Conditional sentences are usually divided into three basic types referred to as Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3. Each has its own variations, but the elements are as follows:
type 1: What will you do if you lose your job?
Asking/talking about something that is quite possible:
'if + present + 'will'
If I lose my job, I will go abroad
type 2: What would you do if you lost your job? Asking/talking about imagined situations/consequences now:
'if +past + 'would'
If I lost my job, I would go abroad
type 3: What would you have done if you had lost your job?
Asking/talking about imagined situations/consequences then:
'if + past perfect + 'would have'
If I had lost my job, I would have gone abroad
The abbreviation // can be used instead of will in all persons, and shall can be used instead of will after / and we [> 9.36]. The abbreviation d can be used instead of would in all persons, and should can be used instead of would after / and we.
The conditional can be expressed with other modal verbs [e.g. > 14.19],
as well as with shall will should and would:
We could have had a good time (e.g. if we had had the money)
14 Conditional sentences
Mixed tense sequences in conditional sentences
Sense and context permitting, any tense sequence is possible:
Type 1 type 3
If I am as clever as you think, I should have been rich by now
Type 2 type 3
If you knew me better, you wouldn't have said that
Type 3 type 2
If I had had your advantages, I'd be better off now.
Type 2 type 1
If he missed the bus, he won't be here on time
Type 1 conditionals
Basic form of Type 1 conditionals
'if-clause: main clause:
Present tenses 'shall/will' future
Condition to be satisfied likely outcome
be: If I am better tomorrow, I will get up
have. If I have a headache I will take an aspirin
simple present: If she finishes early she will go home
present progressive: if he is standing in the rain, he will catch cold
present perfect: If she has arrived at the station, she will be here soon
present perfect progressive If he has been travelling all night, he will need a rest
can, must. If I can afford it, I will buy it