--- title: Conditionals tags: English, grammar & vocabulary --- # Conditionals ## Zero conditional **Explanation:** We use the *zero conditional* to talk about things that are generally true, especially for laws and rules. **Examples:** - If I drink too much coffee, I can't sleep at night. - Ice melts if you heat it. - When the sun goes down, it gets dark. **Structure:** *if*/*when* + present simple >> present simple ## First conditional **Explanation:** We use the first conditional when we talk about future situations we believe are real or possible. **Examples:** - If it doesn't rain tomorrow, we'll go to the beach. - Arsenal will be top of the league if they win. - When I finish work, I'll call you. **Structure:** In first conditional sentences, the structure is usually: *if*/*when* + present simple >> *will* + infinitive. It is also common to use this structure with *unless*, *as long as*, *as soon as* or *in case* instead of *if*. **Examples:** - I'll leave as soon as the babysitter arrives. - I don't want to stay in London unless I get a well-paid job. - I'll give you a key in case I'm not at home. - You can go to the party, as long as you're back by midnight. ## Second conditional **Explanation:** The second conditional is used to imagine present or future situations that are impossible or unlikely in reality. **Examples:** - If we had a garden, we could have a cat. - If I won a lot of money, I'd buy a big house in the country. - I wouldn't worry if I were you. **Structure:** The structure is usually: *if* + past simple >> *would* + infinitive. When *if* is followed by the verb *be*, it is grammatically correct to say *if I were*, *if he were*, *if she were* and *if it were*. However, it is also common to hear these structures with *was*, especially in the *he*/*she* form. **Examples:** - If I were you, I wouldn't mention it. - If she was prime minister, she would invest more money in schools. - He would travel more if he was younger. ## Third conditional **Explanation:** The third conditional is used for unreal or hypothetical situations in the past. **Example:** - If they had prepared better, they would have won the match. **Structure:** *if* + past perfect >> *would* + *have* + *past participle* ## Mixed conditionals **Explanation:** Mixed conditionals combine the second and third conditionals to present both an unreal condition either in the past or the present and an unreal result either in the past or the present. The **first form** presents an unreal condition in the past that changes an unreal outcome in the present (the past changes the present). **Examples:** - If I had finished college, I would be a doctor now. - If it had rained last week, the plants would be alive now. **Structure:** *If* + past perfect >> modal + base The **second form** presents an unreal condition in the present that changes an unreal outcome in the past (the present changes the past). **Examples:** - If I spoke louder, you would have heard me before. - If you were nicer, you could have had more friends when you were younger. **Structure:** *If* + simple past >> *would*/*could* + present perfect ## ADDITIONAL NOTES ON CONDITIONALS There are a few aspects of conditionals that should be noted in order to make their use easier and clearer. - Conditionals can be categorized as *real* and *unreal*. You can think of this as meaning possible or impossible. Zero and first conditionals are possible as they deal with things that are generally true or that could be true in the future. Second, third, and mixed conditionals are impossible because they are either hypothetical or concerned with events in the past that we cannot change. -- Real Conditionals: Zero and First -- Unreal Conditionals: Second, Third, and Mixed - In the second conditional, the simple past is used in the condition clause. If the be verb is being used, it is typical to use were in more formal contexts. If you’re speaking informally though, was is more usual. -- Formal: If I were you, I would drink more water. -- Informal: If I was you, I wouldn’t stay out so late.