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The Conditionals Theory

The document discusses different types of conditional sentences in English: 1) Zero conditional refers to general facts that are always true, using "if" with the present simple tense. 2) First conditional expresses a probable situation in the present or future, using "if" with the present simple and future simple tenses. 3) Second conditional involves unlikely future situations, using "if" with the past simple tense and "would". 4) Third conditional imagines different past scenarios that did not happen, using "if" with the past perfect tense and "would have". 5) Other conditional structures include using the imperative to give instructions or advice following an "if" clause.

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40 views

The Conditionals Theory

The document discusses different types of conditional sentences in English: 1) Zero conditional refers to general facts that are always true, using "if" with the present simple tense. 2) First conditional expresses a probable situation in the present or future, using "if" with the present simple and future simple tenses. 3) Second conditional involves unlikely future situations, using "if" with the past simple tense and "would". 4) Third conditional imagines different past scenarios that did not happen, using "if" with the past perfect tense and "would have". 5) Other conditional structures include using the imperative to give instructions or advice following an "if" clause.

Uploaded by

cdygtjutd
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THE CONDITIONALS

Zero Conditional
Zero conditionals are used for facts that are
generally true. It refers to a general situation
that always happen (the rules of a game).

If + Present Simple, Present Simple

 If you leave ice in the sun, it melts.

Also, we have to use a comma at the end of


an if-clause, when it comes at the beginning of
the sentence.

We can also change the order of the sentence


and have the main clause (the result) before
the if-clause (the condition).

 You get wet if you stand in the rain.

Note that with this order, we do NOT use a


comma between the clauses.

First Conditional
The first conditional is used to express a real or
very probable situation in the present or future.
In a way, we are predicting a likely result in the
future if a certain condition happens.

If + Present Simple, Future Simple

(If + condition, result)

 If we work hard, we will finish the


project on time.

We can also change the order of the sentence.

 We will finish the project on time if we


work hard.

Note that with this order, we do NOT use a


comma between the clauses.

Possible plans, promises, warnings, threats, persuasion


We can use it to talk about plans, promises, warnings, threats or for persuading someone.

 If I go to Egypt next month for work, I’ll visit the pyramids. (plans)

 If I have time, I will help you. (promise)

 If you touch that wire, you will get an electric shock. (warning)

 If you eat my chocolate, you’ll sleep outside with the dog. (threat)

 If you drive us to the concert, I’ll pay for the parking. (persuasion)
The Second Conditional
This involves the past simple + would + verb
This is used for hypothetical or unlikely situations in the future.

 If I won the lottery, I would travel a lot.

(It is unlikely that I will win the lottery. But in this hypothetical, though improbable
situation, this is what I would do)

 If they sold their house, they would be rich.

WATCH OUT!!

THE SUBJUNCTIVE has got a similar structure than the second conditional

If I were you

It is used when giving ADVICE about what you would do in the same situation as the other person.
You imagine yourself in their position or situation and what you would do or how you would react.

 If I were you, I would study more.

 If I were you, I would stop doing that.


The Third Conditional
This involves the past perfect + would have + past participle
This is used when a person is imagining a different past, an imaginary situation that did
not happen in the past.

 If you had studied, you would have passed the exam.

(I imagine that if you had done this in the past, the result would have been different)

 If I hadn’t been sick, I would have gone to your party.

(I’m imagining the situation of NOT being sick in the past… something that I cannot change
now)

Other types of conditional clauses


IF + PRESENT SIMPLE, ...+ IMPERATIVE

We use the imperative to give instructions of advice.

 If you see John, tell him he needs to come to my office.

 If you travel abroad, remember your passport

 If you go to Australia, send me a postcard.

 If you go to the supermarket, bring back some milk.

 If Mike comes, call me.

 If you drink, don't drive.

The highlighted words are in the imperative. These sentences are similar to saying: If the
first condition happens, you must do this (in the second/imperative clause).

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