3Conditional Sentences and the Subjunctive Mood in English

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Conditional Sentences and the
Subjunctive Mood in English
You will gain an overview of Conditional Sentences and the Subjunctive Mood, their related structures,
syntactic analysis, meaning, and uses in the English language.
Professor Fellipe FCS
1. Itens iniciais
Purpose
Because Conditional Sentences and the Subjunctive Mood are important linguistic resources to be exploited in
communication, a good understanding on their structures, uses, and meanings can help students achieve
higher levels of proficiency in the English language.
Goals
To analyze the syntactic structure of Conditional Sentences.
To explore the meanings and uses of Conditional Sentences.
To describe the uses of specific connectors in Conditional Sentences.
To analyze the form, meaning, and uses of the Subjunctive Mood.
Warm up
Welcome to our Unit on Conditional Sentences and the Subjunctive Mood in English! We have organized a
pack of interesting sections which will guide you through a better understanding on the structures, meanings,
and uses of both Conditional Sentences and the Subjunctive Mood in the English language.
We will discuss the syntactic structure of Conditional Sentences. More specifically, we will focus on the
structure of a complex sentence when a Conditional Clause is present. In this sense, revising the concepts of
dependent and independent clauses, as well as complex sentences, will be our starting point so that how
Conditional Sentences operate become as clear as possible.
All in all, Conditional Sentences play a vital role in oral and written communication and having a sound
understanding on their structure can lead students to achieve more advanced levels of proficiency in the
English language.
What’s more, you will be introduced to the meanings and use of a type of structure which is becoming less and
less used in quotidian speech: the subjunctive. Used to express wishes, desires, possibilities and even
speculations, the subjunctive, even though, optional at times, refers to stylistic choices that ensure the
formality of utterances.
Let us then see how these clauses are typically systematized. Are you ready?
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1. Syntactic analysis of Conditional Sentences
What are Conditional Sentences?
In this video, we will be learning about this special type of linguistic subordinate structure, used to express a
condition about a situation.
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Conditional Sentences are a special type of linguistic structure commonly employed in English. Semantically
speaking, we can say that these sentences are used to express a condition about a situation. What does it
mean? It means that a condition must be fulfilled so that a situation becomes a reality. For instance, let us
consider the following sentence: 
If we are true to ourselves, we cannot be false to anyone.
As it can be seen, the sentence above is composed of two parts: 
If we are true to ourselves
This part establishes a condition.
we cannot be false to anyone
This part informs on a situation.
The sentence communicates that the situation of being honest to anyone can only happen if the condition of
people being true to themselves is fulfilled.
Based on the previous pieces of information, we can realize that conditional sentences comprise the use of a
Conditional Clause in partnership with another clause. However, one may ask:
 
In what types of sentences are Conditional Clauses normally present?
 
Must Conditional Clauses always be manipulated together with another clause?
 
Are there any tips to help us identify Conditional Sentences in spoken or written communication?
 
What is the structure of a Conditional Clause?
 
What is the structure of a Conditional Sentence?
The sub-sections below aim at answering these questions. Are you ready to explore the world of Conditional
Sentences?
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Complex Sentences and Conditional Clauses
In this video, we will be learning about the relationship between Complex Sentences, Independent Clauses,
and Subordinate Clauses.
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By definition, a complex sentence involves the use of an independent clause (= a main clause) and one or
more subordinate clauses. According to Parrott (2010, p. 384):
With a view to exemplifying the previous pieces of information, consider the following sentences: 
1. If we save U$ 300.00 every month, we will travel to Italy and Greece next year.
2. The students will be successful in their exams as long as they study all the topics in advance.
3. Unless athletes follow a healthy diet, they will not perform well in the competition.
All of them are examples of complex sentences, since they involve the use of a Main Clause in combination
with a Subordinate Clause. The following details elaborate on this (PARROTT, 2010, p. 384):
If we save U$ 300.00 every month, we will travel to Italy and Greece next year.
Subordinate Clause = If we save U$ 300.00 every month
Main Clause = we will travel to Italy and Greece next year.
In this first example, the Subordinate Clause (If we save U$ 300.00 every month) can only make sense due to
the presence of the independent clause (we will travel to Italy and Greece next year).
 2. The students will be successful in their exams as long as they study all the topics in advance.
Main Clause = The students will be successful in their exams
Subordinate Clause = as long as they study all the topics in advance.
Main Clause 
CA group of words that can stand alone on
its own, usually containing at least a subject
and a verb.
Subordinate Clause 
A specific kind of group of words that
we attach in some way to a main
clause.
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In this second example, the same line of thought is followed: a main clause (The students will be successful in
their exams) and a subordinate clause (as long as they study all the topics in advance) form the structural
base of the sentence in question.
 3. Unless athletes follow a healthy diet, they will not perform well in the competition.
Subordinate Clause = Unless athletes follow a healthy diet
Main Clause = they will not perform well in the competition.
Like the previous cases, in this third example, the presence of a subordinate clause (Unless athletes follow a
healthy diet) combined with a main clause (they will not perform well in the competition) to form the sentence.
It is interesting to notice, however, that these three sentences have one element in common: their subordinate
clauses, semantically speaking, refer to conditions to be fulfilled so that a situation can hold true. 
In the first example, people will only travel to two foreign countries on the condition that they save a certain
amount of money. In the second example, students will only be successful if they study the topics previously.
Finally, in the third example, the athletes in question will only perform well if they follow a healthy diet.
What conclusions can be drawn from these examples and brief analyses? Here are some:
First
A Conditional Clause is a type of subordinate clause.
Second
Because Conditional Clauses are subordinate structures, they are present in Complex Sentences.
Third
There are specific linguistic elements placed before a clause which make it become a Subordinate
Conditional Clause (i.e., if, unless, and as long as). 
Fourth
The position of the Conditional Clause in the sentence, i.e., whether it is used at the beginning or not,
will determine the use of a comma between the main clause and the conditional clause.
We are now prepared to explore the nature and the structure of CONDITIONAL SENTENCES.
An analysis on the structure of Conditional Sentences
In this video, we will be learning about the details and layers that make up the structure of conditional
sentences.
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Conditional Clauses can be defined as follows: a type of subordinate clause which “expresses a condition orhypothesis about a situation” (CARTER &; MCCARTHY, 2010, p. 897). Because they are dependent structures,
we must be aware of the elements used in their construction to make these clauses both subordinate and 
conditional.
Moreover, attention must be paid to how Conditional Sentences are formed by combining these subordinate
structures with non-subordinate elements.
With a view to exploring these issues, consider the following examples:
1. If we had bought the tickets yesterday, we would have gotten 50% off.
2. Unless you train jiu-jitsu every week, you will not be able to memorize the techniques.
3. You can learn any foreign language as long as you expose yourself to it as much as possible.
4. I will finish reading my books only if I reserve thirty minutes a day.
5. You can use your cell phone provided that you have finished the task.
6. Even if you exercise five hours a day, you will not lose weight with an unhealthy diet.
All the items above are examples of Complex Sentences containing Conditional Clauses. But what makes a
clause become not only dependent on a Main Clause, but also Conditional Clause? The following details
elaborate on this.
If we had bought the tickets yesterday, we would have gotten 50% off.
Subordinator (condition) = If
Clause (subject + verb) = I had bought the tickets yesterday,
Main Clause = we would have gotten 50% off.
Therefore: 
Conditional Sentence = Subordinate Conditional Clause (If I had bought the tickets yesterday,) + Main
Clause (we would have gotten 50% off.).
Let’s now examine the second example.
2. Unless you train jiu-jitsu every week, you will not be able to memorize the techniques.
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Subordinator (condition) = Unless
Clause (subject + verb) = you train jiu-jitsu every week,
Main Clause = you will not be able to memorize the techniques.
Therefore:
Conditional Sentence = Subordinate Conditional Clause (Unless you train jiu-jitsu every week,) + Main
Clause (you will not be able to memorize the techniques.).
Let’s now examine the third example.
3. You can learn any foreign language as long as you expose yourself to it as much as possible.
Main Clause = You can learn any foreign language
Subordinator (condition) = as long as
Clause (subject + verb) = you expose yourself to it as much as possible.
Therefore:
Conditional Sentence = Main Clause (You can learn any foreign language) + Subordinate Conditional
Clause (as long as you expose yourself to it as much as possible.).
Let’s now examine the fourth example.
4. I will finish reading my books only if I reserve thirty minutes a day.
Main Clause = I will finish reading my books
Subordinator (condition) = only if
Clause (subject + verb) = I reserve thirty minutes a day.
Therefore:
Conditional Sentence = Main Clause (I will finish reading my books) + Subordinate Conditional Clause
(only if I reserve thirty minutes a day.).
Let’s now examine the fifth example.
5. You can use your cell phone provided that you have finished the task.
Main Clause = You can use your cell phone
Subordinator (condition) = provided that
Clause (subject + verb) = you have finished the task.
Therefore:
Conditional Sentence = Main Clause (You can use your cell phone) + Subordinate Conditional Clause
(provided that you have finished the task.).
Let’s now examine the sixth and final example.
6. Even if you exercise five hours a day, you will not lose weight with an unhealthy diet.
Subordinator (condition) = Even if
Clause (subject + verb) = you exercise five hours a day,
Main Clause = you will not lose weight with an unhealthy diet.
Therefore:
Conditional Sentence = Subordinate Conditional Clause (Even if you exercise five hours a day,) + Main
Clause (you will not lose weight with an unhealthy diet.).
The previous examples of sentences containing Conditional Subordinate Clauses all follow a set of
patterns:
 
The use of certain linguistic elements, known as subordinators of condition, which are attached to each
of the clauses.
 
Each subordinator conveys the idea of condition.
 
When these specific subordinators are used with a given clause, they make it become both subordinate
and conditional.
 
When a Subordinate Conditional Clause is placed before a Main Clause, a comma must be used in 
between them. However, when a Main Clause precedes a Subordinate Conditional Clause, no comma is
necessary.
 
A Subordinate Conditional Clause is composed of a Subordinator of condition + a Clause.
 
A Conditional Sentence is composed of a Main Clause + a Subordinate Conditional Clause.
As the elementary configuration of Conditional Sentences has been briefly covered, another important issue
must be dealt with: a more advanced structural-semantic perspective, which involves the use of conditional
clauses to refer to general truths (commonly known as zero conditionals), possible conditions and their
probable results (commonly known as first conditionals), hypothetical conditions and their probable results
(commonly known as second conditionals), and unreal past conditions and their probable results in the past
(commonly known as third conditionals).
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We are now in position to explore the systemic organization and communicative purposes of these four types
of conditionals.
Learning check
Question 1
Read the text below:
 
A Conditional Clause is a type of Subordinate Clause. Its structure is basically composed of a subordinator of
condition + clause. Consequently, it is the type of subordinator employed which will make a clause become
both subordinate and conditional.
 
Based on the text above, which of the sentences below contains a CONDITIONAL CLAUSE?
A
When I was young, I lived in the United States.
B
I didn’t buy the books because they were too expensive.
C
I will travel to Natal after I have finished my classes.
D
Unless I study hard, I will not learn French.
E
While I cooked dinner, my wife decorated the house for the event.
A alternativa D está correta.
Sentence D is the only sentence which contains a conditional clause: [Unless I study hard]. The other
options contain subordinate clauses of different nature, such as:
• Time = When I was young, after I have finished my classes, While I cooked dinner.
• Reason = because they were too expensive.
Question 2
Read the text below:
 
By definition, a complex sentence contains one or more Subordinate Clauses. Generally speaking, a
Subordinate Clause can be classified depending on the type of subordinator/linguistic structure used before it.
 
Based on the text above, which of the items below only contains subordinators of condition?
A
Because, since.
B
If, unless.
C
Even though, although.
D
When, while.
E
As if, as though.
A alternativa B está correta.
Subordinators if and unless are used to convey the idea of condition. All the other subordinators have
different communicative functions, such as:
• Reason = because, since.
• Contrast = even though, although.
• Time = when, while.
• Manner = as if, as though.
2. Meaning and uses of Conditional Sentences
Semantic-structural alignment
In this video, we will be learning about the intricate relationship between semantic elements and the structural
alignment in conditional sentences.
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Conditional Sentences can be structured in different ways to convey a variety of meanings in communication.
In this sense, depending on the type of conditions and situations we want to refer to, there must be specific
adjustments and choices on the verbal configurations both in the Main Clause and in the Subordinate
Conditional Clause.
What does it mean exactly? It means that there must be a certain semantic-structural alignment between the
Main Clause and the Subordinate Conditional Clause so that the type of conditions and situations engendered
by them becomes logical, grammatical, and communicatively clear. For instance, it is interesting to notice how
both the Subordinate Conditional Clauseand the Main Clause are structured in terms of verbal forms.
Consider the following examples of Conditional Sentences: 
If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
In sentence 1, not only the Subordinate Conditional Clause, but also the Main Clause make use of
the Present Simple Tense.
If it is sunny tomorrow, we will go to the beach.
In sentence 2, although the Subordinate Conditional Clause also makes use of the Present Simple
Tense, the Main Clause uses the Future with will.
If I had enough money, I would travel to Italy this month.
In sentence 3, the presence of the Past Simple Tense in the Subordinate Conditional Clause in
partnership with the modal structure would + the base form of a verb in the Main Clause.
If I had saved money, I would have traveled to Greece in 2019.
In sentence 4, the presence of the Past Perfect Tense in the Subordinate Conditional Clause and
a more complex combination of verbal elements in the Main Clause: would + have + the past
participle form of the main verb.
If I had saved money, I would travel to Greece this year.
In sentence 5, although the Past Perfect Tense is used in the Subordinate Conditional Clause, the
modal structure would + the base form of a verb is present in the Main Clause.
After reflecting upon the examples above, one may ask: What is the difference, in terms of meaning, between
each of the Conditional Sentences above? Would there be certain formulas to guide us into structuring each of
the types we have just seen?
We are now in position to explore the answers to these questions.
Expressing General Truths: Zero Conditional Sentences
In this video, we will learn how to use Zero Conditional Sentences to express general truths.
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If we go back to the sentence – [If you heat water to 100°C, it boils], we realize it talks about a situation that
will always happen, which is why it can be classified as a general truth. Consequently, the first type of
conditional sentences is connected to the following ideas: 
Natural laws
Rules
Daily routines
Habits
Scientific facts
Facts
The structure of Zero Conditional Sentences is composed of a Conditional Subordinate Clause in the Present
Simple and a Main Clause also in the Present Simple:
If we save U$ 300.00 every month, we will travel to Italy and Greece next year.
Subordinate Conditional Clause (Present Simple) = If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
Main Clause (Present Simple) = it boils.
More examples:
If you freeze water, it becomes solid.
Plants die if they don’t get enough water.
If we mix green and yellow, we get blue.
If Anna doesn’t exercise and eat healthy, she gains weight.
If I take the express bus to work, I avoid getting stuck in traffic.
First Conditional Sentences
When we analyze the conditional sentence – If it is sunny tomorrow, we will go to the beach –, it is possible to
notice it refers to an event that is likely to happen in the future as long as a condition is fulfilled. Therefore,
people will only go to the beach if the weather is sunny. 
First Conditional Sentences are used to talk about events which are possible and likely to take place
in the future.
In terms of sentence structure, First Conditional Sentences are organized as follows: a Subordinate Conditional
Clause in the Present Simple and a Main Clause in the Future Simple. 
Consider the following sentence:
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If it is sunny tomorrow, we will go to the beach.
Subordinate Conditional Clause (Present Simple) = If it is sunny tomorrow,
Main Clause (Future Simple) = we will go to the beach.
More examples:
If I start studying French now, I will move to Paris in five years.
I will buy a new Apple computer if I travel to the United States.
If the Brazilian Government invests heavily in public education, the levels of illiteracy will drop
drastically.
If I don’t finish my post-doctoral project in January, I will only be able to start my course in the
second semester.
If Anna passes the Teacher’s Exam, she will be allowed to teach English in primary and secondary
Brazilian schools.
Imaginary situations: Present and Past
Second Conditional Sentences
Let us take a closer look at the following sentence – If I had enough money, I would travel to Italy this month.
What does it communicate? Basically speaking, we can say that it refers to an imaginary situation in the
present: the person in question does not have enough money, but if he/she had it, he/she would visit a specific
European country. 
Second Conditional Sentences are mainly used to talk about hypothetical situations in the present.
Again, it is vital to highlight the structure of the whole aforementioned sentence: a Subordinate Conditional
Clause in the Past Simple and a Main Clause composed of would + base form of a verb. 
Consider the following sentence:
If I had enough money, I would travel to Italy this month.
Subordinate Conditional Clause (Past Simple) = If I had enough money,
Main Clause (would + base form) = I would travel to Italy this month.
More examples:
If I lived in Portugal, I would teach Portuguese to foreign students.
I would buy a new Apple computer if I had enough money.
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If the company offered a more pleasant working environment, its levels of productions would
increase exponentially.
If I knew how to speak French fluently, I would be able to apply for a job in Canada.
If Sophia were more tolerant, she would have more friends at school.
Third Conditional Sentences
Conditional Sentences can also be used to express regrets. For example, in the sentence – If I had saved
money, I would have traveled to Greece last September –, the speaker wishes he/she had been more careful in
terms of saving money because if he/she had done so, he/she would have visited a specific European country.
Third Conditional Sentences are linked to hypothetical past conditions leading to imaginary past
results.
Third conditionals are structured as follows: a Conditional Subordinate Clause in the Past Perfect Simple and a
Main Clause using would + have + Past Participle form of a verb.
Consider the following sentence:
If I had saved money, I would have traveled to Greece in 2019.
Subordinate Conditional Clause (Past Perfect Simple) = If I had saved money,
Main Clause (would + have + Past Participle form of a verb) = I would have traveled to Greece in 2019.
More examples:
If I had learned Spanish in high school, I would have graduated in foreign relations.
I would have purchased a hybrid car if I had received sufficient information on this new
technology.
If my boss had told me about the need of working on weekends, I would have declined this new
position.
If my wife and I had chosen to have children, we would not have been able to travel to several
foreign countries on our holidays.
If Sophia had been more careful while driving, she would not have gotten so many tickets.
First, Second and Third Conditional Sentences
In this video, we will be learning about the nuances and applications of the First, Second, and Third
Conditional Sentences.
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Mixed Conditional Sentences
An interesting type of conditional sentences connects an unreal past condition which would provoke a
different situation in the present. For instance, in the sentence – If I had saved money, I would travel to Greece
this year –, the speaker comments his/her trip to Greece would be a reality this year, if he/she had been able
to save money. 
Mixed Conditional Sentences are used to connect a hypothetical past condition to an imaginary
probable result in the present.
Mixed conditionals are systematized in the following way: a Conditional Subordinate Clause in the Past Perfect
Simple and a Main Clause using would + base form of a verb.
Consider the following sentence:
If I had saved money,I would travel to Greece this year.
Subordinate Conditional Clause (Past Perfect Simple) = If I had saved money,
Main Clause (would + base form of a verb) = I would travel to Greece this year.
More examples:
If I had learned Spanish in high school, I would be trilingual nowadays.
Anna would not have purchased a hybrid car if I knew she would have no support by the
company.
If my boss had told me about the need of working on weekends, I would not be so exhausted.
If my wife and I had chosen to have children, we would not travel several times a year.
If Sophia had been more careful while driving, she would still have her driver’s license.
In every example of conditional sentence in this section, only one connector was exploited: if. However,
Conditional Sentences can be formed by using a variety of connectors, such as: only if, unless, even if, as long
as, etc.
We are now in a position to explore a more complete analysis on a set of connectors which can be used to
devise conditional sentences in English.
Mixed Conditional Sentences
In this video, we will be learning about how to connect an unreal past condition to an imaginary present
outcome.
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Learning check
Question 1
Read the text below:
 
Conditional Sentences can be used to communicate a variety of ideas. Everything will depend on the verbal
structures present both in the Subordinate Conditional Clause and in the Main Clause.
 
Based on the text above, which of the sentences below is an example of a Zero Conditional?
A
If I have time, I will check my e-mails this afternoon.
B
If I had understood the issue, I would not have written a letter of complaint.
C
If I had money, I would buy a new laptop computer.
D
If you heat ice, it melts.
E
If I had gotten married, I would have bought a house in Finland.
A alternativa D está correta.
Sentence D is the only sentence which contains a Zero Conditional Sentence. Zero Conditional Sentences
refer to universal truths, scientific facts and are structurally formed by the use of the Simple Present both in
the Conditional and the Main Clause.
Question 2
Read the text below:
 
This type of Conditional Sentence is used to refer to hypothetical past conditions leading to probable past
results. Generally speaking, it can be said that, all in all, the sentence is structured to talk about regrets.
 
The text above is related to a specific type of Conditional Sentence. Which one?
A
Zero Conditional
B
First Conditional
C
Second Conditional
D
Mixed Conditional
E
Third Conditional
A alternativa E está correta.
Third Conditionals are used to talk about imaginary conditions in the past which would have led to certain
probable results in the past. Zero Conditionals express general truths, First Conditionals refer to events that
are possible to happen in the future, while Second Conditionals refer to imaginary situations in the present.
3. Conditional Sentences and related connectors
Connectors
In this video, we will be learning about the intricate relationship between connectors and Subordinate Clauses,
uncovering their vital role in constructing meaningful sentences.
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Subordinate Clauses in English will perform specific communicative functions depending on the nature of the
connectors employed immediately before them. Based on this piece of information, it can be said that there
are sets of connectors specifically designed to devise Subordinate Conditional Clauses in English.
Although if is the most recurrent subordinator, the following items are linguistic structures which can be used
to create conditional clauses:
Only if
Unless
Even if
Whether or not
For example, we could have the following Conditional Sentences based on the list above:
You will be successful only if you study hard for the exam.
Unless you follow new teaching methodologies, you will not prepare engaging lessons.
Even if you spend hours preparing your lessons, you still depend on your students’ interests.
Whether or not your students do their assignments, you must always be ready to clarify their
doubts.
Let’s examine the first example.
You will be successful only if you study hard for the exam.
Main Clause = You will be successful
Subordinator (condition) = only if
Clause (subject + verb) = you study hard for the exam.
Therefore: 
Conditional Sentence = Main Clause (You will be successful) + Subordinate Conditional Clause (only if
you study hard for the exam.).
Let’s now examine the second example.
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2. Unless you follow new teaching methodologies, you will not prepare engaging lessons.
Subordinator (condition) = Unless
Clause (subject + verb) = you follow new methodologies,
Main Clause = you will not prepare engaging lessons.
Therefore:
Conditional Sentence = Subordinate Conditional Clause (Unless you follow new teaching methodologies,)
+ Main Clause (you will not prepare engaging lessons.).
Let’s now examine the third example.
3. Even if you spend hours preparing your lessons, you still depend on your students’ interests.
Subordinator (condition) = Even if
Clause (subject + verb) = you spend hours preparing your lessons,
Main Clause = you still depend on your students’ interests.
Therefore:
Conditional Sentence = Subordinate Conditional Clause (Even if you spend hours preparing your
lessons,) + Main Clause (you still depend on your students’ interests.).
Let’s now examine the fourth example.
4. Whether or not your students do their assignments, you must always be ready to clarify their doubts.
Subordinator (condition) = Whether or not
Clause (subject + verb) = your students do their assignments,
Main Clause = you must always be ready to clarify their doubts.
Therefore:
Conditional Sentence = Subordinate Conditional Clause (Whether or not your students do their
assignments,) + Main Clause (you must always be ready to clarify their doubts.).
Upon taking a closer look at each of the sentences above, you may ask yourself: are those connectors
synonymous with if? Should there be specific rules/situations for employing each of them? 
We are now prepared to explore the communicative functions of each of those linguistic structures. Are you
ready?
Only if vs. Unless
In this video, we will be learning about the distinct roles and nuances of the connectors Only if and Unless in
shaping the meaning of sentences.
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Although only if and unless are connectors commonly present in Subordinate Conditional Clauses, they have
different communicative functions. Consider the sentences below: 
You will lose weight in a healthy way only if you follow this diet..
Unless you follow this diet, you will not lose weight in a healthy way..
Semantically speaking, we can say that only if indicates an emphatic requirement to be fulfilled so that
something happens, i. e. a kind of imposed condition. In sentence (a), the person in question will only lose
weight as long as he/she follows the diet prescribed.
Unless, on the other hand, is synonymous with If … not, except if. So, sentence 2 conveys the idea that if the
speaker doesn’t follow the prescribed diet, he/she will not lose weight on a healthy way.
Let’s examine the first example.
You will lose weight in a healthy way only if you follow this diet.
Main Clause (situation to become true) = You will lose weight in a healthy way
Subordinate Conditional Clause (imposed condition/requirement) = only if you follow this diet.
Let’s now examine the second example.
2. Unless you follow this diet, you will not lose weight in a healthy way..
Subordinate Conditional Clause (condition to be validated) = Unless you follow this diet,
Main Clause (situation to become true) = you will not lose weight in a healthy way.
More examples:
Unless you study hard, you will not pass thenational exam.
You will pass the national exam only if you study hard.
Unless candidates are polyglots, they will not be allowed to enroll.
Candidates will be allowed to enroll only if they are polyglots.
Even though vs. Even if
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As we previously commented, the type of subordinator attached to a clause, in partnership to a main clause,
will form a complex sentence (= Main Clause + Subordinator + Subordinate Clause). Moreover, the
communicative function of the subordinate clause will depend on the meaning of the subordinator chosen.
Bearing these pieces of information in mind, it is vital to highlight that, although the subordinators even though
and even if look similar, they perform completely different functions. Consider the following examples:
Even if Anna takes a taxi, she will miss her flight.
Subordinate Conditional Clause (no matter what is done) = Even if Anna takes a taxi,
Main Clause (the result will be the same) = she will miss her flight.
In this first example, the subordinator of condition even if, which is used to indicate that if something is the
case or not, the result will be the same. Consequently, the sentence can be interpreted as follows: No matter
whether Anna takes a taxi, she will inevitably arrive late at the airport and miss her flight. 
Let’s now examine another example.
2. Even though Anna took a taxi, she missed her flight.
Subordinate Concession Clause (useless attempt) = Even though Anna took a taxi,
Main Clause (result, despite the efforts) = she missed her flight.
This sentence, however, has a different perspective, since the subordinator used communicates contrast/
concession. In the case, it was expected that, by taking a taxi, Anna would have arrived at the airport in time
to board the plane. However, despite her attempt, she was not successful.
Hence, although the subordinators even if and even though look similar, the former is used to indicate 
condition, while the latter is used to indicate contrast. 
More examples:
Even if you perform brilliantly at work, you may still lose your job.
Even though you perform brilliantly at work, you may still lose your job.
Even if you exercise every day, you must eat healthy foods to lose weight.
Even though you exercise every day, you must eat healthy foods to lose weight.
Whether or not
Whether or not is another important subordinator of condition. It is commonly used to inform that,
independently of which of the two possibilities is true, the result will be the same. Consider the following
examples:
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4. 
Whether or not Anna enrolls in the course, it will start next week.
Subordinator (condition) = Whether or not
Clause (subject + verb) = Anna enrolls in the course,
Main Clause = it will start next week.
Therefore: 
Conditional Sentence = Subordinate Conditional Clause (Whether or not Anna enrolls in the course,) +
Main Clause (it will start next week.).
In this first example, a course will start in the following week with or without Anna’s enrollment. 
Let’s now examine another example.
2. Whether or not it rains, the match will start at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.
Subordinator (condition) = Whether or not
Clause (subject + verb) = it rains,
Main Clause = the match will start at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.
Therefore:
Conditional Sentence = Subordinate Conditional Clause (Whether or not it rains,) + Main Clause (the
match will start at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.).
In this second example, a match will take place and start at a specific time even if the weather is rainy.
The previous sentences could also have been structured in the following way:
Whether Anna enrolls in the course or not, it will start next week.
Whether it rains or not, the match will start at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.
As we have seen, Conditional Sentences are essential structures to be mastered in English. Nevertheless,
another important complex linguistic resource which can be related to not only hypothetical situations, but
also wishes, demands, and suggestions has to do with the Subjunctive Mood.
We are now in a position to explore the structures, meanings, and uses of the Subjunctive Mood in English.
Even though vs. Even if and Whether or not
In this video, we will be learning about the distinct communicative functions that even though, even if, and 
whether or not have. 
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Learning check
Question 1
Read the text below:
 
Subordinating Conjunctions (= or subordinators) are essential linguistic resources typically employed in the
formation of complex sentences. More specifically, in the case of Subordinate Conditional Clauses, there are
sets of connectors which are available to devise these types of clauses.
 
Based on the text above, which of the elements below is an example of subordinator of condition?
A
Whether or not
B
Although
C
Even though
D
Who
E
While
A alternativa A está correta.
Whether or not is a subordinator of condition used to refer to cases when, independently of the two
alternatives offered, the result will be the same. The other subordinators have different communicative
functions:
• Contrast = although.
• Time or contrast = while.
• Contrast = even though.
• Relative pronoun = who.
Question 2
Read the text below:
 
The meaning of a Subordinate Clause is directly dependent on the communicative function of the subordinator
chosen to form it and its combination with a Main Clause.
 
Bearing the previous pieces of information in mind, which of the options below contains a Subordinate
Conditional Clause?
A
While I prepare my lessons, my wife organizes our documents.
B
Although we had the money, we decided to postpone our trip to Europe.
C
You should apply for the job only if you speak English fluently.
D
She looks as though she is a millionaire.
E
I did not call you because I was driving.
A alternativa C está correta.
The clause "… only if you speak English fluently" is an example of a Subordinate Conditional Clause due to
the presence of the subordinator only if. The other Subordinate Clauses present in the other sentences
have different communicative functions: "While I prepare my lessons…" (time), "Although we had the
money…" (concession), "… as though she is a millionaire" (manner), "… because I was driving" (reason).
4. The Subjunctive Mood
Definition
In this video, we will learn about the definition of the subjunctive mood and understand how it works through
some examples.
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According to Baugh (1995, p. 19), verbal structures can be set up to express differences in the intention or 
mood of the speaker/writer. One of these possibilities refers to the Subjunctive Mood. 
Carter &; McCarthy (2010, p. 307) explain that the Subjunctive Mood is a non-factual mood and is very rare in
English. Moreover, it can be used to refer to wishes/desires, possibility, speculations, etc., being restricted to
be employed with certain verbs, occasionally after some Conditional Subordinators, and sometimes after sets
of expressions of necessity, advice, suggestion, etc. Here are some examples to make the previous elements
clearer: 
1
Wishes/desires
I wish I had more free time.
 
Subjunctive structure = had
Semantic contexts for the application of Subjunctive structure = wish
2
Possibility + Conditional Subordinator
If I were to live abroad, I would choose an European country.
 
Subjunctive structure = were
Semantic contexts for the application of Subjunctive structure = would choose
Specific Conditional Subordinators allowing the use of Subjunctive structure = If
3
Speculation + Conditional Subordinator
If Anna were the boss, she would provide a more friendly working atmosphere.
 
Subjunctive structure = were
Semantic contexts for the application of Subjunctive structure = would provide
Specific Conditional Subordinators allowing the use of Subjunctive structure = If
4 SuggestionWe insist that Anna take the book for free.
 
Subjunctive structure = take
Semantic contexts for the application of Subjunctive structure = insist that
5
Conditional Subordinator
We will hire Sophia on condition that she not arrive late at the office.
 
Subjunctive structure = not arrive
Semantic contexts for the application of Subjunctive structure = will hire
Specific Conditional Subordinators allowing the use of Subjunctive structures = on condition that
6
Necessity
It is essential that you be on time at the meetings.
 
Subjunctive structure = be
Semantic contexts for the application of Subjunctive structure = It is essential that
Upon carefully reading and analyzing each of the sentences above, one may ask:
 
How is the Subjunctive Mood formed?
 
What conditional subordinators allow the use of Subjunctive structures?
 
What are additional sets of expressions which can be connected to the Subjunctive in English?
We are now in a position to explore some brief considerations on those questions.
The Subjunctive Mood: Structure and Meaning
In this video, we will learn about the structure and the meaning of the subjunctive mood and its prevalence in
formal contexts.
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Quirk et al. (1984, p. 155-158) explain that the Subjunctive in modern English is generally an optional and 
stylistically somewhat marked variant of other constructions, not being so unimportant as it is sometimes
suggested. 
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Normally attached to very formal contexts, the Subjunctive Mood is systematized into two forms, which are
traditionally called the Present and Past Subjunctive. 
The Present Subjunctive consists of the base form of the verb only, i.e., there are no morphemes/inflections
attached to it. This form is usually connected to certain clauses which make use of verbal expressions of 
demand, recommendation, proposal, intention, suggestion, etc. For example: 
The board demands that Mary follow the guidelines.
Subjunctive structure = follow
We recommend that Anna read the instructions carefully.
Subjunctive structure = read
Our company proposes that I take a post-graduation course in Economics.
Subjunctive structure = take
I intend that Sophia keep the classified information in a safe.
Subjunctive structure = keep
The students insisted that I accept their apologies.
Subjunctive structure = accept
The president demanded that all protesters be quiet.
Subjunctive structure = be
It is vital that we understand the instructions.
Subjunctive structure = understand
It is imperative that every applicant arrive on time for the interview.
Subjunctive structure = arrive
It is important that the local school remain closed during the protests.
Subjunctive structure = remain
Doctors nowadays insist that we not eat red meat.
Subjunctive structure = not eat
Notice that there is no inflection or even auxiliary verbs concerning the Present Tense.
In order to provide an overview of the conjugation of each of the highlighted verbs in the Subjunctive Mood in
the previous sentences, let's analyze them being used with all personal pronouns of the English language:
Present Subjunctive (= base form only) – Affirmative Form
Follow – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Read – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Take – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Keep – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Accept – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Be – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Understand – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Arrive – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Remain – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Eat – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
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Present Subjunctive (= base form only) – Negative Form
Not follow – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Not read – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Not take – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Not keep – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Not accept – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Not be – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Not understand – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Not arrive – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Not remain – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Not eat – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Another important use of the Present Subjunctive has to do with certain set expressions, such as:
(May) God bless you!
(May) God save the Queen!
Long live the king!
Heaven forbid!
The Past Subjunctive, commonly called the were-Subjunctive, is related to hypothetical or unreal situations.
These occurrences are normally present in clauses introduced by certain subordinators and after clauses
containing the verb wish. For example, consider the following sentences: 
If I were rich, I would move to Switzerland.
If Sarah were the manager, we would have a more democratic educational environment.
Anna was speaking quietly on the phone as though she were telling a secret.
I wish our trip were not over.
Mary wishes her son were not so impatient.
Again, it is important to highlight that the use of the Past Subjunctive does not change according to person.
Be – Past Subjunctive (= were-Subjunctive) – Affirmative Form
Were – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Be – Past Subjunctive (= were-Subjunctive) – Negative Form
Were not (weren’t) – I, You, He, She, It, We, You, and They.
Despite the fact that both the Present and Past Subjunctives are restricted to formal styles, it is of the utmost
importance that students be aware of their existence and usage, especially if they wish to explore and exploit
classical literary works of art.
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Learning check
Question 1
Read the text below:
 
The Subjunctive Mood is a special linguistic resource which can be used to express wishes, desires, or
demands. Structurally speaking, there are two types: the Present Subjunctive and the Past Subjunctive.
 
One important aspect of the Present Subjunctive has to do with the lack of inflections to mark the typical
indication of the Present Tense. Bearing this idea in mind, which of the sentences below contains a Present
Subjunctive Structure?
A
Anna buys a book every month if she has money.
B
If Mary goes to Spain in January, she will experience its winter season.
C
If I were you, I would study foreign languages.
D
It is important to live abroad when you are single.
E
It is vital that Sophia read books in Spanish.
A alternativa E está correta.
Sentence E makes use of the Present Subjective right after a that-clause (= "It is vital that". Notice the lack
of the Present Tense inflection in "Sophia read books in Spanish".
Question 2
Read the text below:
 
One important characteristic of the Past Subjunctive is to refer to hypothetical or unreal situations. In this
sense, there are some linguistic structures which exploit it.
 
Based on the text above, which of the sentences below contains an example of the Past Subjunctive?
A
May the force be with you!
B
Long live the Queen!
C
The board insisted that the best employee be promoted.
D
I wish Anna were more patient with me.
E
It is appropriate that the tax be abolished.
A alternativa D está correta.
The Past Subjunctive, also known as the were-Subjunctive, commonly involves the use of this form of the
verb to be in the past (i.e. were) either in adverbial clauses introduced by certain conjunctions or in
partnership with the verb wish, which is the case of the sentence in question.
5. Conclusão
Considerações finais
We have not only explored the syntactic structures, meanings, and communicative functions of Conditional
Sentences, but also uses of the Subjunctive Mood in the English language.
Structurally speaking, Conditional Sentences are systematized by grouping a Subordinate Clause in
partnership with a Main Clause via the exploitation of sets of subordinators of condition, such as if, only if, 
evenif, as long as/so long as, unless, and whether or not. 
In terms of meaning and communicative functions, Conditional Sentences are categorized into five types:
 
Zero Conditionals, which are used to express general truths.
First Conditionals, the ones that refer to possible conditions and probable results.
Second Conditionals, which are linked to hypothetical conditions and probable results.
Third Conditionals, the ones attached to unreal past conditions and probable results in the past.
Mixed Conditionals, the cases connected to unreal past conditions and probable results in the present.
The uses of the Subjunctive Mood typically involve formal contexts, especially in writing. Moreover, the
Subjunctive Mood in divided into two categories: the Present Subjunctive and the Past Subjunctive. A central
aspect of the Subjunctive is the lack of verbal inflections.
In closing, we hope that upon studying the elements aforementioned, you have been able to understand the
uses of both Conditional Sentences and the Subjunctive Mood in the English language.
Podcast
In this podcast, we will be talking about Conditional Sentences, their syntactic structure, uses of specific
connectors and the nuances of the Subjunctive Mood.
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 Go Further
If you wish to learn more about conditional sentences in English, the following article may be useful: 
Aspects of difficulty of conditional sentences in business negotiation, written by Frinadiniarta Nur. The
article is based on a study carried out in Indonesia to map possible difficulties ESL learners may
encounter when learning conditional sentences.
 
What’s more, if you want to check cases in which the subjunctive is used in English, the article The
main cases of the use of the Subjunctive Mood in English, by Shahlo Jumayeva might come in handy to
clarify any doubts you may still have about the uses of the Subjunctive Mood.
 References
BAUGH, L. S. Essentials of English Grammar. Linconwood: Passport Books, 1995.
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BIBER, D.; CONRAD, S.; LEECH, G. Longman Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English. Harlow:
Longman, 2017.
 
CARTER, R.; McCARTHY, M. Cambridge Grammar of English. Cambridge: CUP, 2010.
 
CRYSTAL, D. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. Cambridge: CUP, 1996.
 
PARROTT, M. Grammar for English Language Teachers. Cambridge: CUP, 2010.
 
QUIRK, R. et al. A comprehensive grammar of the English language. London: Longman, 2010.
	Conditional Sentences and the Subjunctive Mood in English
	1. Itens iniciais
	Purpose
	Goals
	Warm up
	1. Syntactic analysis of Conditional Sentences
	What are Conditional Sentences?
	Conteúdo interativo
	If we are true to ourselves
	we cannot be false to anyone
	Complex Sentences and Conditional Clauses
	Conteúdo interativo
	First
	Second
	Third
	Fourth
	An analysis on the structure of Conditional Sentences
	Conteúdo interativo
	Learning check
	2. Meaning and uses of Conditional Sentences
	Semantic-structural alignment
	Conteúdo interativo
	Expressing General Truths: Zero Conditional Sentences
	Conteúdo interativo
	First Conditional Sentences
	Imaginary situations: Present and Past
	Second Conditional Sentences
	Third Conditional Sentences
	First, Second and Third Conditional Sentences
	Conteúdo interativo
	Mixed Conditional Sentences
	Mixed Conditional Sentences
	Conteúdo interativo
	Learning check
	3. Conditional Sentences and related connectors
	Connectors
	Conteúdo interativo
	Only if vs. Unless
	Conteúdo interativo
	Even though vs. Even if
	Whether or not
	Even though vs. Even if and Whether or not
	Conteúdo interativo
	Learning check
	4. The Subjunctive Mood
	Definition
	Conteúdo interativo
	Wishes/desires
	Possibility + Conditional Subordinator
	Speculation + Conditional Subordinator
	Suggestion
	Conditional Subordinator
	Necessity
	The Subjunctive Mood: Structure and Meaning
	Conteúdo interativo
	Learning check
	5. Conclusão
	Considerações finais
	Podcast
	Conteúdo interativo
	Go Further
	References