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Today, we will take a look at the various “if/then” constructions in the GMAT Verbal section. Let us start out with some basic ideas on conditional sentences (though I know that most of you will be comfortable with these):
A conditional sentence (an if/then sentence) has two clauses – the “if clause” (conditional clause) and the “then clause” (main clause). The “if clause” is the dependent clause, meaning the verbs we use in the clauses will depend on whether we are talking about a real or a hypothetical situation.
Often, conditional sentences are classified into first conditional, second conditional and third conditional (depending on the tense and possibility of the actions), but sometimes we have a separate zero conditional for facts. We will follow this classification and discuss four types of conditionals:
1) Zero Conditional
These sentences express facts; i.e. implications – “if this happens, then that happens.”
– If the suns shines, the clothes dry quickly.
– If he eats bananas, he gets a headache.
– If it rains heavily, the temperature drops.
These conditionals establish universally known facts or something that happens habitually (every time he eats bananas, he gets a headache).
2) First Conditional
These sentences refer to predictive conditional sentences. They often use the present tense in the “if clause” and future tense (usually with the word “will”) in the main clause.
– If you come to my place, I will help you with your homework.
– If I am able to save $10,000 by year end, I will go to France next year.
3) Second Conditional
These sentences refer to hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future. Here, the “if clause” often uses the past tense and the main clause uses conditional mood (usually with the word “would”).
– If I were you, I would take her to the dance.
– If I knew her phone number, I would tell you.
– If I won the lottery, I would travel the whole world.
4) Third Conditional
These sentences refer to hypothetical situations in the past – what could have been different in the past. Here, the “if clause” uses the past perfect tense and the main clause uses the conditional perfect tense (often with the words “would have”).
– If you had told me about the party, I would have attended it.
– If I had not lied to my mother, I would not have hurt her.
Sometimes, mixed conditionals are used here, where the second and third conditionals are combined. The “if clause” then uses the past perfect and the main clause uses the word “would”.
– If you had helped me then, I would be in a much better spot today.
Now that you know which conditionals to use in which situation, let’s take a look at a GMAT question:
Question 1: Botanists have proven that if plants extended laterally beyond the scope of their root system, they will grow slower than do those that are more vertically contained.
(A) extended laterally beyond the scope of their root system, they will grow slower than do
(B) extended laterally beyond the scope of their root system, they will grow slower than
(C) extend laterally beyond the scope of their root system, they grow more slowly than
(D) extend laterally beyond the scope of their root system, they would have grown more slowly than do
(E) extend laterally beyond the scope of their root system, they will grow more slowly than do
Now that we understand our conditionals, we should be able to answer this question quickly. Scientists have established something here; i.e. it is a fact. So we will use the zero conditional here – if this happens, then that happens.
…if plants extend laterally beyond the scope of their root system, they grow more slowly than do…
So the correct answer must be (C).
A note on slower vs. more slowly – we need to use an adverb here because “slow” describes “grow,” which is a verb. So we must use “grow slowly”. If we want to show comparison, we use “more slowly”, so the use of “slower” is incorrect here.
Let’s look at another question now:
Question 2: If Dr. Wade was right, any apparent connection of the eating of highly processed foods and excelling at sports is purely coincidental.
(A) If Dr. Wade was right, any apparent connection of the eating of
(B) Should Dr. Wade be right, any apparent connection of eating
(C) If Dr. Wade is right, any connection that is apparent between eating of
(D) If Dr. Wade is right, any apparent connection between eating
(E) Should Dr. Wade have been right, any connection apparent between eating
Notice the non-underlined part “… is purely coincidental” in the main clause. This makes us think of the zero conditional.
Let’s see if it makes sense:
If Dr. Wade is right, any connection … is purely coincidental.
This is correct. It talks about a fact.
Also, “eating highly processed foods and excelling at sports” is correct.
Hence, our answer must be (D).
