Conditionals 1

Conditionals 1

1. Look at these examples to see how zero, first and second conditionals are used.

   • If you freeze water, it becomes solid. If it rains tomorrow, I'll take the car. If I lived closer to the cinema, I would go more often.

2. Grammar explanation

   • Conditionals describe the result of a certain condition. The if clause tells you the condition (If you study hard) and the main clause tells you the result (you will pass your exams). The order of the clauses does not change the meaning.
     • If you study hard, you will pass your exams. You will pass your exams if you study hard
       • The structure is: if/when + present simple >> present simple.

3. Zero conditional

   • We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are generally true, especially for laws and rules
     • If I drink too much coffee, I can't sleep at night. Ice melts if you heat it.

4. First conditional

   • We use the first conditional when we talk about future situations we believe are real or possible. If it doesn't rain tomorrow, we'll go to the beach. Arsenal will be top of the league if they win. When I finish work, I'll call you.
     • In first conditional sentences, the structure is usually: if/when + present simple >> will + infinitive. It is also common to use this structure with unless, as long as, as soon as or in case instead of if.

5. Do you know how to use the zero, first and second conditionals? Look at these examples to see how zero, first and second conditionals are used.

   • If you freeze water, it becomes solid. If it rains tomorrow, I'll take the car. If I lived closer to the cinema, I would go more often.

6. Grammar explanation

   • Conditionals describe the result of a certain condition. The if clause tells you the condition (If you study hard) and the main clause tells you the result (you will pass your exams). The order of the clauses does not change the meaning.
     • If you study hard, you will pass your exams. You will pass your exams if you study hard

7. Zero conditional

   • We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are generally true, especially for laws and rules.
     • If I drink too much coffee, I can't sleep at night. Ice melts if you heat it. When the sun goes down, it gets dark. The structure is: if/when + present simple >> present simple

8. First conditional

   • If it doesn't rain tomorrow, we'll go to the beach. Arsenal will be top of the league if they win. When I finish work, I'll call you. In first conditional sentences, the structure is usually: if/when + present simple >> will + infinitive.