Conditionals

Conditionals

1. Zero conditional

   • We use the zero conditional when we want to talk about facts or things that are generally true.
     • The zero conditional uses if or when and must be followed by the simple present or imperative.
       • If + present simple, present simple.
         • If it rains, tennis lessons are held in the gym.
           • Present simple if + present simple.
             • Food freezes if you put it into the freezer.
               • Remember that the zero conditional can’t be used to refer to a particular time, like the future or the past. It’s only used for general facts.
                 • https://www.wallstreetenglish.com/ exercises/the-zero-conditional

2. First conditional

   • The first conditional has the present simple after 'if', then the future simple in the other clause
     • The first conditional is used to express the future consequence of a realistic possibility now or in the future.
       • If + present simple, will/won’t + verb.
         • If I pass this exam, I’ll celebrate.
           • Will + verb if + present simple.
             • I’ll celebrate if I pass this exam.
               • There is a 50% chance that the first part of this sentence (the action following ‘if’) will happen. And if it happens, the second part is 100% certain.
                 • https://www.wallstreetenglish.com/ exercises/the-first-conditional

3. Second conditional

   • The second conditional is used to express the consequence of an unrealistic action or situation in the present or future.
     • Very improbable (1-5% probability) Completely unrealistic (with a 0% probability)
       • If + past simple, would/wouldn’t + verb.
         • If I lived in a big city, I wouldn’t need a car.
           • Would + verb if + past simple.
             • I would travel around the world if I won the lottery.
               • We also use the second conditional to make very polite requests.
                 • https://www.wallstreetenglish.com /blog/second-conditional

4. Third conditional

   • The third conditional is used to express the past consequence of an unrealistic action or situation in the past.
     • But while the second conditional refers to something unrealistic now or in the future, the third conditional refers to something unrealistic in the past.
       • If + past perfect, would/wouldn’t have + past participle.
         • If you had told me about the meeting, I would have come.
           • Would have + past participle if + past perfect.
             • I’d have come to the meeting if you’d told me about it.
               • https://www.wallstreetenglish.com /exercises/the-third-conditional

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