Conditionals

Question 1

Zero conditional

Answer 1

*We use zero conditionals to talk about something which is always true or always happens as a result of something else.

We use if + present simple, and the present simple in the other clause.

*You can also use the present continuous or present perfect in either clause.

Question 2

First conditional

Answer 2

We use first conditionals to talk about something which will probably happen in the future as a result of something else.

We use if + a present tense, and a future tense in the other clause.

You can use any present form in the if-clause (present simple, continuous, or perfect) and any future form (will, going to, future perfect, future continuous) or an imperative in the other clause.

Question 3

future time clauses

Answer 3

Future time clauses are similar to the if-clause in first conditional sentences, but instead of if, we use expressions like: as soon as, when, until, unless, before, after, and in case followed by a present (not a future) tense. This can be any present form, e.g. present simple, present continuous, present perfect. We can use any future form or imperative in the other clause.

We use in case when we do something in order to be ready for future situations / problems. Compare the use of if and in case:

• I’ll take an umbrella if it’s raining. = I’ll only take an umbrella if it’s raining.
• I’ll take an umbrella in case it rains. = I’ll take an umbrella anyway because it might rain.

Question 4

Second conditional sentences

if + past simple, would / wouldn’t + infinitive

Answer 4

1 We use second conditional sentences to talk about a hypothetical or imaginary situation in the present or future and its consequences.
2 In the if-clause you can also use the past continuous. In the other clause you can use could or might instead of would.
3 With the verb be you can use was or were for I, he, and she in the if-clause, e.g.
If Dan was / were here, he would know what to do.
However, in conditionals beginning If I were you… to give advice, we always use were.

Question 5

Third conditional sentences

If + past perfect, would / wouldn’t have + past participle

Answer 5

1 We use third conditional sentences to talk about a hypothetical past situation and its consequences.
2 You can also use the past perfect continuous in the if-clause. You can also use could have or might have instead of would have in the other clause.

In the past perfect simple and continuous, had can be contracted to* ’d, e.g. If they’d found the river sooner…*