Conditionals

CONDITIONALS

All types

CONDITIONALS

A conditional clause is a sentence that describes something that happens (Type 0), will happen (Type 1), maybe would happen (Type 2) or maybe would have happened (Type 3) if certain terms (conditionals, limitations) had been met. There are a few different types of conditionals that you can use that make use of different tenses.

Zero conditional

If + present simple, … present simple This is used when the result always happens. In other words, you can use this conditional for facts or cause and effects, whether what you’re speaking about is a scientific fact or a fact that’s only true for you. For example: If it rains a lot, we don’t need to water the grass in the yard. (Cause -> Effect)

First conditional

If + present simple, … will + infinitive This is the “true conditional” It is used to talk about things that may happen in the future, if a condition is met. While we can’t predict exactly what happens in the future, the First Conditional allows us to talk about what we think will happen or what we would like to happen. For example: If I get paid today, I will send you the money I owe you.

Second conditional

If + past simple, … would + infinitive verb We call this the “dream clause” because it is used for things that would happen in the future, but the condition is so unlikely, that the result is (basically) a dream! Forget it! You can use the Second Conditional to talk about your wildest dreams, for example, or any “what if” scenarios (situations, conditions). For example: If I won the lottery, I would buy a boat. (Very, very unlikely that you will win the lottery)

Third conditional

If + past perfect, … would have + participle. The Third Conditional talks about the past. It talks about something that didn’t happen, but you’re imagining the outcome now, just for fun. Maybe you regret (feel sorry about something, wish you had done something else) a decision you made. When you think about it, you feel maybe stupid that you didn’t do something else. For example: If I had noticed it was sunny this morning, I would have gone for a walk.

CONDITIONALS IN MOVIES

Watch the video and notice the conditional types. Choose two, analize and explain it.

PRACTICE

1. I would have phoned her, if I know / knew her number. 2. I wouldn't have this terrible headache now if I didn't drink / hadn't drunk that wine. 3. I weren’t / wouldn’t be so happy if I hadn’t met you 10 years ago. 4. If I had been interested / were interested, I would have called them. 5. If he had spoken / spoke French, he would have got the job in Paris. 6. My plants would be / would have been dead if you hadn't watered them. 7. Bill wouldn't be so sad now if he didn't lose / hadn't lost his dog last week.

MIXED CONDITIONALS