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English Grammar – If Clauses (Conditional Sentences)

If Clause Type I

if + Simple Present, will-Future

Type I indicates what will happen, provided that a certain situation is given.

Examples:

If you send your order by fax, we will deliver the goods immediately.
If you invite me for lunch, I will help you with your presentation.

If Clause Type II

if + Simple Past, would + infinitive

Type II indicates what could happen if a present situation were different.

Examples:

If we had more employees, we would work more efficiently.
If we delivered poor quality, we would not be the leading company in our business.

If Clause Type III

if + Past Perfect, would + have + past participle

Type III indicates what could have happened in the past if a situation had been different then.

Examples:

If you had read the paper, you would have seen the advertisement.
If I had taken the bus, I would have been late.

Detailed Explanation and Exercises on If Clauses

Exercise on If Clauses

Complete the sentences.

  1. If your conditions are competitive, we (place) an order.
  2. If I had more time, I (do) a course in business English.
  3. If we had known more about their culture, negotiating (be) easier.
  4. If you (customize) your CV, your chances of getting a job will be better.
  5. We (cancel) our order if you don't deliver the goods by Friday.
  6. If Brittany (speak) better English, she would apply for a job abroad.
  7. If you (tell) me about the problem, I would have helped you.
  8. I (let) you know if I weren't satisfied.
  9. If you execute the order carelessly, they (place / not) another order with you in the future.
  10. If I were you, I (worry / not) about the presentation.