Open conditional clauses
An open condition, in real situations, is said to be ‘real’ or ‘neutral’ in that it leaves open the possibility of being fulfilled. The speaker does not know whether or not Tom will pass his driving-test, for instance. An open condition implies futurity, and a future-related outcome is typically marked by a modal verb in the main clause. The conditional structure is basically as follows:
If + present tense in the conditional clause. Modal verb with future reference or some other irrealis operator in the main clause:
4 If he leaves, you can bet your bottom dollar he’ll take a lot of the best customers with him.
5 If you decide to come to the concert you should hurry and get tickets before they’re sold out.
Habitual meanings and facts can be expressed by the present tense in both the if-clause and the main clause, as in the extract from Alan Ayckbourn’s Just between Ourselves; and also as in 6. In open conditions the simple past tense is also possible with reference to a past event, as in 9. The main clause generally makes a statement, but a question 7 or an imperative, as in 1 and 7, respectively, are also common.
I haven’t got time, mother, to start putting things in tins. If I want a nail, there’s a nail. I bang it in and that’s that. If I can’t find a nail I use a screw. And if I can’t find a screw, I don’t bother.
6 If you pour oil on water it floats /it will float.
7 If she lives next door to you, how is it you never see her? (AmE How come . . . ?)
8 If you have just heard it on the late night news, it will be in all the papers tomorrow.
9 If you insist on staying, kindly take a seat over there.
In open conditions unless can often be used with the meaning of ‘except if’, with a similar meaning to if . . . not:
10 Unless Tom passes his driving test, he won’t be buying a car yet. (If Tom doesn’t pass . . . )
11 There’ll be no newspapers tomorrow unless the strike is called off. (If the strike is not called off . . . )
In questions, if not is used, as in 12a, where unless is ungrammatical. The same applies to a statement within a context of surprise, as in 12b:
12a Where is she staying, if not with her parents? /*unless with her parents?
12b I shall be surprised if the flight is not cancelled /*I shall be surprised unless
the flight is cancelled. (The asterisk marks ungrammaticality).
Note that modal will, shall, would, could are not normally used in the conditional if clause to express a condition; for instance we don’t say *If you will have a problem or *If Tom will pass his driving test. However, would + if clause is found in three conventional situations, namely: (a) expressing willingness; (b) in polite requests, showing deference, and in (c) expressing a wish. In the latter case ‘only’ is necessary:
13a I should be grateful if you would reply as soon as possible. (willingness)
13b If you would accompany me to Reception . . . . (deference)
13c If only the rain would stop! (wish)
