Conditionals

Grammar topic 6

Expressing

Condition

Zero, first, second, third

Zero Conditional

Form: IF + SUB + Present Simple / , Sub + Present SimpleSub + Present Simple / If subj + Present Simple

USE:It refers to general or universal truths, such as scientific facts or generalisations.

Examples:

• Water doesn't boil if you freeze it.
• If babies are hungry, they cry.

First Conditional

USE:It refers to possible things that could easily happen in the future.

Examples

Form:If + subj + present simple, subj + will + base form Subj + will + base form/ if subj + present simple.

• I will be late if the flight is delayed
• You won't pass the exam unless you study

Second Conditional

Form:Subj + would + base form/ If + past simple. If + subject + past simple, subj + would + base form

Examples

Used when talking about things that are really unlikely. For example, when talking about dreams or hypothesis.

• I would buy a ferrari if I won the lottery
• If I were you, I wouldn't go out tomorrow.

Third Conditional

Form: If + subj + past perfect, subj + would + have + past participle

Examples

USE:To talk about situations that didn't happen in the past. It is imposible that this hypothesis happens because we are talking about the PAST.

• If I had taken a taxi, I wouldn't have missed the train.
• You wouldn't have failed the exam if you had studied.

What if

We use "what if" in questions to make a suggestion: What if dinosaurs hadn't disappeared?

IF SO/IF NOT

Are you going to the kitchen? If so, would you bring me a glass of water?Are you going out tonight? If not, can we watch a film together?

Conditionals without if

As long as/provided (that)/providing (that)/on condition (that): You can have a dog as long as you promise to take care of it. He's welcome to come along, provided (that) he behaves himself.Suppose/Supposing that We'd love to come and see you on Saturday, supposing (= if) I don't have to work that day. Suppose (that) you could travel abroad, where would you go?

Conditionals without if

In caseThe camping area has ready access to water, in case of fire. Otherwise (to replace an if clause) I'd better write it down, otherwise I'll forget it.

Temporals

Use the present simple to refer to the future after time expressions (temporals) such as when, before, after, by the time, until, till, once, as long as, as soon as, whenever.She'll be home when you arrive I will send the email as soon as I get your reply They will act accordingly once they know the instructions

THE EXTRA MILE - NOT FOR THE EXAM

Mixed conditionals (miXture of 2ND & 3rd)

If + past simple, ... would/wouldn't have + past participle. (Imaginary present situation and its past consequence)If I enjoyed rock, I would have bought their CDIf + past perfect, ...would/wouldn't + infinitive. (Imaginary past situation and its present consequence) If you had given me the vacuum, I wouldn't have to mop the floor now.