markers vs. Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions can be used in zero conditional sentences to form statements about general facts or habits. "If" and "unless" also act as subordinating conjunctions in zero conditionals. However, subordinating conjunctions such as "when", "whenever", and "while" cannot be used in the other types of conditional clauses. For example:

When you mix blue and yellow, you get green.

If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.

The result always happens whenever the action occurs.

Plants don’t grow unless they get enough sunlight.

using an if clause in a sentence

Condition Clause: Placement

Since the condition clause is marked, it can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of the sentence. However, the punctuation of the sentence differs for each position:

  • If the condition clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, a comma is used after it.
  • It the condition clause comes at the end of the sentence, no comma is needed.
  • If the condition clause comes in the middle of the sentence, two commas are used on either side of it.

Here are some examples:

If the bus doesn't come soon, I'll be late again.

the condition clause at the beginning

I will be able to afford the rent if I get a job in Tokyo

the condition clause at the end

Tell him, if he calls, that I’m busy.

the condition clause in the middle

Condition Clause: Types

The tense of the verb in the condition clause differs depending on the type of the condition expressed in the sentence. While zero conditionals express general truths, first conditionals talk about realistic possibilities, second conditionals refer to hypothetical situations in present or future, and third conditionals express hypothetical or unreal situations in the past. The tense of the verbs in the condition clause and the main clause for each of these types is as follows:

  • Zero conditional: [Present simple] + [Present simple]

When you press this button, the machine starts.

  • First Conditional: [Present simple] + [Future simple/Modals + Base verb]

If she studies hard, she might pass the test.

  • Second Conditional: [Past simple] + [Would + Base verb]

If I were rich, I would travel the world

  • Third Conditional: [Past perfect] + [Modal + Present perfect]

If I had known about the meeting, I would have attended.

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