CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
Conditional sentences consist of two clauses: the main clause and the conditional clause. The conditional clause is most commonly marked by the word if at the start of it. It expresses a condition that needs to be fulfilled for the action in the main clause to happen.
FIRST CONDITIONAL
FORM:
If + present simple, will future
o If I pass the exam, I'll celebrate with a party.
USE:
- To denote a condition that is likely to be fulfilled (future reference).
SECOND CONDITIONAL
FORM:
If + past simple, would + infinitive
o If I were* you, I wouldn't do that.
*In the second conditional, we usually use were instead of was for first person singular of the verb BE.
USE:
- To denote an impossible/hypothetical condition (present reference).
o If I had the money, I'd buy a house.
THIRD CONDITIONAL
FORM:
If + past perfect, would + have + past participle
o If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.
USE:
- Impossible condition in the past (what would happen if an action was different)
o If I had studied more, I would have passed that exam all those years ago.
ZERO CONDITIONAL
FORM:
If + present simple, present simple
o If you heat water to 100 degrees C, it boils.
USE:
- When the result of the condition is always true
o My boss gets angry if I'm late for work
Conditional sentences consist of two clauses: the main clause and the conditional clause. The conditional clause is most commonly marked by the word if at the start of it. It expresses a condition that needs to be fulfilled for the action in the main clause to happen.
FIRST CONDITIONAL
FORM:
If + present simple, will future
o If I pass the exam, I'll celebrate with a party.
USE:
- To denote a condition that is likely to be fulfilled (future reference).
SECOND CONDITIONAL
FORM:
If + past simple, would + infinitive
o If I were* you, I wouldn't do that.
*In the second conditional, we usually use were instead of was for first person singular of the verb BE.
USE:
- To denote an impossible/hypothetical condition (present reference).
o If I had the money, I'd buy a house.
THIRD CONDITIONAL
FORM:
If + past perfect, would + have + past participle
o If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.
USE:
- Impossible condition in the past (what would happen if an action was different)
o If I had studied more, I would have passed that exam all those years ago.
ZERO CONDITIONAL
FORM:
If + present simple, present simple
o If you heat water to 100 degrees C, it boils.
USE:
- When the result of the condition is always true
o My boss gets angry if I'm late for work