LEARN · PART 5

Conditional Sentences (If Clauses) (Korean Translation)

(KO) Conditional sentences express a condition and its result. TOEIC frequently tests the correct tense combinations for first, second, and third conditionals, as well as mixed conditionals and inversions.

Rules

(KO) First Conditional (Real future): If + present, will + base verb.
(KO) Second Conditional (Unreal present/future): If + past, would + base verb.
(KO) Third Conditional (Unreal past): If + past perfect, would have + past participle.
(KO) Inversion: 'Had I known...' instead of 'If I had known...'.

Examples

"If the weather is clear, the flight will depart on time."

(KO) First conditional: a real possibility in the future.

"If the company had invested earlier, they would have seen higher profits."

(KO) Third conditional: an unreal situation in the past.

"Should you have any questions, please contact customer support."

(KO) Inversion of 'If you should have...'.

What TOEIC specifically tests

(KO) Mixing tenses incorrectly (e.g., If + past, will + base verb).
(KO) Failing to recognize inversions like 'Should you need' or 'Had we known'.
(KO) Using 'unless' incorrectly (it means 'if not', so a negative verb often creates a double negative).

Common questions

(KO) What is an inverted conditional?

(KO) It's a formal way to write an 'if' clause by dropping 'if' and reversing the subject and auxiliary verb, e.g., 'Had I known' instead of 'If I had known'.

(KO) How is 'unless' tested?

(KO) TOEIC often asks you to choose between 'if' and 'unless'. 'Unless' is used when the condition represents an exception to the main clause.

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