CONDITIONAL

A. CONDITIONAL

Conditionals describe a result of a certain condition.

Structure (general): If clause, main clause

We can change the order of the clauses. If we do, omit the comma “,”.

B. ZERO CONDITIONAL

to talk about something that is generally true (facts, …), especially for laws and rules.

The structure is: If / When + present simple, present simple.

Ex: If / When the water reaches 100 degrees, it boils.

C. FIRST CONDITIONAL

to talk about possible future situations, easily come true.

The structure is: If + present simple, future simple.

Ex: If I have money, I will buy new shoes.

• Instead of using “if”, we can also use unless (if not), as long as, as soon as, in case

D. SECOND CONDITIONAL

1. to talk about things in the future that are probably not going to be true.

   Ex: If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house.

2. to talk about things in the present that are impossible/not true.

   Ex: If I had his number, I would call him. (but I don’t have his number now => impossible to call him now)

The structure is: If + past simple, would + V_base

! We usually use “were” (in the If clause) for all subjects (I/He/She/It/We/You/They)

E. FIRST CONDITIONAL vs SECOND CONDITIONAL