What is an Adverb Clause of Condition?
An adverb clause of condition (also called a conditional clause) states the condition that is or would be necessary for specific actions talk about in the main clause to happen. When a sentence contains a conditional clause, it is called a conditional sentence.
Example
If she really wants to get that job, she needs to give more time to the English language.
The clause begins with the conjunction ‘if‘ is a conditional clause. It states the condition for the situation described in the main clause. We put a comma when the conditional clause preceded the main clause.
The following subordinating conjunctions are usually introducing adverb clauses of condition.
- If
- As long as
- Unless
- On condition that
- Whether or not
- Provided
- Provided that
- Providing
- Providing that
- Unless
- So long as
- In case
Conditional Clauses in Adverb Clause of Condition
Some conditional clauses suggest that a situation is real – that is, the situation is true in the present, was true in the past, or may become true in the future. But some conditional clauses describe an unreal condition.
- If he comes, tell him we will be back in one hour. (Real Conditional)
- They wouldn’t have been so late if they had left home earlier.
(The situation describes by the conditional clause is unreal or imaginary)
Conditional clauses are divided into three types. Each type of conditional clause takes a different pair of sequences.
| Conditional Clause | Main Clause | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| If + Present Simple | Future Simple | Possible/Present likely condition |
| If + Past Simple (subjunctive) | Should/would | Present unlikely condition/improbable/hypothetical |
| If + Past Perfect | (Would, should, could, might) + have + past participle | Past condition/impossible/untrue |
Present Likely Condition
He will pass if he works hard.
Present Unlikely Condition
If they worked hard, they would succeed.
If I had a book, I would give it to him.
Past Condition
If I had brought more money, I could have enjoyed the picnic.
I we had taken that taxi, we might have been injured.
Examples Adverb Clause of Condition
- We won’t come unless they invite us.
- In the event of heavy rains and winds, you must stay inside.
- The company will give him a joining letter provided he submit the required documents.
- We don’t have political power unless we vote.
- She must go whether she gets a phone call from him or not.
- She asked me whether I was coming.
- I will give it to you on the condition that you return it before Sunday.
- They will help you if you ask for help.
- Don’t leave the office unless I tell you.
- If she finishes her work early, we shall go for a swim.
- I will go if you allow me.
- Had I a watch, I would lend it to him. ( sub-ordinate conjunction ‘if’ is omitted)
- Were he intelligent, he would not do it.
- I’ll come tomorrow in case you need me.
