A conditional sentence contains an if-clause stating a condition and a clause stating the consequence. There are several types of conditionals, including real conditionals which describe general truths or scientific facts using the present tense in both clauses. A real conditional explains what normally happens in a situation, such as "If James answers the modules diligently, he can finish them on time." They can use "if" for less frequent occurrences and "when" for regular ones. Real conditionals express habits, truths, or things that happen repeatedly.

1. A CONDITIONAL SENTENCE is a sentence that
has an if – clause which states a condition and
another clause that states what happens as a
result of the condition.
The form of the verb in the if – clause depends on
whether the condition is present and impossible,
future and possible, or past and unreal.

2. There are several types of conditionals.
One of which is a conditional that describes
general truth, or scientific facts. It is also
called ZERO or REAL CONDITIONAL and it is
used to talk about what you normally do in real
– life situations.

3. FORM
[If / When ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Present ...]
[... Simple Present ... if / when ... Simple Present ...]
Examples:
• If James answers the self-learning modules diligently, he can
finish them on time.
• If I borrow a friend's car, I usually refill its tank with gas.
• My father helps me with my homework when he has time.

4. CONDITIONALS

5. IF / WHEN
• Both "if" and "when" are used in the present real
conditional. Using "if" suggests that something happens
less frequently. Using "when" suggests that something
happens regularly.
Examples:
• When the teachers go to school, they always follow the
health protocols such as wearing of face masks and
social distancing. (They regularly go to school.)
• If the students go to school, they usually see their
teachers to submit their outputs. (The students rarely go
to school.)

6. Use Present Real Conditionals for general truths.
Use the simple present in both clauses.
• If your body temperature is above 37 C, you
have a fever.
Conditional sentences have an if clause (condition)
and a result clause.
• If people get stressed, they do yoga or
meditation technique.

7. Use real conditionals for habits and things that
happen again and again.
● If I’m feeling dehydrated, I drink more than eight
glasses of water.
● If I eat sweets, I gain more weight.
You can often use when instead of if.
• If I have allergies, I take antihistamines.
• When I have allergies, I take antihistamines.

8. Use present real conditionals for general
truths. Use the simple present in both clauses.
•If litmus paper gets in contact with acid, it
turns red.

9. Use with modals. You can use modals in
result clause.
● If your eyes feel strained, you should
refrain from using digital screen for long
hours.

10. Use with imperatives. You can use
imperatives in the result clause.
● If you think you have COVID 19 symptoms,
consult your doctor.

11. A conditional sentence can begin with the if
clause or the result clause.
● If you have poor memory, jot down reminders on a
note pad.
● Jot down reminders on a note pad if you have
poor memory.

12. Use with negatives
● If I take vitamin C, I don’t get cough and
colds easily.