English Grammar
If-clauses
How to escape from learning English if-clauses?
Learn it correctly one time and it will get easier for you until it won't be problem for you at all.
Beneath you can find information on how to build the if-clauses.
Main information and rules
- if-clauses are conditional sentences
- the event in the main sentence only comes true, if the condition in the sentence with "if" is fulfilled
- different if-clauses depending on probability of the condition coming true
Rules:
- mostly you should not use will/would (also can/could) in the if sentences (not: If I will go ...)
-> but you can use can/could as the verb in the if-clause (e.g.: If you can work, I will go out.)
- when you start the sentence with the if sentence you need to separate it with a comma (e.g.: If you go, I will leave.)
- when you start the sentence with the main sentence you don't separate it with a comma (e.g.: I will leave if you go.)
If-clause typ 0
form:
if sentence: infinitive (he/she/it -> + "s")
or dont/doesn't + infinitive
main sentence: infinitive (he/she/it -> + "s")
or dont/doesn't + infinitive
When used?
- for events that always happen among certain conditions
-> you can also replace "if" through "when" or "whenever"
Examples:
If you break out of prison, you are looked for by the police.
If he is in prison, he isn't allowed to walk around freely outside.
If-clause typ I
form:
if sentence: infinitive (he/she/it -> + "s")
or dont/doesn't + infinitive
main sentence: will/can + infinitive
or won't/can't + infinitive
When used?
- for events that seem possible and very likely to happen
- about an event in the future (and not over yet)
Examples:
If he tries to rob the bank, he will go to prison.
If they don't get help, they won't be able to break out.
If-clause typ II
form:
if sentence: 2. verb form / verb + ed
or didn't + infinitive
main sentence: would/could + infinitive
or wouldn't/couldn't + infinitive
When used?
- for events that are possible to happen, but not very likely to actually happen
- wishes you have and what you would do if they come true
- to talk about the view of another person with "If I were you ..." to point out what you would do in that situation
Examples:
If we got out of prison, we could go anywhere.
Sara couldn't let them escape if she stayed there.
If I were you, I would try to save my brother's life.
Exception:
- in business letters, suggestions and polite requests "if" and "would" is used together
Examples:
We would be grateful if you could send us the current price list.
If you would sign the documents, we could arrange the payment.
If you would help me with the dinner, I wouldn't need to ask my mom.
If-clause typ III
form:
if sentence: had + past participle
or hadn't + past participle
main sentence: would have + past participle
or wouldn't have + past participle
When used?
- for events that happened in the past, but the main point is
what would have happened among different circumstances
Examples:
If Michael hadn't got the building plan of the prison, they wouldn't have had the chance to escape.
If Brad Bellick had known the plan, they wouldn't have been able to find a way out.
If-clauses - mixed form - typ II & III
form:
if sentence: had + past participle (typ III)
or hadn't + past participle (typ III)
main sentence: would + infinitive (typ II)
or wouldn't + infinitive (typ II)
Signal word: now
When used?
- for past actions that are over, but you consider
an imagination and how it would be different now
Examples:
If Michael hadn't rescued his brother, he would be dead now.
If their plan had gone wrong, they wouldn't be free now.
Exercises - mixed if-clauses
1. If I . . . . . . . . . . (be) you, I . . . . . . . . . . (try) to help them.
2. If Brad Bellick . . . . . . . . . . (know) their plan earlier, they . . . . . . . . . . (not have) the chance to escape.
3. Lincoln Burrows . . . . . . . . . . (survive) if Michael . . . . . . . . . . (not help) him.
4. Lincoln's son . . . . . . . . . . (not see) him again if the escape plan . . . . . . . . . . (not work).
5. If they . . . . . . . . . . (lose), they . . . . . . . . . . (be) in prison now.
6. Whenever someone . . . . . . . . . . (come) into prison, they . . . . . . . . . . (get) prison uniforms.
7. If Sara . . . . . . . . . . (not involved) in the escape, she . . . . . . . . . . (still be) in prison now.
8. When you . . . . . . . . . . (do) illegal activities, police . . . . . . . . . . (search) for you.
9. Michael . . . . . . . . . . (have) a normal life now if he . . . . . . . . . . (not help) Lincoln in prison.
10. There . . . . . . . . . . (is) a higher risk if the inmates . . . . . . . . . . (know) the plan.