"if" clauses

Quick Glossary （用語辞典）

clause = 節

likely = しそうな

reality = 現実

past participle = 過去分詞

Explanation （説明）& Examples（例文）

There are several different forms of the "if" clause. This page will focus on how these clauses are used to talk about three kinds of situations: 1) likely or probable situations (situations that we think can or may occur); 2) unlikely situations (situations that we think will probably not occur); 3) past unreality (situations that are different from what actually occurred in the past).

1. Likely Situations

We usually use the present tense in the "if" clause to describe our thinking about these situations.

If it rains tonight, I will stay at home.

Megumi will be late for the party if she has to work overtime on Friday.

2. Unlikely Situations

We usually use the past tense after "if" to say that we think something is probably not going to happen.

If I met an alien, I would say "hello."

What would you do if you saw a ghost?

Note: In some cases you could use either form--it depends on whether you think the situation is likely or unlikely.

If we win the baseball game the coach will be happy. (The speaker thinks it's possible or likely.)

If we won the baseball game the coach would be happy. (The speaker seems to think it's not very likely.)

3. Past Unreality

This structure is used when you want to talk about how the past might have been different than it really was. (The underlined verbs are the past participles.)

If we had gone to Namba, I'm sure I would have spent some money.

(We didn't go to Namba, so I didn't spend any money there.)

Exercises（練習）Please choose the best answer. Good luck!