Conditional Sentences

Question 1

There are four main conditionals that are often used with “if”

Answer 1

Zero Always happens (real situations)
**First **Likely to happen (in the future)
Second Not likely to happen (unreal situations)
Third Will never happen
(already passed - unreal past situation)

Question 2

Zero Conditional

Answer 2

Used for when the time being referred to is now or always and the situation is real and
possible.
The zero conditional is often used to refer to general truths. In zero conditionals, the word “if” can usually be replaced by the word “when” without changing the meaning.

If clause: If + simple present
Main clause: simple present

If this thing happens that thing happens.
If you heat ice it melts.
If it rains the grass gets wet.

Question 3

First Conditional

Answer 3

Used to refer to the present or future where the situation is real. This conditional refers to a
possible condition and its probable result.

If clause: If + simple present
Main clause: simple future

If this thing happens that thing will happen.
If you **don’t hurry **you will miss the train.
If it rains today you will get wet

Question 4

Second Conditional

Answer 4

Used to refer to a time that is now or any time, and a situation that is unreal.
These sentences are used to refer to** a hypothetical condition** and its probable result.
If clause: If + simple past
Main clause: ** present conditional** OR
present continuous conditional
If this thing happened that thing would happen. (but I’m not sure) OR that thing would be happening.

If I spoke Italian I would be working in Italy.
If it rained you would get wet.

Question 5

Third Conditional

Answer 5

Used to refer to a past situation that is contrary to reality. It refers to an unreal past condition and its probable past result
If clause : If + past perfect
Main clause: perfect conditional OR perfect continuous conditional

If this thing had happened that thing would have happened. (but neither of those things really happened) OR that thing would have been happening.

If it had rained you would have gotten wet.
If you had studied harder you** would have passed the exam**

Question 6

Combining Elements

Answer 6

To form even more complex sentences, you can combine subordinating and coordinating
conjunctions, and/or relative pronouns.

I like to sleep in, but I can get up early if I have to go to work or meet up with my friends.

Even though pollution is increasing at an alarming rate, I believe that we can still improve the health of our planet and reverse the environmental damage that has caused numerous ecosystems to collapse.

Research has shown that people who consume meat have higher rates of disorders due to cholesterol, which not only contributes to heart disease but also diabetes, high blood pressure and a host of other problems, whereas plant-based foods have been shown to alleviate such disorders.