What are conditional sentences used for in English?

Conditional sentences are primarily used to express situations and their possible outcomes. They often follow an "if-then" structure, where the "if" clause presents a condition, and the main clause describes the result or outcome that depends on that condition being met. This allows speakers to articulate hypothetical scenarios, making it clear how one situation can influence another.

For example, in a sentence like "If it rains, we will cancel the picnic," the outcome (canceling the picnic) is directly linked to the condition (raining). This structure is fundamental in English for discussing possibilities, predictions, and scenarios that hinge on specific conditions.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary function of conditional sentences. Summarizing a discussion focuses on recapping information, asking for opinions involves soliciting thoughts from others, and narrating past events relates to storytelling rather than expressing hypothetical relationships. Thus, option A is the most fitting description of conditional sentences in English.