ConditionalsConditionals

The Zero ConditionalThe Zero Conditional

If the telephone rings, it makes a noise!

Water evaporates if you boil it.

1. for 1. for general truthsgeneral truths2. for 2. for instructionsinstructions

Use Use ZERO ConditionalZERO Conditional::

If the recorderIf the recorder is is on, on, the green light the green light appearsappears..If you have any problem, call our store.

If he is angry,his face turns red!

If he drinks too much coffee,

he doesn’t sleep.

Zero Conditional form:If clause – PRESENT SIMPLE + PRESENT SIMPLE

The First The First ConditionalConditional

If Bart studies harder,

he will pass.

Use Use First ConditionalFirst Conditional::To refer to the future. It is used when there is a possibility that the if-event might happen.

It’s a PROBABLE/POSSIBLE condition.

First Conditional form:If clause – PRESENT SIMPLE + FUTURE (WILL)

FUTURE (GOING TO) - for plans

The Second The Second ConditionalConditional

Garfield doesn’t know what would be fun.

Laziness COMES naturally to Garfield.

Use Use SECOND ConditionalSECOND Conditional::To refer to the present or future.

1. hypothetical:If I worked in that factory, I'd soon change things, (but I don't work in that factory)If I spoke French, my job would be a lot easier, (but I don't speak French)

2. unlikely:If she left her husband, she would/might be happier, (but I don't think she's going to leave her husband)

Second Conditional Second Conditional form:form:if clause - if clause - past simple past simple + + would/could/might + infinitivewould/could/might + infinitive

Now you do it!Now you do it!1. I am not in your position. I can’t do it.1. I am not in your position. I can’t do it.

If I wereIf I were in your position, I in your position, I could docould do it. it.

2. I am fit. I will go climbing2. I am fit. I will go climbing

If I were (was)If I were (was) fit, I fit, I wouldn’t gowouldn’t go climbing. climbing.

3. I am in a hurry. I won't stay to dinner.3. I am in a hurry. I won't stay to dinner.

If I weren’t (wasn’t)If I weren’t (wasn’t) in a hurry, I in a hurry, I would staywould stay to dinner. to dinner.

4. He's not a millionaire. He won't buy you a palace.4. He's not a millionaire. He won't buy you a palace.

If he were (was)If he were (was) a millionaire, he a millionaire, he would buywould buy a palace. a palace.

5. The weather isn't sunny. We won't stay indoors.5. The weather isn't sunny. We won't stay indoors.

If the weather were (was)If the weather were (was) sunny, we sunny, we would staywould stay indoors. indoors.

The Third ConditionalThe Third Conditional

If Bart had studied,he wouldn’t have failed.

Use: 1. to talk about things in the past happening differently from the way they really happened. This sometimes means criticizing people or pointing out their mistakes.If you'd been a bit more careful, you wouldn't have cut yourself.

2. to express regret about the past.If I hadn't fallen ill and missed the interview, I might have got the job.

AttentionAttention

If the conditional If the conditional comescomes first first,,you you needneed a comma. a comma.

You You don’t needdon’t need a comma a comma

if the conditional if the conditional doesn’t comedoesn’t come first. first.

BibliographyBibliography

FUCHS, Marjorie & BONNER, Margaret. FUCHS, Marjorie & BONNER, Margaret. Grammar Grammar ExpressExpress, Longman, 2003, Longman, 2003

EASTWOOD, John. EASTWOOD, John. Oxford Practice GrammarOxford Practice Grammar, Oxford , Oxford University Press, 2002University Press, 2002

Developed by Kátia Martins PereiraDeveloped by Kátia Martins Pereira