- The teacher intended us to finish the book. [Compare: The teacher intended that we should finish the book.]
- The foreman ordered the engine to be stopped. [Compare: The foreman ordered that the engine should be stopped.]
VI. CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
411. A clause that expresses a condition introduced by if, or by some equivalent word or phrase, is called a conditional clause.
A sentence that contains a conditional clause is called a conditional sentence.
- If it rains, we shall remain at home.
- I shall attend the convention if I am in town.
- I will take this book, if you please.
412. A conditional sentence in its simplest form consists of two parts:—
(1) A subordinate (adverbial) clause, commonly introduced by if, and expressing the condition.
(2) A main clause expressing the conclusion, that is, the statement which is true in case the condition expressed in the if-clause is true.
Thus in the first example in [§ 411], the condition is if it rains; the conclusion is we shall remain at home.
Either the condition or the conclusion may come first.