Zero, First, Second & Third Conditional

Zero, First, Second & Third Conditional

1. The Zero Conditional

   • We use the zero conditional to talk about permanent truths, such as scientific facts, and general habits. The structure is simple:
     • Here are some examples:
       • If you heat water to 100°, it boils.
         • If you eat a lot, you put on weight.
     • if + present simple

2. The First Conditional

   • We use the first conditional to talk about a realistic situation in the present or future. The structure of the first conditional is as follows:
     • if + present simple
       • will + verb
         • Here are some examples:
           • If you’re free later, we can go for a walk.
             • If they’re hungry, I’ll make some sandwiches.
         • can + verb
         • must + verb

3. The Second Conditional

   • We use the second conditional to talk about improbable or impossible situations in the present or future. Here is the structure:
     • if+past simple
       • would + verb
         • For example:
           • If I were rich, I’d spend all my time travelling. (But I’m not rich so I can’t.)
             • If she saw a snake, she’d be terrified.
               • If he didn’t have to work late, he could go out with his girlfriend.

4. The Third Conditional

   • We use the third conditional to talk about impossible situations, as in the second conditional, in the past. We often use the third conditional to describe regrets.
     • The structure is:
       • if + past perfect
         • would have+ past participle
           • could have + past participle
             • Here are some examples:
               • If we had left earlier, we would have arrived on time.
               • If you hadn’t forgotten her birthday, she wouldn’t have been upset.
               • If they had booked earlier, they could have found better seats.

5. JOSE ANDRES CORTES RAMIREZ