As the name suggests, Conditional Sentences are sentences with some Conditions. Conditional Sentences have two main clauses, the If Clause and the Main Clause. If clause denotes some conditions which are fulfilled by the main clause. If clause, in sentences, contains some conditional words/phrases as given below.
Note:- We have taken this topic as many questions are framed in competitive exams from this section.
When If Clause is in Simple Present Tense, the main clause can be in Simple Future or Simple Present Tense.
♦ If Clause (Simple present) + Main Clause (Simple Future/ Present Tense).
- If you boil water, it will turn to vapours. (correct)
- If you boil water, it turns to vapours. (correct)
Also note, we can use may/ might/ should/ must in the main clause.
- If you boil water, it may turn to vapours. (correct)
♦ Questions are usually framed by using the wrong tense in If Clause like:
- If you will boil water, it will turn to vapours. (incorrect)
When If Clause is in Simple Past Tense, we use would + verb1 in the Main Clause.
- If he came to me, I would have given him my notes. (incorrect)
- If he came to me, I would give him my notes. (correct)
Note: Questions are framed from this rule in higher exams.