The verb in the Subjunctive Mood (the Past and Perfect Subjunctive) expresses different unreal conditions and consequences:

1) an unreal condition and consequence in the present or future is expressed by the verb in the Past Subjunctive:

If only we had a rope (but we haven’t) we could save him!

(Ср. рус.: Если бы у нас (сейчас) был канат!)

If only it rained tomorrow (but it may not), I could stay at home!

2) an unreal condition in the past is expressed by the verb in the Perfect Subjunctive:

If only we had had a rope (but we didn’t) we could have saved him. (Ср. рус.: Если бы у нас (тогда) был канат, мы бы его спасли)

2. Thus, we may speak about three major types of complex conditional sentences, or conditionals (Units 3-5):

1) Conditional I: with a real condition and a real consequence expressed by verbs in the Indicative Mood:

If he runs, he will catch the train.

2) Conditional II: with an unreal condition and an unreal consequence in the present or future expressed by verbs in the Past Subjunctive:

If he ran, he would catch the train.

3) Conditional III: with an unreal condition in the past and an unreal consequence expressed by verbs in the Perfect Subjunctive:

If he had run, he would have caught the train.

3. There is also a mixed type of conditional sentences with an unreal condition (Unit 6) where:

a) the condition refers to the past but the consequence refers to the present or future:

If you had taken your medicine yesterday, you would be well today.

b) the condition refers to no particular time and the conesquence refers to the past:

If he were not so absent-minded, he would not have mistaken you for your sister.

Unit 3           Type I Conditionals

Type I Conditionals talk about things which will possibly happen and consider their real consequences for the future.

If I see her, I shall be very glad. Если я увижу её, я буду очень рад.

Type I Conditionals may have the following structures:

1. The verb in the if-clause is in the Present Indefinite tense; the verb in the main clause is in the Future Indefinite:

if- clause                                                   main clause

if + Present Indefinite Future Indefinite (will + Infinitive)

If he works hard                        he will pass his exams

2. Other structures in the if-clause and in the main clause are possible, depending on what you want to say:

if - clause                                       main clause

if + Present Indefinite        modal verb

If you behave yourself,                       you can come.

if + Present Indefinite        to be going to (future)

If you don't work,                      you're going to fail.

if + Present Indefinite        Imperative

If you need anything,                 ask.

   if + Present Continuous    will + Infinitive

If we're leaving soon,                I'll get on my coat.

if + Present Perfect           will + Infinitive

If I've finished,                         I'll be able to come.

if + Present Perfect           modal verb

If you've finished,                     you can go out

Imperative                     and/or + will

Eat less,                                     and you will get slim.

3. 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?

Mario can't come with us, even if he is your best friend.

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.

(Unless you go = If you don't go)

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