1. What Are Conditional Sentences?

Conditional sentences describe possible situations and their outcomes. These sentences typically have two parts:

• The “if” clause (condition)
• The main clause (result)

For example:

• If it rains (condition), we will stay indoors (result).

Now, let’s look at how to make these sentences negative in each of the common types of conditionals.

2. Types of Negative Conditionals

Zero Conditional (General Truths)

The zero conditional is used for statements that are always true. It follows this structure:

• If + present simple, present simple

Negative Form: Add “don’t” or “doesn’t” to the verb in the “if” clause or main clause as needed.

• Positive: If water reaches 100°C, it boils.
• Negative: If water doesn’t reach 100°C, it doesn’t boil.

First Conditional (Real Possibilities)

The first conditional describes possible future situations that are likely to happen. It follows this structure:

• If + present simple, will + base form of verb

Negative Form: Add “don’t” or “doesn’t” in the “if” clause, or “won’t” in the main clause.

• Positive: If you study, you will pass the test.
• Negative: If you don’t study, you won’t pass the test.

Second Conditional (Unreal or Hypothetical Situations)

The second conditional is used for unlikely or hypothetical situations in the present or future. It follows this structure:

• If + past simple, would + base form of verb

Negative Form: Use “didn’t” in the “if” clause, or “wouldn’t” in the main clause.

• Positive: If I had more time, I would travel.
• Negative: If I didn’t have so much work, I would travel.

Third Conditional (Past Hypotheticals)

The third conditional describes past situations that didn’t happen, imagining different outcomes. It follows this structure:

• If + past perfect, would have + past participle

Negative Form: Use “hadn’t” in the “if” clause, or “wouldn’t have” in the main clause.

• Positive: If I had known about the meeting, I would have attended.
• Negative: If I hadn’t known about the meeting, I wouldn’t have attended.

Practice Time!

Let’s practice forming some negative conditional sentences! Fill in the blanks with the correct words.

1. If you ___________ (not/want) dessert, I ___________ (not/order) any.
   (Hint: First conditional)
2. If she ___________ (not/finish) her homework, she ___________ (not/go) to the party.
   (Hint: First conditional)
3. If they ___________ (not/invite) me, I ___________ (not/go) to the wedding.
   (Hint: Third conditional)

Answers:

1. If you don’t want dessert, I won’t order any.
2. If she doesn’t finish her homework, she won’t go to the party.
3. If they hadn’t invited me, I wouldn’t have gone to the wedding.