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Grammar
Zero,first and second conditionals
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Conditional sentences have two parts: the
conditional clause, which begins with f (or other
words such as ryhen, unless, etc.), and the main
clause. Conditional sentences follow basic pattems.
See also: @ If vou've finisheil your homework, you caz
Zero conditional
. We use the zero conditional to talk about
things that are always or generally true as a
result of an action.
. To form zero conditional sentences, we use:
,/+ present simple -r present simple:
When water freezes, it tums to ice.
If you mìx red anil blue, you get purpb.
. The conditional clause can come before or after
the rnain clause. When it comes first, we put a
comma after it:
When I trawl by boat, I often get sick.
I often get sick when I travel by boat.
. We use the first conditional to talk about
possible actions or eyents in the future.
. To form first conditional sentences, we use:
f+ present simple , wlll + infinitive:
lf it rains, we'll stay at home.
. Other structures are also possible in first
conditional sentences:
. f + present simple r nodal verb
lf yott promise to behave yourself, you can
cotne-
. i/+ present simple r be going to
If you ilon't work hard, yotre goitrg to
. f + present simple -' imperative
lf you need any hing, just ask.
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. i/+ present continuous t willlmodal verbl
imperative
If you're leaving,I'll come with yot.
. lf + present perfect t willlmodal verbl
imperative
go out.
. if + present perfect continuous + willlmodal
verb/imperative
If she's bem waiting for ages, she may get
rvorried.
. imperative + arullor + willlmodal verb
Eat less anil yotll losa weight.
. \\'e can also use the following words and
phrases in first conditional sentences:
. (just) in case: This means 'because it is
possible that' and it usually comes after the
main clause:
.\nn will bring you a coat in case it gets cold.
. proviileill proviiling (that) , as long as:
These phrases mean 'on condition that':
Proviled you rest, you'll feel beller soon.
. unless: This means 'if not':
lf you don't leaw now, you'll be late.
, Unless you leane now, you'll be late.
. \\re use the second conditional to talk about
unlikely events or situations in the future, or
improbable/impossible events or situations in
the present.
. To form second conditional sentences, we use:
i/ + past simple + would + infinitive:
lf I hail enough money, I would rertre.
fail. . In the main clause, we can also use coall or
ntight tnstead of would:
lf I lost my job, I might go abroad for a while.
. In the f clause, we can use were instead, of was:
l'd quit my job if I were rich.