오랜간만에 가정법 정리 in English
The Conditionals are also called the "if-clauses" because "if" is the main word in the sentence or question. A conditional sentence typically consists of an if-clause (which presents a condition) and a result clause. For example: If it rains, the streets get wet.
There are four types of Conditionals or "if-clauses":
1. The zero conditional: It expresses conditions that are always true, with automatic or habitual results.
| Situation | IF - clause | RESULT - clause | Example |
| Truth | simple present | simple present | If you heat ice, it melts. |
2. The first conditional: It expresses a condition that is possible and has a probable result.
| Situation | IF - clause | RESULT - clause | Example |
| Probable in the present/future | simple present | will + simple(base) | If you leave early, you will catch the train. |
3. The second conditional: It expresses a hypothetical condition and its possible result, or an unreal situation.
| Situation | IF - clause | RESULT - clause | Example |
| Possible but unlikely in the present/future | simple past | would + simple(base) | If I were younger, I would change my life. |
4. The third condition: it expresses an imaginary situation about the past.
| Situation | IF - clause | RESULT - clause | Example |
| Untrue in the past/did not happen | past perfect | would have + p.p | If I had seen you, I would have said hello. |
Of course, there are many kinds of conditionals in English. However, I think to understand and use it like native speakers, we have to learn from situations and case by case. Let's not stick to grammar too much. ***
