Zero and First Conditionals,

and Future Time Clauses

GRAMMAR 4B
 Contents:
1) Zero Conditional
2) First Conditional
3) Future Time Clauses
 1) Zero Conditional
• We use the zero conditional to talk about something which is always true
or always happens as the result of something else (general statements).
• In the zero conditional we use present tenses (simple, continuous or
perfect) in either clause.
• Structure:
-If + present tense clause, present tense clause
-Present tense clause + if + present tense clause (no comma in this case)
 1) Zero Conditional (II)
• Ex:
a) You need to do exercise everyday if you want to be fit.
b) If people are wearing headphones in the street, they often don’t notice
other people.
c) If you haven’t tried Italian food, you don’t know what good cuisine is.
d) A company can only be productive if the workers are happy.
 2) First Conditional
• We use first conditionals to talk about something which will probably happen in the
future as a result of something else (it refers to more particular cases than the zero
conditional).
• We use if + any present tense in the first clause and any future tense or an imperative
form in the second clause (remember you can change the order of the clauses for
emphasis).
• Structure:
-If + present simple/continuous/perfect + future simple/continuous/perfect, be going to +
inf, present continuous, imperative form, modal + inf.
 2) First Conditional (II)
• Ex:
a) If the photos are good, I’ll send them to you.
b) If you’re not going to Jason’s party, I’m not going to go either.
c) I’ll call you if there are any changes over the weekend.
d) I’ll have finished in an hour if you don’t disturb me.
e) I’ll be doing house chores this evening if they cancel the party.
 3) Future Time Clauses
• Future time clauses are very similar to the 1 st conditional but there’s a difference. Instead of
if we use as soon as, when, in case, until, unless, before and after followed by a present
tense clause (simple, continuous or perfect). In the other clause we can use any future tense,
a modal + infinitive form, or an imperative form.
• Ex:
a) As soon as I’ve finished my homework I’ll help you.
b) Send me a message when your train is coming to the station.
c) Take your umbrella in case it’s raining.
d) I’m not going to work overtime unless I get paid for it.