Conditional sentences may express real and unreal condition. They are introduced by the conjunctions: if, in case, provided, unless, suppose.
CONDITION
SUBORDINATE CLAUSE
PRINCIPAL CLAUSE
TRANSLATION
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Real
If it looks like rain, If I have more time, If he is working on
Friday
we'll stay at home.
I'll come over.
he won't be able to
go with us.
Present Ind./Cont.
will + Inf.
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03
с Э
CD
С < D CO < D
C 3 0.
If I were you, If I had more time, If you knew him better, If it were not raining,
Past Ind./Cont.
If you had gone there, If it hadn't been so hot last summer,
Past Perfect
I would go there myself. I would come over. you wouldn't think so. I could go out.
| + Inf. |
would could might
you would have seen him. we could have gone to
the South._____________
| would could might |
+ have + Participle II
NOTES:
1. "If" is the most common. "In case" and "provided" are chiefly used in sentences of real condition:
□ In case I don't find her at home, IV/ leave her a note.
В случае , если я не застану ее дома, я оставлю ей записку.
□ We7/ finish the work on time provided you send all the necessary materials.
Мы закончим работу вовремя, при условии если вы пришлете все необходимые материалы. Unless has a negative meaning:
122
□ I 'II come in time unless I am detained at the Institute.
Я приду вовремя, если меня не задержат в институте. Suppose is more common in sentences of unreal condition:
□ Suppose he wrote to you, would you answer?
Предположим , он написал бы вам, вы бы ответили?
2. In the subordinate clause auxiliary "should" can be used. Such sentences are translated by
means of " Если бы случилось так ...", " Случись так ...":
□ If he should come, ask him to wait.
В случае , если он придет, попросите его подождать.
3. There are two mixed types of sentences of unreal condition:
a) the condition refers to the past and the consequence refers to the present:
□ If you had taken your medicine yesterday, you would be well today.
Если бы вы вчера приняли это лекарство, теперь вы бы были здоровы.
b) the condition refers to no particular time and the consequence to the past: