CONDITIONALS


Conditionals sentences consist of two parts, the if-clause (which is a condition) and the main clause that describes the result of something that might happen (in the present or future) or might have happened but didn't (in the past).
There are four main kinds of conditionals:
The Zero Conditional sentence consists of two clauses, one if clause and a main clause with two present simple verbs. Structure:
If/When + Present Simple + Present Simple
It is used to make statements about the real world, obvious things or scientific facts. Example: If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils. I'm talking in general, not about one particular situation. The result of the 'if clause' is always true.
The First Conditional uses the present simple in the if-clause and the future simple in the main clause. Structure:
If + Present Simple, ... Will + Infinitive 
The first conditional describes a particular situation.  It's used to talk about things that will possibly happen in the future if a certain condition happens (high probability).  Example: If you don’t study for the exam, you will fail the subject. In a way, we are predicting the future.  
The first conditional is common when we are talking about possible plans, promises, warnings, threats or for persuading someone. We are predicting a likely result in the future if a condition is fulfilled. Example: If I go to Australia next summer, I will visit Uluru.
The Second Conditional is used to talk about imaginary, hypothetical and low probably situations now or in the future. It describes the course of action that would follow if something unlikely happens. We can use it to give advice too. Structure:
If + Past Simple, ... Would + Infinitive
Examples:
If I had money, I would buy a new car.
If I were you, I would call her tonight. We use 'were' instead of 'was' with 'I' and 'he/she/it'.  
If I won the lottery, I will buy a big house.

The Third Conditional is used to talk about things that didn’t happen in the past and their imaginary results. If you had done this in the past, the result would have been different. Structure:
If + Past Perfect, ...Would + Have + Past Participle
We can also change the clause order of the sentence...
Example: If I have studied harder, I would have passed the exam. You cannot alter or change the past.
Notice how this tense can be used to say that you regret doing something or when you are reproaching someone. This type of conditional can also be used when making excuses.
Example: If I hadn’t been sick, I would have gone to your party.

There are more than these 4 types of conditional sentences though these are the ones that are used the most.


If I had taken your advice, I wouldn’t be in prison now.
If I were a good cook, I would have invited them to have dinner.


Can you write some sentences with the different conditionals seen in this topic?

Comments

  1. Ana Sánchez ✨💞May 6, 2020 at 6:08 AM

    If you touch the fire, you burn.
    If I eat healthy and do sport, I will have a healthy life.
    If I won the lottery, I would buy my dream house.
    If I had studied more, I would have passed the exam.

    ReplyDelete

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