B2 Conditional sentences

How to Use

Conditionals

By Grace

Index

1. Introduction.

4. Second Conditional

2. Zero Conditional.

5. Third Conditional

3. First Conditional

6. Additional Information

Introduction

What are conditional sentences? They are sentences that describe a situation that will take/took/or has taken place or not, as a result of a condition. They indicate different situations and they are expressed using different English verb tenses.

Zero Conditional

We can make a zero conditional sentence with two present simple verbs (one in the 'if clause' and one in the 'main clause'): If + present simple, .... present simple. This conditional is used when the result is true. For example, if water reaches 100 degrees, it always boils. It's a fact. The 'if' in this conditional can usually be replaced by 'when' without changing the meaning. Here are examples: If people eat too much, they get fat. If you touch a fire, you get burned. You get water if you mix hydrogen and oxygen. Click here to practise.

Examples

First Conditional

If I work, I won't be able to go to Sonar Electronic Music Festival

The first conditional usually has a present tense after 'if', then a future form in the other clause: Generallylike this:

If I have enough money, I'll buy my wife a holiday around Europe next year.

If + present simple, ... will + infinitive

She'll be happier, if she hangs out more with people.

It's used to talk about things which might happen in the future.

If I see her, I'll tell her I love her from the bottom of my heart.

It describes events which could easily come true.

You'll have lots of practice, if you click here.

Second Conditional

The second conditional uses the past simple after if, then 'would' and the infinitive: If + past simple, ...would + infinitive (We can use 'were' instead of 'was' with 'I' and 'he/she/it'. This is mostly done in formal writing). It has two uses: 1. We can use it to talk about imaginary or hypothetical situations. For example: If I won the lottery, I would buy a trip around the world and then to Mars. (I probably won't win the lottery) She would speak English if she ever practised on the Web with native speakers. (She never does this, so this won't happen) If I had his number, I would call him. (I don't have his number now, so it's impossible for me to call him). If I were you, I wouldn't leave the Symbaloo learning path undone.

Practise? Click here.

Third Conditional

Uses and Examples

Form

Used to talk about impossible situations. They are impossible because they can't be changed since they belong in the past.

We make it using the past perfect after 'if' and then 'would have' and the past participle in the second part of the sentence:

She wouldn't have been tired if she had gone to bed earlier.

He would have been on time for the interview if he had left the house at nine.

If + past perfect, ...would + have + past participle

Practice? Just click here.

Mixed Conditionals

The mixed conditional is a combination of types 2 and 3. They are used when we want to express the result or consequence in the present of a past action. If + past perfect, ...would + infinitive If I had won the lottery, I would buy a trip around the world and then to Mars tomorrow. She would speak English if she had practised when she had the chance. If I had asked for his number, I would call him to tell him he's my crush. (I don't have his number now, so it's impossible for me to call him).

Thanks for your attention