Conditionals

Conditional sentences contain a conditional clause (introduced by words such as, if, as long as
and unless) and a main clause.
If the conditional clause comes before the main clause, a comma is needed (as in this
sentence).
A comma is not needed if the conditional clause comes after the main clause (as in this
sentence).
Alternative words for if: as long as (if and only if), provided (that), providing (that) and on
condition (that) can be used in place of it to emphasize the condition. "I'll lend you 10 as long
as you give it back tomorrow". "We'll go out in the boat tomorrow afternoon provided the sea
isn't too rough"
A.- Zero conditional
if + present simple or imperative

We use the zero conditional to talk about situations which are always true. If has the same
meaning as when, whenever or every time in such sentences. Cases:
Everyday situations. "My eyes hurt if I spend too long on the computer".
Scientific facts: "If you mix blue and yellow, you get green"
Instructions (if + imperative): "If you don't know the answer, make and intelligent
guess".
B.- First conditional
if + present simple, will + infinitive without to

We use the first conditional:
To talk about possible situations and their probable results in the future. "She'll be very
happy if I phone her"
For warnings, promises and threats. " I'll send you to bed if you don't behave yourself".
"If you pass your driving test, I'll take you out for a meal".
Modal verbs can be used in the main clause in place of will. May, might and could, for
example, introduce possible results if a condition is met. "If I finish my homework early, I might
call you".


C.-Second conditional
if + past simple, would + infinitive without to

We use the second conditional:
To talk about imaginary, unlikely or impossible situations in the present or future. "If I
knew the answer to number six, I would tell you". "If I had wings, I'd fly south in
winter"
To give advice. "If I were you, I'd complain to the manager"
Both was/were are possible in the conditional clause after the subject pronouns I/he/she/it.
Was is more common in spoke English. "If he were a little taller, he'd be an excellent
goalkeeper".
The modal verbs might and could can be used in the main clause to indicate possible results.
"If you worked a bit harder you might have more success"
First or second conditional? Notice the difference in meaning between this two sentences:
Fist conditional:" If they give me a pay rise, I'll buy a new car". I feel there's a real possibility
that they will give me a pay rise.
Second conditional: "If they give me a pay rise, I'd buy a new car" I feel it's less likely that they
will give me a pay rise.
D.-Third conditional
if + past perfect, would/might/could have + past participle

We use the third conditional:
To talk about imaginary situations in the past. "If we hadn't taken a map, we would
have got lost". (We took a map, so we didn't get lost).
E.-Mixed conditional
if + past perfect, would + infinitive without to

Mixed conditionals are a combination of a second and a third conditional. They can express an
imaginary past event and a possible or probable present result. "If you'd listened to my advice,
you would not be in this situation now".