2. Conditionals are sentences with two clauses an
if clause and a main clause
There are four basic types of conditional
sentence:
Zero conditional
First conditional
Second conditional
Third conditional
3. zero conditional
to express a simple statement of
fact or to talk about things that are
always true.
With zero conditional we express
a general truth or we give advice
4. For example:
If you don’t water flowers, they die.
The present simple is used in both clauses
If clause:
PRESENT SIMPLE
Main clause:
PRESENT SIMPLE
or IMPERATIVE
zero conditional
5. first conditional
The first conditional refers to the present and
future. It expresses a possible (real) condition and
its probable result in the future.
In first conditional sentences, the structure is
usually if + present simple and will +
infinitive. It’s not important which clause comes
first.
6. first conditional
For example:
If the weather is nice, we will go for a walk.
If clause:
PRESENT SIMPLE
Main clause:
FUTURE SIMPLE
We use the First Conditional to talk about
future events that are likely to happen.
7. Second conditional
The Second Conditional is used to talk about
'impossible' or unreal situations.The situation
or condition is
improbable, impossible, imaginary, or
contrary to known facts.
The structure is usually if + past simple and
would + infinitive. It’s not important which
clause comes first.
8. Second conditional
For example:
If I knew his number, I would phone him.
if-clause:
PAST TENSE SIMPLE
main clause:
PRESENT CONDITIONAL
would + infinitive
9. Third conditional
We can use the Third Conditional to talk about
'impossible' conditions, impossible because they
are in the past and we cannot change what has
happened.
10. Third conditional
For example:
If you had studied harder, you would have passed your test.
if-clause:
PAST PERFECT SIMPLE
main clause:
PAST CONDITIONAL
would + have + past participle
