EXCEPTIONS OF CONDITIONAL

So far you have only learned the basic rules for Conditional Sentences. It depends on the context, however, which tense to use. So sometimes it's possible for example that in an “If Clause Type 1” another tense than Simple Present is used, e.g. Present Progressive or Present Perfect.

Conditional Sentences Type 1 (likely)

Condition refers to:

If Clause

Main Clause

future action

Simple Present

If the book is interesting, …

Future I

…I will buy it.

action going on now

Present Progressive

If he is snoring, …

Future I

…I will wake him up.

finished action

Present Perfect

If he has moved into his new flat, …

Future I

…we will visit him.

improbable action

should + Infinitive

If she should win this race, …

Future I

…I will congratulate her.

present facts

Simple Present

If he gets what he wants, …

Simple Present

…he is very nice.

Conditional Sentences Type 2 (unlikely)

Condition refers to:

If Clause

Main Clause

present / future event

Simple Past

If I had a lot of money, …

Conditional 1

…I would travel around the world.

result in the past

Simple Past

If I knew him, …

Conditional 2

…I would have said hello.

Conditional Sentences Type 2 (impossible)

Condition refers to:

If Clause

Main Clause

present

Past Perfect

If I had known it, …

Conditional 1

…I would not be here now.

past

Past Perfect

If he had learned for the test, …

Conditional 2

…he would not have failed it.