VOA日常语法2024--If You Learn Conditionals, You'll Be Glad You Did!

In this week's episode¹ of Everyday Grammar, we are going to talk about conditionals³. We use conditionals to show that something is true only when something else is true. Conditionals offer endless possibilities for creative and imaginative⁴ expression.

Present real conditional²

The present real conditional is the most basic kind of conditional. Basically, when A happens, B happens.

Here's an example of a present real conditional:

"If it rains, I bring an umbrella."

Conditionals have two parts: the if clause⁵: "if it rains," and the result clause: "I bring an umbrella." You could also say "I bring an umbrella if it rains."

Poets and songwriters often use conditionals in their work. Listen for the present real conditional in this song by American songwriter Bob Dylan.

"If you see her, say hello. She might be in Tangier ..."

Notice that the verbs see and say are both in the present tense for the present real conditional.

Present unreal conditional

The next conditional that we're going to talk about is the present unreal conditional. Use the present unreal conditional to talk about what you would do in an unreal, or imaginary situation: If A happened, B would happen.

For example, "If I were you, I would take the job." The key word is would; it makes the conditional unreal. Would can only be used in the result clause of the sentence. Here's an example from American singer Johnny Cash.

"If I were a carpenter

And you were a lady

Would you marry me anyway?

Would you have my baby?"

To form a present unreal conditional, use a simple past verb in the if clause. In the result clause, use would followed by a simple present verb.

Use the verb were for all nouns in the if clause of the sentence. For example, "If she were an animal, she would be a cat." In informal speech, people might say, "If she was an animal, she would be a cat." But you should avoid this in formal writing.

Future real conditional

Now let's talk about the future real conditional: If A happens, B will happen.

To make a future real conditional, use will in the result clause. For example, "If your plane is late, I will wait in the car." Use the future real conditional to talk about possible situations in the future.

Speakers sometimes use the future real conditional to threaten others. Listen to actor Liam Neeson in the 2013 movie "Taken." In this scene of the movie, Neeson's character is on the phone threatening the man who kidnapped his daughter.

"If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you. I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you."

This is only a quick introduction to conditionals. In a future episode of Everyday Grammar, we will talk about past and mixed conditionals. Until then, we will leave you with country music stars Johnny Cash and June Carter.

"If you were a carpenter

And I were a lady

I'd marry you anyway

I'd have your baby"

(Watch Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash sing "If I were a Carpenter.")

conditional - n. a word, clause, or sentence that shows that something is true or happens only if something else is true or happens

imaginative - adj. having or showing an ability to think of new and interesting ideas : having or showing imagination

basic - adj. forming or relating to the first or easiest part of something

clause - n. grammar : a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb

tense - n. a form of a verb that is used to show when an action happened

unreal - adj. not real; not true

1 episode   

n.（作品的一段）情节，插曲，系列事件中之一

参考例句：

• The episode was a huge embarrassment for all concerned.这段小插曲令所有有关人员都感到非常尴尬。
• This episode remains sharply engraved on my mind.这段经历至今仍深深地铭刻在我的心中。

2 conditional   

adj.条件的，带有条件的

参考例句：

• My agreement is conditional on your help.你肯帮助我才同意。
• There are two forms of most-favored-nation treatment:conditional and unconditional.最惠国待遇有两种形式:有条件的和无条件的。

3 conditionals   

n.条件句，从句，条件式( conditional的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Conditionals are used to about possible, imaginary or impossible conditions. 条件句用于谈论有可能的、想像的或不可能的状况。 来自互联网
• Macros containing conditionals will automatically update their visual feedback as appropriate during play. 宏中若有条件式存在时，会依照条件式自动更新该宏的技能、物品描述。 来自互联网

4 imaginative   

adj.富有想象力的，爱想象的

参考例句：

• The imaginative child made up fairy stories.这个想像力丰富的孩子自己编神话故事。
• Scott was an imaginative writer.司格特是位富于想象力的作家。

5 clause   

n.（正式文件或法律文件的）条款，从句，分句

参考例句：

• The sentence consists of a main clause and a subordinate clause.这句中有一个主句和一个从句。
• What clause do you require in the contract?你要求在合同中订上什么条款？