College Louise Wegmann 2020 – 2021

Classe: 4eme
CONDITIONALS

I- Type Zero: If + Present …, + Present or Imperative

* For situations which are always true.

e.g. If Mike reads on the train, he feels sick. (i.e. every time)
* For scientific facts.
e.g. If you put paper on fire, it burns quickly.
* To give instructions.
e.g. If the phone rings, answer it. (imperative)
N.B. When or Whenever can be used instead of If.

II- Type One: If + Present Simple + Will (Future) / can / may / must
* For likely, possible or probable situations.
e.g. If we don’t leave now, we will miss the train.
* To express promises, warnings and threats.
e.g. If you pass your exams, I’ll give you a job.
If you don’t turn that music down, you’ll go deaf.
I will kill you if you don’t give me all your money.
N.B. Notice the use or absence of commas.

III- Type Two: If + Past Simple …, + would / could / might.

* For impossible, improbable or unlikely situations.
e.g. If you went to Africa, you’d have to have several injections.
You would feel healthier if you exercised more.
* For unreal or imaginary situations.
e.g. If I were invisible, I would spy on everybody.
If people didn’t drive so fast, there wouldn’t be so many fatal accidents.
* To express advice.
e.g. If I were you, I wouldn’t drive so fast.
IV- Type Three: If + Past Perfect …, + would / might / could + have + past participle.
* For situations which happened or didn’t happen in the past, i.e. regrets.

e.g. If I had had your address, I would have sent you a postcard.
If you hadn’t been driving so fast, you might not have crashed into the bus.

N.B. Unless = If not. Usually used in type 1 conditionals.

e.g. If we don’t leave now, we’ll miss the train.
Unless we leave now, we’ll miss the train.