CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

1. The use of the conditional implies that one action in a sentence depends on the other. The conditionals are used to speak about both real and imaginary situations. Conditional sentences are also known as “if clauses”.

   • We use the auxiliary verb "would" to form the conditional.
     • There are four types of conditional sentences and the use of one type over the other reflects the probability of the dependent action happening

2. First Conditional

   • We use the first conditional for expressing the future and in cases when the condition is very likely to occur.
     • If + Condition (present simple) + Result (future simple "will")
       • If Bill studies, he will pass the exam. / Bill will pass the exam if he studies.

3. Second Conditional

   • The second conditional is used to express an unreal possibility in the present, such as a wish or dream, or for an action in the future that is not very probable.
     • If + Condition (past simple) + Result ("would" + infinitive)
       • If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world. / I would travel around the world if I won the lottery.