Type Two of Conditional Sentences:
Here we know that the conditional sentences can not be fulfilled, because the sentence refers only to past event. Also, there is variation in the basic form in
this type of conditional sentences. More explanation will be conveyed below: Variation in the Basic Form
Might or could can also be used in these following sentences: a.
If we had found him earlier, we could have saved his life. Ability b.
If we had found him earlier, we might have saved his life. Possibility c.
If our documents had been in order we could have left at once. Ability or permission
There are some additions in conditional sentences forms likeinversion of subject and auxiliary, with if omitted and if only;
1 Inversion of Subject and Auxiliary, with if omitted
Where if is followed by an auxiliary verb, e.g. by were, had, or should, it is
possible to invert auxiliary and omit the if : a
If I were rich = were I rich were must be used with this contraction, never
was. b
If he had known = had he known. c
If war should break out = should war break out.
2 Inversion of Subject and Auxiliary, with if omitted
Only can be placed after if which indicates hope, a wish, or regret according to the tense to be used with.
If only + present tensewill expresses hope: a
If only he comes in time = we hope he will come. b
If only he will listen to her = we hope he will be willing to listen. If only + pastpast perfect express regret it has same meaning as wish + pastpast
perfectly: a
If only he did not smoke = we wish he did not smoke or we are sorry he smokes.
b If only = IWe wish Tom here
If only + would express regret about a present action as an alternative to if only + past tense
c If only he would drive more slowly = we are sorry that he is not willing to
drive more slowly As Penny Ur states that the use of conditonal sentences any type to
describe result of actions, transformations, and also some free composition; oral and written.
The
‘first conditional’ is used to describe superstitions; free composition of
single sentences, oral or written. For example: a
You will have bad luck, if you walk under a ladder. b
If you walk under a ladder, you will have bad luck. The
‘second conditional’ is used to express fulfilled desires; free
composition of sentences; mostly written, and to describe hypothetical situations; written and spoken responses. For example:
a I would take more exercise if I were good at sports.
b If I were good at sports, I would take more exercise.
The
‘third conditional’ is used to describe contrary – to – fact past
situations; written work as basis for discussion.
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For example: a
I would have got a better job if I had gone to University. b
If I had gone to University, I would have got a better job.
3 The Function of Conditional Sentences
In grammar, conditional sentences are sentences discussing factual implications or hypothetical situations and their consequences. Languages use a
variety of conditional constructions and verb forms such as the conditional mood to form such sentences.
Full conditional sentences contain two clauses: the condition or protasis, and the consequence or apodosis.
If it rains [condition], then the picnic will be cancelled [consequence].
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Penny Ur, Grammar Practices: A Practical Guide for Teachers, Cambridge University Press, 1988, pp. 78
–82.
Syntactically, the condition is the subordinate clause, and the consequence is the main clause. However, the properties of the entire sentence are primarily
determined by the properties of the protasis condition its tense and degree of factualness.
4 The Usages of Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentence may be used in three kinds of types; therefore it must be appropriate in meaning and form that is explained by a table below:
Table 2.7 The Brief Explanation of Usages of Conditional Sentences
Meaning of the if clause
Verb Form in
the if
clause Verb form
in the “Result
Clause” a.
If I have enough time, I write
to my parents every week. b.
If I have enough time tomorrow, I will write to my
parents. True in the
presentfuture Simple
Present Simple
Present Simple
Future
Meaning of the if clause
Verb Form in
the if
clause Verb form
in the “Result
Clause” a.
If I had enough time, I would write
to my parents. the truth is that I do not have enough
time, so I will not write to them.
Untrue in the presentfuture
Simple Past
Would +
simple form Untrue in the
past Past
Perfect
Would have
+ past participle