Conditionals

Conditionals

1. First conditional

   • Conditional zero
     • grammar explanation
       • Conditionals describe the result of a certain condition. The if clause tells you the condition (if you study hard) and the main clause tells you the result (you will pass your exams). The order of the clauses does not change the meaning.
         • If you study hard, you will pass your exams. You will pass your exams if you study hard.
     • We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are generally true, especially for laws and rules.
       • If I drink too much coffee, I can't sleep at night. Ice melts if you heat it. When the sun goes down, it gets dark.
         • The structure is: if /when + present simple >> present simple.
   • Second conditional
     • The second conditional is used to imagine present or future situations that are impossible or unlikely in reality.
       • If we had a garden, we could have a cat. If I made a lot of money, I would buy a big house in the country. I wouldn't worry if I were you.
         • The structure is usually: if + past simple >> + would + infinitive. When si is followed by the verb to be, it is grammatically correct to say if I were , if he was , if she was and if he was . However, it is also common to hear these structures with was , especially in the form he / she
           • If I were you, I wouldn't mention it. If I were prime minister, I would spend more money on schools. I would travel more if I were younger.
   • We use the first conditional when we talk about future situations that we believe to be real or possible.
     • If it doesn't rain tomorrow, we'll go to the beach. Arsenal will be top of the league if they win. When I finish work, I'll call you.
       • In the first conditional sentences, the structure is usually: if / when + present simple >> will + infinitive. It is also common to use this structure with less , whenever, as soon as or in case instead of if .