9.

1 Conditionals

There are many different ways of making sentences with if.

1 Possible conditions
(= first conditional)

If I have time, I’ll go to the park. (about reality)

a real possibility the result of a possible situation

2 Improbable conditions
(= second conditional)

If I had a bike, I’d exercise more. (contrary to reality)

not impossible the result of an improbable situation

(the reality is I don’t have a bike)

© Oxford University Press

 9.1 Conditionals

3 Impossible conditions
(= third conditional)

If I had seen you, I’d have said hello. (an impossible situation)

impossible the result of an impossible situation

(it didn’t happen, and it’s too late to change the result)
4 No conditions
(= zero conditional)

If it freezes, water turns to ice. (always true)

If means when or whenever.

(this sentence refers to ‘all time’)

© Oxford University Press