Conditionals

CONDITIONALS:

 We use:

- If/unless/when + present simple(or will) + present simple with general truths.

          

                          Ex: if you heat liquid to 120ªC, it boils

- If/when + present simple + will/might/may: Condition referring to a present or future event that is likely to happen.

                          Ex: He might be prepared to work when he finish with his studies.

- If/unless + past simple + would/could/might: Hypothetical condition (in the present or in the future).

                          Ex: If Marta went to school, she could speak languages.

- If/unless + past perfect + would/could/might: Hypothetical condition (in the past).

                          Ex: Even if I had got the job, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it much.

In the FORMAL STYLE if can be omitted:

                    Ex: If I had been accepted....     without the if:    Had I been accepted in college, I would                                                                                                       have studied longer.

Supposing/ Imagine can be used instead of it.

If + was/were to : Make a situation or event seem more hypothetical. 

                   Ex: If they were to find a way of removing ebola, millions of live would be saved.

In case is not equal to if:  In case is used to talk about precautions (something done to avoid a problem).

If+should/happen to: is used to suggest that something is unlikely to happen, or may just happen by chance.

                   Ex: If you happen to pass a pharmacy, could you get me some aspirin?