Tips on the Conditional Conditional sentences often use words such as “if” and use verbs such as “would” and “could.”

Verbs in the Conditional Verb usage in conditional sentences can be confusing! This is because the verbs don’t follow the usual rules for verb tenses and usage.

Summary of Basic Verb Usage in Conditional Sentences If clause – true in the present/future Verb form: simple present Verb form in the result clause is simple present. Ex: If I have enough time, I study my English verbs. OR Verb form in the result clause is simple future. Ex: If I have enough time tomorrow, I will study my English verbs.

More Conditional Verb Usage “If” clause is untrue in the present/future. Then, the verb form in the “if” clause uses simple past. The verb form in the “result clause” uses WOULD plus the SIMPLE form of the verb. Ex: If I had enough time now, I would study my verbs. (I don’t have enough time, so I won’t study my verbs).

Conditional verbs cont…. If the “if” clause is untrue in the past, then the verb form in the “if” clause uses past perfect. The verb form in the result clause is WOULD HAVE plus the PAST PARTICIPLE of the verb. Ex: If I had had enough time, I would have studied my English verbs. (In truth, I did not have enough time, so I did study them). Ex: If I had chosen the correct envelope, I would have won $100! (However, I didn’t choose the right envelope, so I didn’t win money).

More Tips on the Conditional Sometimes the word “if” is left out. Then regular word order is omitted, and the subject and verb are omitted. Ex 1: Were I you, I wouldn’t go to that party the night before a test. Ex 2: Had I known, I would have come to pick you up. Ex 3: Should anyone call, tell them I will be back soon.