Conditional Sentence

"Shortened" Conditional Sentences

In addition to the "normal" forms of conditional sentences ("if" sentences showing a condition and a result), you will sometimes see a "shortened" type of conditional construction in formal writing. This kind of "abbreviated" conditional is most commonly seen in past unreal situations: If we had known about the meeting, we would have attended. ---> Had we known about the meeting, we would have attended. If he had been here, he could have helped us. ---> Had he been here, he could have helped us. If she hadn't applied early, she wouldn't have been accepted. ---> Had she not applied early, she wouldn't have been accepted. If you hadn't left an hour early, you would have been late for the meeting. ---> Had you not left an hour early, you would have been late for the meeting. This same pattern is also seen in present / future unreal conditional sentences that use should: If I should see him, I'll give him the message. ---> Should I see him, I'll give him the message. If you should need anything, please call me. ---> Should you need anything, please call me. If he should call you, I also want to speak to him. ---> Should he call you, I also want to speak to him. Special Note: Except with should, this pattern is not normally used with present / future unreal conditionals. Source: http://www.eslcafe.com/