How conditional sentences are important in IELTS

Understanding and using conditional sentences will make your language more ‘complex’ and will allow you to talk and write about more complicated ideas.

As you understand the possible meanings and functions of conditional sentences, it will also help your understanding in the IELTS reading and listening test.

In this lesson, we will go through the basic meaning and grammatical construction of Third Conditionals with examples and a chance to practice what you know.

The good news is that although learning the concept of English conditionals might not always be easy, once you have mastered it, it is not easily forgotten. 🙂 

Conditionals – The Basics

Conditional sentences are always made up of two parts or two clauses; these are just different names for the same thing.

There is always a condition and a result.

If the Soviets had not initiated a space race, would man have visited the moon?

Here’s an example: 

If + clause (condition) + clause (result)

or

Clause (result) + if + clause (condition)

The 3rd conditional is used to talk about ‘unreal’ conditions.

They are ‘unreal’ because they speculate or suggest what would have happened if the conditions in the past were different to what they really were.

This means they are quite useful if you want to suggest an alternative viewpoint.

Here are some examples:

If I had understood the question, I would have given a different answer.

If governments had invested more in electric car technology in the 1890s, society would not have been so dependent on oil.

The past perfect expresses the imaginary condition and the would have and past participle expresses the result of that condition.

How the 3rd conditional is formed 

A 3rd conditional sentence is formed in this way:

If + Condition + Result

Another way of putting this is:

if + past perfect +  would have + past participle

You can also change the order of the sentence: 

Result + If + Condition

 

For instance these sentences are reversed but they retain the same meaning.

If he hard worked harder at school, he would have got better results.                    

→    He would have got better results if he had worked harder at school

As you can see from the second example, there is no comma in this construction.

He would have got better results if he had worked harder at school. 

Ways of using the 3rd Conditional

One way of using them is to ‘ask about’ or to ‘speculate’ in the form of advice or a warning or providing an alternative.. 

This is useful when you want to construct an argument in your IELTS writing.

If students had been aware of the IELTS test format, they would have been better prepared for the test.

Further ways of constructing the 3rd Conditional 

Modal Verbs

With the third conditional we can also use other modal verbs in place of ‘would have’, e.g. ‘could have’, ‘should have’, or ‘might have’.

Examples:

If I had seen her at the meeting, I would have asked her. (But she wasn’t there so I didn’t.)

 If I had seen her at the meeting, I could have asked her. (But she wasn’t there so it wasn’t possible.)

 If I had seen her at the meeting, I might have asked her. (But I’m not sure. Perhaps if the opportunity had arisen.)

If governments had invested more in electric car technology in the 1890s, society might not have been so dependent on oil. (We have always been dependent on oil)

Conclusion

Remember that we can ‘speculate’ using the 3rd conditional.

Using a modal verb can subtly change the meaning of the sentence but the overall message is about ‘impossibility’. 

The situation is in the past and we cannot change what has already happened

Try the following exercises to test yourself, but think carefully about what the sentence is expressing. 

IELTS Writing activity with Conditional Sentences

Complete the 3rd conditional sentences by selecting the correct option. 1.) l wouldn’t have told you if I have/had known that you would get upset. 2.) I would have/would not have recognized you if somebody hadn’t told me who you were. 3.) I would had/have forgotten all about it if you hadn’t reminded me. 4.) If I’d left the house on time, I would have/ would not have missed the train. 5.) I wouldn’t have bought this if I had /have known it only has a 1-month guarantee.

If you need to study conditionals further, the British Council have lots of activities on using English conditionals and you can test yourself here. 🙂 

Answers

• l wouldn’t have told you if I had known that you would get upset.
• I would not have recognized you if somebody hadn’t told me who you were.
• I would have forgotten all about it if you hadn’t reminded me.
• If I’d left the house on time, I would not have missed the train.
• I wouldn’t have bought this if I had known it only has a 1-month guarantee.

Aspects adapted from Perfect English Grammar 

I’m Jonathan, an online-IELTS preparation specialist.

How conditional sentences are important in IELTS

Understanding and using conditional sentences will make your language more ‘complex’ and will allow you to talk and write about more complicated ideas.

As you understand the possible meanings and functions of conditional sentences, it will also help your understanding in the IELTS reading and listening test.

 

In this lesson, we will go through the basic meaning and grammatical construction of 2nd Conditionals with examples and a chance to practice what you know.

The good news is that although learning the concept of English conditionals might not always be easy, once you have mastered it, it is not easily forgotten. 🙂 

Conditionals – The Basics

Conditional sentences are always made up of two parts or two clauses; these are just different names for the same thing.

There is always a condition and a result.

If water reaches a temperature of 100 ℃ or 221 ℉, it boils and then forms a gas.

Here’s an example: 

If + clause (condition) + clause (result)

or

Clause (result) + if + clause (condition)

The basic use of the 2nd conditional

The 2nd conditional is used to talk about an events or situations that are imaginary if the present context was different.

For this reason, the 2nd conditional is also known as an ‘unreal’ condition.

In academic English, the 2nd conditional can be used as a way to explore understanding behaviour and to put forward theories, and this can be the same for an IELTS essay.

If governments’ introduced high rates of tax, it would force the rich to live in tax havens.

If poachers were not severely punished, many large animals would become extinct in a short amount of time.

People argue that if entrance grades were reduced at university, overall awards would go down.

The 2nd conditional can be thought of as a situtaion which is:

Different to now.

If he met the King of England, he would say hello. – He probably won’t meet the King.

To describe impossibility

If I had his mobile number, I would WhatsApp him.  – I don’t have his number now, so it’s impossible for me to do that.

or to recommend or give adivce

If I were you, I wouldn’t stay out too late because you need to be up early in the morning.

How the 2nd conditional is formed 

A 1st conditional sentence is formed in this way:

If + Condition + Result

Another way of putting this is:

If + past simple + Would + infinitive

If I met the King of England, I would say hello.

You can also change the order of the sentence: 

Result + If + Condition

Another way of putting this is:

Will + present simple + If + present simple

 

For instance these sentences are reversed but they retain the same meaning.

I would buy a house if I won the lottery                   

→    If I won the lottery, I would buy a house.

As you can see from the first example, there is no comma in this construction.

I would buy a house if I won the lottery   

So, the second conditional can be thought of as ‘unreal‘ conditionals or in other words ‘results’ or ‘situations’ that we can imagine if there was a different condition.

If you reviewed the IELTS test format, you would be better prepared for the test.

One way of using them is to ‘ask about’ or to ‘make a prediction’ in the form of advice or a warning. 

This is useful when you want to construct an argument in your IELTS writing.

If students are made aware of the IELTS test format, they would be better prepared for the test.

If you submitted the test after the teacher’s deadline, it would not be marked.

If you asked for writing feedback, you would see the errors that you make.

Small businesses would lose out if they didn’t adapt to new social media developments.

If you checked the question format, you would see that you can only use three words in the gap.

This is not the only function, as you often can read 1st conditionals in the form of ‘recomendations’ or as ‘advice’

If you asked for feedback on your writing, you would see the errors that you make.

How is the second conditional different from the first conditional?

The second conditional is often a lot ‘more unlikely’. This can due be to the speaker’s attitude to something as well as just facts.

Examples: Mareck thinks these things are possible, Jana doesn’t.

Mareck: If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house.

2nd conditional: (I’m probably not going to win the lottery, it’s just a dream, not very real).

Jana: If I win the lottery, I will buy a big house.

1st conditional: (I think I might win. Why not? Someone has to win.)

Further ways of constructing the 2nd Conditional 

The use of ‘would’ is not the only verb we can use in the 2nd conditional. 

We can also use some modal verbs which can change the message function or suggestion. 

For instance:

If Bangkok persuaded residents to move away from the city, modern train and underground infrastructure could be initiated. 

Remember that the ‘modal verb’ replaces ‘would’ in the result clause.

Possibility

We can express a possibility with ‘uncertainty’ or with ‘caution’ by using may, might or could.

If more fines were issued, it might deter people from littering.

If interest rates increased, it may lead to deflation.

We could see a reduction in traffic accidents if cameras were installed.

Modal Verb – Could

If people were trained in IT, it could improve basic literacy.

If fossil fuels were banned within ten years, the economy could survive.

Modal Verb – Should 

If we reduced our carbon use considerably, we should be able to reduce the effects of climate change.

If women were given more rights, we should see less violent crime in society.

Phrases – Likely to/ Unlikely to 

We are likely to see decreased traffic congestion if cities legislated against inner-city traffic.

More uses for ‘If we/ I/ you were to…..’

In this construction, remember that situation is considered even more hypothetical as in these examples:

If we were to ban plastic in food products, how would we preserve vegetables and fruit for export.

If it were not for the continued low interest rates, we would not see inflated house prices.

Conclusion

Remember that the verb you use can subtly change the meaning of the sentence but the overall message is about a ‘imaginary’ on the basis of a ‘different situation. 

Try the following exercises to test yourself, but think carefully about what the sentence is expressing. 

IELTS Writing activity with Conditional Sentences

Match the best option to form 2nd conditional sentences.

If he ate nuts, If she asked for help,  If Peter watched the film,  The man would become angry, You would cry, They would go home,

Would you enjoy it? If you shouted at him. if the party was boring. If you lost your cat too. Would he get an allergy? Would they assist her?

If you need to study conditionals further, the British Council have lots of activities on using English conditionals and you can test yourself here. 

Next Lesson: Third Conditionals and IELTS 🙂 

Answers

• If he ate nuts, would he get an allergy?
• If she asked for help, would they assist her?
• If Peter watched the film, would he enjoy it?
• The man would become angry if you shouted at him.
• You would cry if you lost your cat too. 

Aspects adapted from Perfect English Grammar 

 

I’m Jonathan, an online-IELTS preparation specialist.

Why conditional sentences are important in IELTS

Understanding and using conditional sentences will make your language more ‘complex’ and will allow you to talk and write about more complicated ideas.

As you understand the possible meanings and functions of conditional sentences, it will also help your understanding in the IELTS reading and listening test.

In this lesson, we will go through the basic meaning and grammatical construction of 1st Conditionals with examples and a chance to practice what you know.

The good news is that although learning the concept of English conditionals might not always be easy, once you have mastered it, it is not easily forgotten. 🙂 

Conditionals – The Basics

Conditional sentences are always made up of two parts or two clauses; these are just different names for the same thing.

There is always a condition and a result.

If the earth lacked an atmosphere, life would never have developed.

Here’s an example: 

If + clause (condition) + clause (result)

or

Clause (result) + if + clause (condition)

The basic use of the 1st conditional

The 1st conditional is used to talk about an action or event in the future and its possible result or a likely action ‘in the future’. 

Here are some examples:

If I study Law, I will be able to get a well-paid job.

If we go to university, we will study higher-level knowledge.

The present tense expresses the future condition and the future simple expresses the result of that condition.

How the 1st conditional is formed 

A 1st conditional sentence is formed in this way:

If + Condition + Result

Another way of putting this is:

If + present simple + Will + present simple

You can also change the order of the sentence: 

Result + If + Condition

Another way of putting this is:

Will + present simple + If + present simple

For instance these sentences are reversed but they retain the same meaning.

If you study hard, you will pass the test.                     →    You will pass the test if you study hard. 

If they move to the city, people will find more jobs.  →   People will find more jobs if they move to the city.

As you can see from the second example, there is no comma in this construction.

You will pass the test if you study hard. 

So, the first conditional can be thought of as real conditionals or in other words ‘conditions’ or ‘situations’ that will happen as a result.

If you review the IELTS test format, you will be better prepared for the test.

One way of using them is to ‘ask about’ or to ‘make a prediction’ in the form of advice or a warning. 

This is useful when you want to construct an argument in your IELTS writing.

If students are aware of the IELTS test format, they will be better prepared for the test.

Small businesses will lose out if they don’t adapt to new social media developments.

If you check the question format, you will see that you can only use three words in the gap.

If you submit the test after the teacher’s deadline, it will not be marked.

If you ask for writing feedback, you will see the errors that you make.

This is not the only function, as you often can read 1st conditionals in the form of ‘offers’ or as ‘guarantees’

If you are not completely satisfied with our service, we will return 50% of your payment.

If you sign up to the offer today, you will receive a special offer.

Further ways of constructing the 1st Conditional 

The use of ‘will’ is not the only verb we can use in the 1st conditional. 

We can also use some modal verbs which can change the message function or suggestion. 

For instance:

If I get band 8 in the IELTS test, I may/might/should/could move abroad.

Remember that the ‘modal verb’ replaces ‘will’ in the result clause.

Possibility

We can express a possibility with ‘uncertainty’ or with ‘caution’ by using may, might or could.

Internet users may see increases in their broadband speed if infrastructure investment increases.

Overall, we may see advances in AI translation if more users participate.

We could see a reduction in traffic accidents if cameras are installed.

Obligation

We can express an ‘obligation’ or it’s ‘the correct thing to do’, or even ‘an opinion that something is probable’ by using should.

There should be more signage on litter bins, if we want to encourage people to use them.

People should be aware of certain dress codes if they visit some important culture sites.

If you want to enter, you should be wearing a shirt and tie.

Ability

We can express an ‘ability’ or ‘opportunity’ to do something with ‘could’.

If we want to help developing countries we could give financial assistance rather than financial loans.

If we gave opportunities equally to all students, they could all be valuable members of society.

Caution 

Another way of expressing more ‘caution’ is in the ‘be likely/unlikely to’ construction as in these examples:

People are unlikely to stop using their cars if oil prices remain low.

If governments give people incentives to use public transport, they are likely to take advantage of this.

If it does not rain by June, the crops are likely to fail.

The 1st conditional meaning in the questions 

Interestingly, the meaning of a question is ‘dependent on the verb’ or ‘modal verb’ used.

For instance, this example is a polite request. 

If I help you with your IELTS studies, will you give me some advice about my writing?

while this one below ‘speculates’ about the future.

Will she tell us about the mock-test result, if we go to class?

Conclusion

Remember that the verb you use can subtly change the meaning of the sentence but the overall message is about a ‘possible’ or ‘predicted’ real situation. 

Try the following exercises to test yourself, but think carefully about what the sentence is expressing. 

IELTS Writing

Zero conditionals and the 1st conditional can be a useful block in building an argument and introducing a result which is always true.

Before the advent of mass transportation, it took months to cross America by horse.

Try this activity with Conditional Sentences

Rearrange the sentences to make 1st conditional sentences.       If he / he / make / moves abroad, / will / new friends. ______________________________________________     Jana / she / studies hard, / will / her overall grades./ If / improve.  ______________________________________________     get nothing. / If / you / you / will / the exam, / miss. ______________________________________________     ask him. /explain / if / will / The instructor / the exercise /we  ______________________________________________     They / lecture. / go to / will / they / learn more / if            ______________________________________________     I / capital city. / will / the / find / to / a better / job / I relocate / if          ______________________________________________

If you need to study conditionals further, the British Council have lots of activities on using English conditionals and you can test yourself here. 

Next Lesson: Second Conditionals and IELTS 🙂 

Answers

• If he moves abroad, he will make new friends.
• If Jana studies hard, she will improve her overall grades.
• If you miss the exam, you will get nothing.
• The instructor will explain if we ask him.
• They will learn more if they go to the lecture.
• I will find a better job if I relocate to the capital city. 

Aspects adapted from Perfect English Grammar 

Why conditional sentences are important in IELTS

Understanding and using conditional sentences will make your language more ‘complex’ and will allow you to talk and write about more complicated ideas.

As you understand the possible meanings and functions of conditional sentences, it will also help your understanding in the IELTS reading and listening test.

In this lesson, we will go through the basic meaning and grammatical construction of Zero Conditionals with examples and a chance to practice what you know.

The good news is that although learning the concept of English conditionals might not always be easy, once you have mastered it, it is not easily forgotten. 🙂 

Conditionals – The Basics

Conditional sentences are always made up of two parts or two clauses; these are just different names for the same thing.

There is always a condition and a result.

If the earth lacked an atmosphere, life would never have developed.

Here’s an example: 

If + clause (condition) + clause (result)

or

Clause (result) + if + clause (condition)

The basic use of the zero conditional

The zero conditional is useful to describe things which are true or are more than likely to happen and is often thought of as a ‘real conditional’. 

Example:

If water drops to 0 ℃ or 32 ℉, it freezes.

If light passes through raindrops, then a rainbow is formed.

If water reaches 100 ℃, it starts to produce steam.

Both clauses in the zero conditional typically use present tense verbs to express the condition and the result which is true or always produces the same result.

How the zero conditional is formed 

Zero conditional sentences are mostly commonly formed in this way using the present tense:

IF + Condition + Result

If + clause (Present Simple – Condition) + clause (Present Simple – Result)

If rain passes through cold air, snow or hail forms.

You can also change the order of the sentence with the result coming first: 

Snow or hail forms if rain passes through cold air.

Alternatives to the ‘if’ clause

The ‘if’ clause can be replaced by the phrases such as ‘when’, ‘whenever’ or ‘until’.

These literally mean ‘every time this happens’.

You don’t pay taxes until  you are 16 years old.

Every time the salmon reach maturity, instinct forces the fish to return to their spawning grounds.

Every time an electrical device is removed from standby, an overall energy saving is made.

Using Modal Verbs

Zero conditionals describe things which are true or are more than likely to happen as in this example:

Removing an unused laptop power socket from the mains, can save you money.

IELTS Writing

Zero conditionals and the 1st conditional can be a useful block in building an argument and introducing a result which is always true.

Before the advent of mass transportation, it took months to cross America by horse.

Try this activity with Conditional Sentences

If you need to study conditionals further, the British Council have lots of activities on using English conditionals and you can test yourself here. 

Answers

• If rain passes through cold air, snow or hail forms.
• If you don’t keep food chilled, it soon goes bad.
• If you press the switch, the lights come on.
• Removing an electrical device from standby, can save you money
• If light passes through raindrops, then a rainbow is formed.
• If you simmer an egg in hot water for 12 mins, you get a hard-boiled egg.
• You cannot drive a car until you are 21 in some American States.

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Next Lesson: First Conditionals and IELTS 🙂 

Aspects adapted from Perfect English Grammar