Castropaulo

In conditional sentences, we speak hypothetically.
We talk about what would happen as a consequence (or result) of some hypothetical condition.
Therefore, every conditional sentence has two parts: the CONDITION and the CONSEQUENCE.
In addition, there are three different kinds of conditional sentences.
The first two kinds (we call them "conditional one" and "conditional two") deal with the future or the present.
The difference between the two is based upon probability.
The last kind ("conditional three") deals only with the past.
Let's look more closely at each kind.

Conditional One | In this kind of sentence, we are discussing a hypothetical situation. The chances of that situation either being true now or becoming true later are relatively good. In any case, we do NOT know for certain if it is true or if it will become true. (If we know for certain that something is true or will become true, then we are not speaking hypothetically!) THE CONDITION: | THE CONSEQUENCE: | If "A" HAPPENS (in the future),
If "A" IS HAPPENING (now),
If "A" IS (general fact), | "B" WILL HAPPEN as a result.
"B" WILL HAPPEN as a result.
"B" WILL HAPPEN as a result. |
Notice that the verb in the conditional part of the sentence (called "the conditional clause"), is in the PRESENT tense even when we are talking about something that might happen in the FUTURE! (This is similar to what was said in the section on the future tense and its time signals.)
Notice also that the verb in the rest of the sentence (called "the main clause") is always in the FUTURE because a consequence is always something that happens later, after a condition is met.
Here are some examples: If I SELL my boat (in the future), | I WILL TAKE you to dinner. | If it IS SNOWING (right now), | I WILL DRIVE you home. | If I AM wrong (general fact), | I WILL BUY you a beer. |
The main point here is that the speaker thinks that the chances of the condition being or becoming true are relatively