Conditionals

Conditionals

1. Zero conditional

   • The zero conditional is used to form sentences where both the condition and the result are real facts. The best examples of this type of sentence are sentences related to scientific arguments.
     • Option 1: If + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in the present simple tense) + Result (sentence with verb conjugated in the present simple tense)
       • Ex: If you mix red and blue, you get purple.
     • Option 2: Result (sentence with verb conjugated in present simple) + if + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in present simple).
       • Ex: An ice cube melts if you put in the sun.
     • Note that the position of the condition and the result changes according to the position of if.

2. First conditional

   • The first conditional is used to present scenarios in the future whose realisation is very probable. Therefore, it is the conditional suitable for expressing plans.
     • Note: This conditional can also be formed using other modal verbs instead of will, such as may, should, can.
     • Option 1: If + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in present simple) + will + Result (sentence with verb in infinitive).
       • Ex: If everyone agrees, we will go to Spain next year.
     • Option 2: Result (sentence with infinitive verb) + will + if + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in present simple).
       • Ex: We may rent it if we like the apartment.

3. Third conditional

   • The third conditional poses situations in the past that did not happen. It is the type of sentence most closely related to the Spanish subjunctive.
     • Option 1: If + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in past perfect) + would have + Result (sentence with verb conjugated in past perfect).
       • If I had studied medicine, I would have been a surgeon today.
     • Option 2: Result (sentence with verb conjugated in the past) + would have + if + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in the past perfect).
       • I would not have been happy today if I had not studied music.

4. Second conditional

   • The second conditional is already in the realm of hypothetical imaginary scenarios. It is used to present unrealistic ideas of the present or actions in the future that are unlikely.
     • Option 1: If + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in past simple) + would + Result (sentence with verb in infinitive).
       • If I won the lottery, I would buy a house.
     • Option 2: Result (sentence with infinitive verb) + would + if + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in past simple).
       • You would speak Japanese if you lived in Japan.

5. Zamora, V. (2021, 11 marzo). Conditionals. British council. https://www.britishcouncil.org.mx/blog/conditionals

6. Fabiana Barba 3 BGU "C"