NRTC English: How to use ‘if’ in a conditional statement or tense

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Whenever a statement begins with, or is marked by ‘if’, it automatically becomes a conditional statement or tense.

In English, “if” is commonly used to introduce conditional clauses.

For example,

• If I see the manager, I will tell him the truth.

In the example above, the conditional statement is “if I see the manager” and it begins with ‘if’. We can also call the conditional statement a conditional tense because the verb ‘see’ has a tense which must agree with the independent clause “I will tell him the truth”.

Inverting the Clause

The order of the clauses can be reversed without changing the meaning.

• We can grab coffee if you finish early.

Note that a comma is not needed when the conditional statement comes after the independent clause as you can see above.

Multiple Conditions

When dealing with more complex scenarios, “if” can be used in conjunction with other conditional words like “unless” or “until.”

• You can go outside if it’s not raining.
• Unless you study, you won’t pass the exam.

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Expressing Possibility with ‘if’

“If” can also be used to convey possibilities.

• If she calls, tell her I’ll call back.
• If I find the book, I’ll let you know.

In this case, the tense in the conditional statement is expressed in simple present tense (if she calls, if I find you) and the tense in the independent clause is expressed in simple future tense (subject + will/shall + base form of the verb).

Polite Requests Using ‘if’

“If” can be employed to make polite requests or suggestions.

• If you could please send the report by Friday, that would be great.

How to Use ‘if’ in a Past Conditional

Different verb tenses can be used in the “if” clause to indicate the timing of the condition.

• If I had known, I would have come.
• If the man had gone there, he’d have met the love of his life.

It is important to note that “had been” is used to express past conditional with “would have”

Lastly, in hypothetical, unreal situations, “were” or a simple past tense verb is used with the conditional marker ‘if’ in a conditional tense and ‘would’ in the other tense.

• If the armed robbers were caught, they would be lynched.
• If I were a woman, I’d dazzle my husband.
• If I played for Nigeria, I’d score many goals.

So, the next time you encounter an “if” statement, consider the conditions and possibilities it introduces, and use it to enrich your language skills. Besides, a solid grasp of conditional statements enhances your ability to convey ideas effectively.