Conditionals

Conditionals are basically “if” clauses, which are used to describe possible results of certain conditions, and there are five types of them: zero conditional, first conditional, second conditional, third conditional, and mixed conditional.

The general structure of a conditional is having a main clause that describes the result and an “if” clause that describes the condition.

Ex:  If you don’t finish your work, you won’t get a good mark.

*If the main clause comes first, the comma is not needed.

Ex:  You won’t get a good mark if you don’t finish your work.

Zero Conditional

Structure:

IF/WHEN + subject + verb (in present tense) + huge comma + subject + verb (in present tense).

                                 « if clause »                                                          « main clause »

Zero conditional is used for talking about facts or general truths which are things that will always happen under certain conditions.

Ex: If you are sick, you need to rest.

First Conditional

Structure:

IF + subject + verb (in simple present tense) + huge comma + subject +

                                                                           will/may/might/could +  verb (infinitive).

                          « if clause »                                                     « main clause »

First conditional is used for talking about things that are likely to happen in the future under certain conditions, and it is always used in offers, suggestions, warnings, and threats.

Ex: If you don’t sleep early, you will be tired tomorrow.

Second Conditional

Structure:

IF + subject + verb (in simple past tense) + huge comma + subject + would + verb (infinitive)

                          « if clause »                                                 « main clause »

Second conditional is used for

1. talking about unreal situations that are in present

Ex: I would not skip English if I were* you.

(I am not you)

2. talking about things that are not likely to happen

Ex: If I won some money, I would go to Europe during summer.

(I probably will not win money)

*subjunctive - Use were (instead of was) in statements that are contrary to fact

Third Conditional

Structure:

IF + subject + verb (in past perfect tense) + huge comma + subject + would have + verb (past participle).

                          « if clause »                                                                                     « main clause »

Third Conditional is used for talking about things in the past that happened differently from what really happened, and it is often used for criticizing people, pointing out one’s mistakes, and expressing regret about the past.

Ex: I would have won if you hadn't talked to me.

Mixed Conditional

Mixed Conditional is used for

1. talking about a probable present result of an unreal past condition

Ex: If I had won the lottery, I would buy a puppy.

(I didn’t win the lottery, so now I am not buying a puppy)

Structure:

IF + subject + verb (in past perfect tense) + huge comma + subject + would + verb (infinitive).

                          « if clause »                                                                                     « main clause »

2. talking about a probable but unreal past result of an unreal present condition (now or always)

Ex: If I weren't scared of spiders, I would have picked it up.

(I am scared of spiders, and i didn’t pick it up)

Structure:

IF + subject + verb (in past tense) + huge comma + subject + would have + verb (past participle).

                          « if clause »                                                                                     « main clause »