ENG 9: Grammar Review
Understanding
Conditionals
Lesson
Objectives
1 2 3
Identify different types of Use conditionals in Apply conditionals in
conditionals (zero, first, expressing arguments, real-life contexts through
second, and third). predictions, and collaborative activities.
hypothetical situations.
Definition
Conditional sentences are a type of complex sentence.
They’re made up of two parts: a condition (often
introduced by if or unless) and a result.
Example: If it rains, we will stay indoors.
The zero conditional: facts and general
truths
• the simplest type of conditional sentence
• used to express facts and general truths
• structure is straightforward:
If + [present simple], … [present simple].
Example: If you heat ice, it melts.
The first conditional: real possibilities
• a step up from the zero conditional
• used to talk about real and possible situations
in the future
• The structure is If + [present simple], … will +
[infinitive]
Example: If it rains, I will stay at home.
The second conditional: unreal or
improbable situations
• used to talk about unreal or improbable
situations in the present or future
• The structure is If + [past simple], … would +
[infinitive].
Example: If I won the lottery, I would buy a house.
The second conditional: unreal or
improbable situations
• used to talk about unreal or improbable
situations in the present or future
• The structure is If + [past simple], … would +
[infinitive].
• what could happen in an alternate reality.
Example: If I won the lottery, I would buy a house.
The third conditional: past hypotheticals
• used to talk about unreal situations in the past
• The structure is If + [past perfect], … would
have + [past participle].
• what could have happened in a different past
Example: If I had studied harder, I would have passed the
exam.
Exceptions and special cases in conditional
sentences
The standard structure of conditional sentences
might not apply. This is often due to the context or
the specific meaning we want to convey. Let’s look
at some of these exceptions and special cases.
Mixed conditionals
• a blend of second and third conditionals
• used when the time referenced in the if clause
is not the same as the time referenced in the
main clause
Example: If I had worked harder [past], I would be in a
better job now [present].
Inverted conditionals and formal
structures
• a more formal structure.
• They invert the subject and auxiliary verb in the
if clause.
Example: Had I known [instead of “If I had known”], I
would have acted differently.
Types of Conditionals Overview
• Zero Conditional: General truths (e.g., "If you heat water, it
boils.")
• First Conditional: Real or possible situations (e.g., "If I study, I will
pass.")
• Second Conditional: Hypothetical or unlikely situations (e.g., "If I
were rich, I would travel the world.")
• Third Conditional: Past situations that didn't happen (e.g., "If I
Let's Reflect
How will be able to make use of
conditionals in arguments?
