Conditionals

Conditionals

1. The Zero Conditional

   • We use the zero conditional to talk about permanent truths, such as scientific facts, and general habits.
     • Examples: If you heat water to 100°, it boils.
       • If you eat a lot, you put on weight.
         • If it doesn’t rain for a long time, the earth gets very dry.

2. The First Conditional

   • We use the first conditional to talk about a realistic situation in the present or future.
     • Examples: If you’re free later, we can go for a walk.
       • If they’re hungry, I’ll make some sandwiches.
         • If you’re not back by 5pm, give me a ring.

3. The Second Conditional

   • We use the second conditional to talk about improbable or impossible situations in the present or future.
     • Example: If I had more time, I’d exercise more.
       • If I were rich, I’d spend all my time travelling.
         • If she saw a snake, she’d be terrified.

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.
     • 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. Mixed Conditionals

   • It’s possible to combine the second and third conditional in one sentence when we want to make a hypothesis about the past that has a consequence in the present.
     • Examples: If you’d studied harder, you’d be at a higher level now.
       • We’d be lying on a beach now if we hadn’t missed the plane.
         • They’d have much more confidence if they hadn’t lost so many matches.