If

Question

Hallo dear Teachers,As far as I know "If" is used in Conditional sentences. And what I noticed is that we cannot use Will/shall with "If", but I have seen some case which followed will/would after "If".Can you please explain me the different usages of "If" in different contexts?Thanks beforehandRegardsNata...

Imantaghavi · Accepted Answer

Hi Natalli,

1- If + will + infinitive(First conditional)

Use : To talk about real possibilities or probabilities in present or future

E.g: If we play tennis, I'll win.

2- If + would + infinitive(second conditional)

Use : To talk about unreal or improbable situations now or in the future(that will probably not happen)

E.g: If I knew her name, I would tell you.

3-If+past perfect+ would have + past participle(third conditional)

Use: To talk about past situations that didn't happen.

E.g: If you had worked harder, you would have passed your exam.

Hope these help,

Iman

Natalli. · Answer

Thanks Iman

That I know, the matter is with the following sentence which I saw in a book.

E.g. If I would visit him, that would mean I were his friend. (Is this correct, or Possible?)

To me it sounds so ODD

Regards

Nata..

Imantaghavi · Answer

Hi Natalli,

My speculation is that it's second conditional. But as you said it looks a bit weird and strange to my ear.

Let's see what others say

Cheers,

Iman

CalifJim · Answer

Natalli.If I would visit him, that would mean I were his friend. (Is this correct, or Possible?)
To me it sounds so ODD

It is odd - and wrong. The correct form is If I visited him, that would mean I was his friend.

CJ

Natalli. · Answer

Morning Calif

Thanks again. It also sounds to me odd and funny.

Nata..

If

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions