if-clauses (types 0–3)
RuleAn if-clause sets a condition; the main clause states the result. The verb forms show how real the condition is.
Curiosity
"If it rains, I will stay" versus "If it rained, I would stay" — just one tense apart, yet the meaning shifts. How?
Intuition
Conditionals are a reality dial. Real/likely → present + will (Type 1). Unreal now → past + would (Type 2). Impossible past → had + p.p. + would have (Type 3).
Visualization
See the parts: the condition (if-clause) and the result (main clause), each labeled with its verb form. The relation: "condition → result (Type 1)."
Verb forms show how real the condition is (Type 1 here).
If the order arrives todaywe will ship it
Essence
Type 0 (general truth): if + present, present. Type 1 (real future): if + present, will + verb. Type 2 (unreal present): if + past, would + verb. Type 3 (unreal past): if + had + p.p., would have + p.p. Never put "will" inside the if-clause.
Examples
If you confirm by noon, we will deliver tomorrow.
If I were the manager, I would change the schedule.
If we had ordered earlier, we would have saved money.
Mini-quiz
"If the client ___ tomorrow, we will sign the deal." Which fits?