Real and unreal conditionals

Real and unreal conditionals

1. Zero conditional - If + Simple present + Simple present (or imperative)

   • Cause - consequence
   • Facts
   • EXAMPLE: If i cry, i have a hedache
   • I've been putting this project together for four hours, I'm going to take a break, because If I work a lot, I get tired.

2. First conditional: If + simple present + Simple future (will or going to)

   • EXAMPLE: If it rains, I won't travel
   • Possibility
   • Possible cause vs. Possible consequence
   • Oh my god, i have just got a promotion in my job. If i accept , i will earn the double from what i am earning right now. However, this work is more tiring but if i earn a good salary, I will buy my dream car. Therefore, I will tell to my boss that I accept the promotion.

3. Second conditional: If + Simple past + Would/Could/ might/ should + verb

   • Hypothesis > generally unrealistic
   • EXAMPLE: If a were a boy, i think a i could understarnd
   • If I ruled the world, I would get rid of the nuclear weapons! Those weapons are a major danger for all peoples in the world. If I could, I would also protect more animals. Some of them will disappear if we don't do anything to help them. I would also try to find a cure for every illness!

4. Third conditional: If + PAST PERFECT + Would/Could/ might + Have + Past participle

   • Something that cannot be changed
   • Possible regret
   • EXAMPLE: If she had worked more, she could have saved more money.
   • Last month Gary was in hospital for an operation. Liz didn’t know this, so she didn’t go to visit him. They met a few days ago. Liz said:If I had known you were in hospital, I would have gone to visit you.