Conditional sentences describe conditions and their outcomes. There are zero, first, second, third, and mixed conditionals. The zero conditional describes facts. The first conditional discusses likely future events. The second conditional talks about unlikely or imaginary present/future situations. The third conditional expresses regret over past events that cannot be changed. Mixed conditionals combine elements of past and present/future conditions.
2. Definition
“A conditional sentence is a type of sentence that
states a condition and outcome of that condition.”
➢ They are statements discussing known factors
and their consequences. They contain a
conditional clause and the consequence.
➢ A full conditional thus contains two clauses :
i.The dependent clause, expressing the condition called
the antecedent.
ii. Main clause expressing the consequence called the
consequent.
4. ZERO CONDITIONAL
➢ The zero conditional is also called the factual or
the real conditional because we use it to talk
about truths and facts. Things that are real in the
world.
➢ In the zero conditional, we can use either ‘if' or
‘when' in the if clause and the meaning with
either word is similar.
➢ We use ‘when' when we know for sure that that
action is going to happen.
5. Structure
(main clause) , (if clause)
If +subj + present simple , subj + present simple
Examples
• When the sun sets, it gets dark.
• If you leave milk out, it spoils.
• If the power goes out, we can't watch TV.
6. First Conditional
The first conditional sentences are used to talk
about actions/events in future which are likely to
happen or have a real possibility of happening.
Structure
The first conditional has two parts;
1st : If clause (contains condition) in simple
present tense
2nd : Main clause (contains result of the
condition) in simple future tense
7. Examples
• If it rains, I will stay at home.
• If I miss the bus, I will take a taxi.
• If I have time, I will help you.
• If I am late tonight, my mom will be angry.
8. Second Conditional
➢ we use the second conditional to talk about
imaginary situations in the present so these are
unreal situations. We also use it to talk about
unlikely future outcomes as well.
➢ We use it in a few ways:
1. to imagine that our lives or someone else's life
is different
2. we use it to ask hypothetical questions
3. to give advice
4. and to give reasons why you can't do something
9. Structure
(if clause) (main clause)
if + past simple , would + verb(1st form)
For example
• If I had enough money , I would buy a house.
This is a hypothetical situation .It’s not
real. Do I have enough money.NO, I am imagining that
the present situation is different for some reason .
If the if clause comes first in the sentence then we put a
comma after it. If it comes at the end then we don’t put a
comma.
• I would buy a house if I had enough money.
10. Examples
•If I missed the bus, I would take a
taxi.
•If I had enough money, I would buy
a house.
•If I won the lottery, I'd buy a house.
•If you won a million
dollars, would you travel the world?
•If I were her, I'd break up with him.
11. Third conditional
➢ The third conditional is used to express regret
and talk about things we wish we could change
about the past (but we can't)!
➢ Like all conditional sentences, the third
conditional has two clauses. The ‘if' clause and
the main clause.
Structure
(main clause) , (if clause)
if + subject + had + past participle , subject + would + have + past
participle
12. Examples
• If you had called me, I would have come.
• If I had left earlier , I wouldn't have missed my
flight.
• If you hadn't been so rude, they would have
invited you back.
• If she had replied to my message, I wouldn't
have been so worried.
13. Mixed conditional
• Past action with a present result
Mixed type 1
• Present action with a past result
Mixed type 2
• Mixed conditionals help us to
move through time so a past
action with a present result or
present action with a past result.
14. Mixed type 1
• If I had not taken too much exercise yesterday, I
would not be feeling pain in my body today.
• If I had saved more money, I would own this
house.
• If they had paid more attention, they wouldn't be
failing in class.
• I would own this house, if I had saved more
money.
Examples
15. Mixed type 2
• If I were more outgoing, I would have introduced
myself.
• If he wasn't injured, he would have played the
game.
• If I wasn't so busy, I would have offered to help.
• If I were not a heart patient, I would have also
gone there.
Examples
16. Summary
• The zero conditional is used to talk about facts
and things that are generally true.
• The first conditional talks about a likely present
situation.
• The second conditional talks about
• hypothetical or highly unlikely present or future
situations.
• And the third conditional is a past situation
which didn't happen
