IF CLAUSE
"If clause" is also called a conditional clause. When the sentence contains "If" then it will surely speak about the condition of the action. Here we can see the condition and the result of the action. Mostly it combined the two simple sentences into one complex sentence. In the "If clause" we have one main clause and one subordinate clause.
Before we get it into the topic, let's see what is the main clause and the subordinate clause.
Main clause :
1. It has one subject and one verb
2. It stands independent.
3. It gives complete meaning to the sentence.
Subordinate clause:
1. It always dependent on the main clause.
2. It doesn't give complete meaning to the sentence.
Example :
If you study, you will pass.
Here can you identify what is the main clause and the subordinate clause?
If you study - it's a subordinate clause because it doesn't give complete meaning
You will pass - it's the main clause because it gives complete meaning to the sentence.
TYPE l :
This type of situation can happen in the present or in future
a) Universal truth :
It expresses the universal truth, natural truth, theories, laws, etc..,
Both the main clause and subordinate clause will have the present form of the verb.
If I boil water, it evaporates.
Subordinate clause - boils - present tense
The main clause - evaporates - present tense
b) Probability :
It expresses the probability
The main clause contains a simple future tense and the subordinate clause contains a simple present tense.
The action may or may not take places.
Examples:
If he is sick, he will not come to the office.
If I do the work, he will appreciate me.
If I have a pen, I will give you.
TYPE II:
HYPOTHETICAL IMAGINARY
It expresses an imaginary action. It doesn't happen in the present or in future
The main clause contains a future conditional clause and added to the main form of the verb. The subordinate clause contains a simple past form of the verb.
Structure :
If clause - past tense
Main clause - future + main verb
Examples:
If she was alert, she would not land in trouble.
If I wrote the exam, I would score good marks.
If I had a pen, I would give him.
TYPE III
IMPOSSIBLE
It expresses an impossible and unreal situation. This type of situation did not happen in the past.
The main clause contains "would or could + have + past participle" and the subordinate clause contains past perfect tense.
Examples:
If I had studied well, I would have passed this exam
If I had not studied, I would have failed the exam
