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Understanding Conditionals in English

The document discusses conditionals and future time clauses. It explains that the zero conditional is used to talk about things that are always true, while the first conditional talks about likely future events. The zero conditional uses present tenses, while the first conditional uses a present tense in the if-clause and a future form in the main clause. Future time clauses also use present tenses when referring to future events for expressions like "as soon as", "when", "until", "unless", "before", "after", and "in case".

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3K views9 pages

Understanding Conditionals in English

The document discusses conditionals and future time clauses. It explains that the zero conditional is used to talk about things that are always true, while the first conditional talks about likely future events. The zero conditional uses present tenses, while the first conditional uses a present tense in the if-clause and a future form in the main clause. Future time clauses also use present tenses when referring to future events for expressions like "as soon as", "when", "until", "unless", "before", "after", and "in case".

Uploaded by

LauGalindo
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Conditionals (0 & 1)

Laura Galindo. Adapted from New English File Upper-Intermediate. Oxford.

Zero Conditional
Use: We use the zero conditional to talk about something which is always true or always happens as a result of something else.
If you want to be fit, you have to exercise daily.

Zero Conditional
Form:
present simple present continuous present perfect

CONDITIONAL CLAUSE

if +

+
MAIN CLAUSE present simple
Note: The order of the clauses may vary

First Conditional
Use: We use the first conditional to talk about a future event that is likely to happen.
If the photos are good, Ill send them to you.

First Conditional
Form: present simple present continuous present perfect

CONDITIONAL CLAUSE

if +

+
MAIN CLAUSE any future form OR an imperative
(will, going to, F. Perfect, F. continuous)

Note: The order of the clauses may vary

First Conditional
Form: present simple present continuous present perfect

CONDITIONAL CLAUSE

if +

+
MAIN CLAUSE any future form OR an imperative
(will, going to, F. Perfect, F. continuous)

Note: The order of the clauses may vary

Future Time Clauses

Future Time Clauses


Use:
We use the future time clauses to talk about the future.
Ill be ready as soon as Ive had a shower. Well probably be watching the Final Cup when you arrive. Were not going to go out until the rain has stopped. Im not going to work overtime unless I get paid. Take your umbrella in case it rains.

Future Time Clauses


Form:
Although we are talking about the future, we use a present tense after these expressions: As soon as, when, until, unless, before, after and in case. This can be any present tense, e.g. present simple, present perfect, present continuous.

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