Conditional

sentences
 Zero conditional
Types First conditional
Second conditional
Third conditional
Zero conditional
 The zero conditional is used to talk about situations that are
always (or almost always) true and to talk about natural laws.

If you heat water, it boils.

If you leave an ice cube under the sun, it melts.

The word if can be replaced by when.

When it rains, everyone takes an
umbrella.
First conditional
 The first conditional is used to talk about possible or likely
situations in the future and their consequences.

If it’s sunny, we will go to the park.

If I see Mary, I can tell her you are
looking for her.
If you are hungry, make a sandwich.

Modal verbs and imperatives can be used in

the second clause.
Differences between zero and first
conditional
Zero conditional First conditional

Present Form

Whereas the zero conditional describes what

always happens, the first conditional describes
might happen once.
• I am a secretary, if someone calls, it answers the phone (general rule)
• Don’t worry. If the phone rights, I will answer it while you are in the
shower. (I will do it only once)
Second conditional
 The second conditional is used to talk about hypothetical
situations (things that could happen in the future but are rather
uncertain), imaginary situations, and also to give advice.

If I met Donald Trump, I would tell him

that he is wrong about building the wall.
If I were Donald Trump, I would not build
the wall.
If I were you, Donald, I would resign.
Second conditional
Would + bare infinitive

Unless can be used instead of if+ negative

Unles clause (e.g. “I won’t pass the exam unless I
study hard!)
s
Third conditional
 The third conditional is used to talk about impossible situations
whose consequences cannot be changed because they have
already happened. It is also used to talk about regrets.

If I had studied more, I would have passed my exam.

If I had met George Orwell, I would have asked him to sign my copy of
Animal Farm.
 Third conditional
Would + Present
Past Perfect Perfect

Regrets
• If I hadn’t eaten so much chocolate, I wouldn’t have been sick.
• If I had been more careful, I wouldn’t have sprained my ankle.