Conditional Sentences without If

Conditional sentences are complex sentences with a subordinate clause of condition. Adverbial clauses of condition are most commonly introduced by the conjunction if.

In emphatic sentences with inversion of subject and predicate we omit if and use the Subjunctive Mood (Past Indefinite; Past Perfect; Analytical). The inverted sentence has to start with were, had, could, should.

e.g.

Were it warmer, I should bathe in the sea.

Had you informed me earlier, we should have taken the necessary steps.

Should a new earthquake happen, the government would have to act swiftly.

The contracted forms of weren’t, hadn’t, couldn’t, shouldn’t are not possible when these constructions are made negative. Particle not is used after the subject.

e.g.

Had we not been delayed, the accident would never have happened.

Should you not change your mind, we would have remained friends.

Different Conjunctions in Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences are complex sentences with a subordinate clause of condition.

The conjunctions introducing adverbial clauses of condition are if, unless, in case, suppose (that), supposing (that), on condition that, provided (that), providing (that).

If is the most common conjunction used in sentences of real and unreal condition.

e.g. If it rains, I’ll stay in. (real)

If it were nice today, I’d go to the beach. (unreal)

If they had met before, they’d have got married long ago. (unreal)

In case and provided are chiefly used in sentences of real condition.

e.g. In case I don’t find her at home, I shall leave her a note. (real)

I shall go there provided you consent to accompany me. (real)

Suppose is more common in sentences of unreal condition.

e.g. Suppose he wrote to you, would you answer? (unreal)

Unless is used in sentences of real and unreal condition. Unless has a negative meaning of “если только не”.

e.g. I shall come in time unless I am detained at the Institute. (real)

Isabel would not have engaged herself to Mr. Hardyman unless she had been fond of him. (unreal)