The Ultimate Guide to English Conditional Sentences
3rd Conditional
Usage
Used when the condition is impossible to fulfill because it refers to the past and can no longer be realized.
Structure
IF + PAST PERFECT (had played/had gone/had learnt) + WOULD HAVE + VERB (3rd Column) (would have learnt)
Examples
- SARAH WOULD HAVE LEARNT FRENCH IF SHE HAD GONE TO THE LESSONS – Sarah would have learned French if she had gone to the lessons.
- IF JACK HAD COME, WE COULD/MIGHT HAVE EATEN EARLIER – If Jack had come, we could/might have eaten earlier.
- IF I HAD READ THE EMAIL, I WOULD HAVE GONE ON THE DATE – If I had read the email, I would have gone on the date.
- HE COULD/MIGHT HAVE MET HER IF HE HAD GONE TO THE PARTY – He could/might have met her if he had gone to the party.
English Conditional Sentences
Zero Conditional
(if + present simple, … present simple) If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.
First Conditional
(if + present simple, … will + infinitive) If it rains tomorrow, we’ll go to the cinema. (If I do this…we will go to the cinema)
Second Conditional
(if + past simple, … would + infinitive) If I had a lot of money, I would travel around the world. (If I won the lottery…I would like to go on a trip)
Third Conditional
(if + past perfect, … would + have + past participle) If I had gone to bed early, I would have caught the train. (If I had won the lottery…I would have gone on a trip)
Summary of Conditional Sentences
Zero Conditional – Always True Situation
If you freeze water, it turns into ice. If you are cold, go back inside.
First Conditional – Real or Possible Situation
If it rains today, I’ll stay at home. If it rains tomorrow, I’ll stay at home.
Second Conditional – Hypothetical Situation
If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world. If I won the lottery, I would travel all over the world.
Third Conditional – Hypothetical Situation in the Past
If I had won the lottery, I would have traveled around the world. IF I HAD WON THE LOTTERY, I WOULD HAVE GONE ON A TRIP.
Opinion Essays
Do you prefer receiving gifts or money?
I like to receive money as a gift, but I wouldn’t demand it as I am shy to ask. It’s really up to the giver whatever they would like to give me. Anyway, what really matters is the thought that counts. Even if the gift is very expensive, but the giver never gives it to me personally, then I opt to receive a call as a personal greeting since I really enjoy conversation more than anything else. If the gift is expensive and I feel that I am not the right person to receive it, then I prefer a personal greeting rather than gifts, especially those items, as I couldn’t guarantee to keep them for too long. Having money as a gift allows me to buy other gifts for my friends or buy things I like, especially when the giver admits they have no idea what gift would suit me.
What should you do if you receive a gift that you don’t like?
Act surprised: If it is wrapped, open the whole thing straight away. Widen your eyes when you see what it is.
Vocalize your surprise: Say words like “wow!” and gasp when you see what it is. Be careful not to overdo this, though. The giver may just think that you’re humoring them if you come on too strong.
Smile: Make your smile as believable as possible. If you really don’t like the gift, then think of something you’re looking forward to or someone who makes you smile. Make sure your eyes are smiling too.
Say “thank you” and mean it: Even if it’s the worst sweater in the world, the giver picked it out especially for you, and really wanted you to like it.
Do you think it’s better to be the oldest, middle, or youngest child in the family?
I’m the oldest son. I have two younger sisters. We are 26, 23, and 17. I would say being the youngest is the best. My parents were young when they had me. I think their parenting skills got better with experience. I got disciplined frequently when I was young. The middle sister got disciplined a few times and baby sister maybe twice. I always had more responsibilities around the house. I always had to mow and weed-eat a three-acre yard. My sisters never had to mow. My parents worked so starting when I was twelve or thirteen I was the babysitter. They bought me a car when I was sixteen so I could play taxi. My youngest sister is seventeen and like most babies, she is more spoiled. Part of this is because my parents’ careers and income have gotten better over the years. And with two grown children, there’s more money and attention spent on my baby sister. I’m not complaining though. I think being the oldest and having the most responsibilities is the role you’re supposed to have in a family. I always had the things I needed and was a happy child.
For and Against Essay: Advantages and Disadvantages of Teaching a Foreign Language to Very Young Children
Advantages
It has been proven that children and young people, in general, have more facilities to learn more than one language than adults. A young mind has less information and experience than an older mind, making it more receptive to new languages. Learning different languages in childhood provides numerous advantages in life, such as more opportunities in work and social life.
Children are generally extroverted and eager to learn, making it an appropriate time for language acquisition. They constantly ask questions and absorb information, making the learning process more natural.
Disadvantages
While the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, a few minor drawbacks exist. Young children might have difficulty expressing themselves fully due to a limited vocabulary in each language. They might also be less inclined to improve their expression in one language due to the availability of others.
However, these disadvantages are negligible compared to the benefits of early language learning. Ultimately, learning languages in childhood broadens the mind and opens up new worlds and opportunities.