• The Present subjunctive consists of the infinitive without to in all persons (see Section 1). In British English, it is often very formal:

• The Past subjunctive exists only in were in all persons - I were, he were, we were, etc. (see Section 1):

We commonly express a condition using an if-clause with a main clause. Conditional sentences are often categorised as:

Note: the Past and Past Perfect in Second and Third conditionals are 'Unreal' Pasts.

• These are useful patterns to learn when studying conditionals, but they are not the only patterns. In this Unit, conditionals are categorised as:

Likely conditionals

These refer to past, present and future (see Section 2). They include 'Zero' and 'First' conditionals:

If you were working late last night, how come I didn't see your light on? (= past)
If you feel disappointed, that's natural. (= present)
If you do that again, I'm going to tell mum. (= future)
If you can meet me at the car, that's easiest for me. (= future)

False conditionals

Included in likely conditionals are what we call false conditionals. These are called 'false' because the speaker knows that the condition has already been fulfilled (see Section 2):

If you don't like opera, why are you here?
If you didn't like the film, you should have left.
'It's locked.' 'Well if that's the case we'll have to go round the back. '


Unlikely conditionals

Unlikely conditionals also refer to the past, present and future (see Sections 3 and 4). They include what we call 'Second' and 'Third' conditionals:

It would be easier if Leeds were on a direct rail link to Oxford. (= present)
If you were going to travel to Tibet, when would be the best time to go? (= future)
If I'd listened more carefully to his directions, I wouldn't have got lost. (= past)


When and if

These words are similar in some languages but very different in English:

If Sally comes this evening, we'll talk it over with her. (= she may come)
When Sally comes this evening, we'll talk it over with her. (= she is coming)

We sometimes use if and when as a phrase to say we are fairly certain a condition will be fulfilled:

We'll buy it if and when our income improves.


Alternatives to if in conditionals

So / As long as you promise not to tell, you can come too.
You can drive this car provided / providing (that) you're fully insured.
Suppose / Supposing something goes wrong, what then?
I think I'll accept it, assuming the offer's still there.
Mario can't come with us, even if he is your best friend.
If only we'd got there sooner; the accident would never have happened.
You can come in on condition that you don't stay long.
Unless Peter changes his attitude, he's going to find himself in trouble.