CONDITIONALS

Zero Conditionals
These are facts or things that are always true.

If + PRESENT + PRESENT SIMPLE

If you heat plastic, it melts.
If I travel by car, I always get carsick.
If you heat water, it boils.
If Daniel has any money, he spends it.
If its raining, I use an umbrella
Pressing the switch always results in the computer coming on.

First Conditional: Real situations

Conditions which are possible or likely to happen in the present or future.

If + present
form
Present
simple /
continuous /
present perfect
If
If
If
If
If
If
If
If

+ future form
modal:

may / might / can / must

etc

imperative

we dont offer a good service, well go out of business.

you have any information, let me know.
the cases are too heavy, I can help you carry them.
you fail, you might be able to take the exam again.
it rains, were going to get wet.
you see Susan, tell her Im looking for her.
were expecting visitors, the flat will need a good clean.
you have finished the work, you can go home.

Second Conditional: hypothetical situations

Describe unreal situations / imaginary situations and improbable actions in the present or
future.

If + Past
+ would / could / might +
simple
infinitive
Past continuous
If we started using cleaner fuels, air quality would improve.
If I had any choice in the matter, I wouldnt take part.
If he asked me, I would help him.
If public transport was better, there would be fewer cars on the road.
You might feel better if you took some of these tablets.
If you found 100 in the street, what would you do with it.

CONDITIONALS
Type 1 and type 2
Compare these examples.
Type 1: If you have a lie-down, youll feel better
Type 2: If I had a million pounds, Id probably buy a yacht.
The present tense (type 1) refers to a possible future action, something which may or may not
happen. The past tense (type 2) refers to something unreal. If I had a million pounds means
that I havent really got it but I am imagining that I have.
Compare these examples.
Type 1: If we take the car, well have to pay for parking.
Type 2: If we took the car, wed have to pay for parking.
Here, both sentences refer to a possible future action. But in the type 2 conditional, the
action is less probable. If we took the car may mean that we have decided not to take it.
We can use type 1 and type 2 conditionals in offers and suggestions.
If you need a ticket, I could get you one.
If you needed a ticket, I could get you one.
If you feel like seeing the sights, we can take a bus.
If you felt like seeing the sights, we could take a bus tour.
Type 2 is less direct than type 1. The speaker is less sure that you want to see the sights.
We often use the second conditional in negotiations to make tentative offers.

CONDITIONALS
Unsing if + present simple + present simple, write five general truths about yourself and your
opinions.
Eg. If people smoke ina restaurant, I get angry.