ADVERBIAL CLAUSE OF CONDITION

We use an adverbial condition clause to tell that one action can be fulfilled when another action has been completed (sering dikenal dengan kalimat bersyarat). A condition clause is introduced by the subordinators if and unless.

If

In conditional clauses, we often use if (jika/kalau/bila). The use of if can be grouped into four conditions. Pay attention on the following discussion.

Present Condition (for general condition)

IF + S + V1, S + V1

Example

If I eat too much, I get fat. (This always happens.)

If somebody waves a red flag, it usually means danger.

Present Future Condition (for present future events/possible)

IF + S + V1, S + WILL + V1

Example

If we leave now, we’ll catch the 11.30 train.

If you take this medicine, you’ll soon feel better.

Past Future Condition (for past future events/impossible)

IF + S + V2, S + WOULD + V1

Example

If I had a million pounds, I would give it all away.

If I were you, I would receive his offer.

Note: Use were for all subjects in this type of sentences as the substitution of is/am/are/was.

Past Future Perfect Condition (for imaging a different past, but the past cannot be changed)

IF + S + HAD + V3, S + WOULD + HAVE + V3

Example

If Columbus had not discovered America, the history of the world would have been quite different.

If television had not been invented, what would we have done in the evenings?

Unless

We sue unless to replace if…not…when it introduces an exception to whatever is stated in the main clause. Unless is always followed with a positive meaning, while the main clause always has a negative meaning.

Example

Unless you take more care, you’ll have an accident.

I want you to keep working unless I tell you to stop.

Unless cannot replace if….not…. in the following conditions:

·         Past Future (Perfect) Condition

Example

John would be our best player if he weren’t lazy. (unless)

If she hadn’t had an alarm clock, she would have missed the train. (unless)

·         If = whether (in Indirect Questions)

Example

She promised to let me know if she wasn’t coming. (unless)

·         The negative condition in someone’s mind

Example

I’ll be surprised if they don’t come to the meeting. (unless)

What shall we do if they don’t reply to our letter? (unless)

EXERCISE 1

Translate the following Indonesian sentences into English. Be careful of using if pattern in each sentence.

1.   Jika jalanan tidak macet, saya akan ada disana sekitar pukul 7.

2. Dia akan mendapatkan banyak masalah kalau dia tidak mempelajarinya dengan hati-hati.

3.    Kamu tidak akan sedih seperti ini kalau dulu kamu menuruti nasehat saya.

4.  Rumah ini sudah terbakar habis kalau petugas pemadam tidak segera tiba.

5.   Andai aku seekor burung merpati, aku akan terbang mengelilingi dunia.