YUNOVA · English Grammar
Module 10: Complex sentences
Conditionals: zero, first, second and third
Key points
- Zero conditional states general truths: If you heat ice, it melts.
- First conditional is for real future possibilities: If it rains, I will stay home.
- Second is for unreal present situations, third for unreal past ones.
Relative clauses
Key points
- Relative clauses add information with who, which, that, whose, where or when.
- Defining clauses identify the noun and take no commas.
- Non-defining clauses add extra information, use commas and never use that.
Noun clauses and reported questions
Key points
- A noun clause works as a subject or object, often starting with that, what or whether.
- Reported questions use statement word order: She asked where I lived.
- Yes/no questions are reported with if or whether.
Gerunds and infinitives
Key points
- Some verbs take a gerund (enjoy, avoid), others an infinitive (want, decide).
- Verbs like stop and remember change meaning with a gerund or an infinitive.
- After a preposition, always use a gerund: interested in learning.