CONDITIONALS

1st

2nd

zero

IF….

Conditional sentences have two clauses:

an IF clause and a MAIN clause.

the IF clause presents the condition

the other clause presents the results

Water turns to ice if it freezes.

IfIf people people don’t getdon’t get enough sleep, enough sleep, they they areare dangerous drivers. dangerous drivers.

if clause main clause

If you heat water to 100

degrees, it boils.

main clause if clause

Water boils

if you heat it to 100 degrees.

if clause main clause

If you expose phosphorus to

air, it

burns.main clause if clause

Phosphorus burns

if you expose it

to air.

if clause main clauseIf a man looks at

her, she always

blushes.

if clause main clauseShe

always blushes

if a man looks at

her.

if clause main clausePresent simple,

present simple.

• to describe what always happens in some situations

• to talk about scientific facts, general truth and something which are always true.

These are

IMPERATIVE + IF CLAUSEif clause main clause

If Irene is tired,

don’t disturb

her.main clause if clause

Don’t disturb Irene

if she is tired.

If James studies hard, he will be prepared for the quiz.

You You will bewill be sorry sorry if if you buy that car.you buy that car.

if clause main clauseIf the phone

rings, I will

answer it.

if clause main clauseIf the

weather is sunny later,

we can go to the

beach.

• to talk about things that probably will happen in the future, considering certain circumstances

• to describe possible situations and their possible results

• to talk about “real situations” – when we are certain that something will happen when someone does something

These are

WILL / CAN + IF CLAUSEif clause main clause

Present simple,

will/can + infinitive.

1st conditional

real / possible

If I had enough money, I would take a trip to Hawaii.

I I wouldn’t dowouldn’t do that that ifif I I werewere you.you.

if clause main clause

If I were rich,

I would travel

around the world.if clause main clause

If I studied more,

I would pass my English exam.

The fact is I’m very lazy. I don’t study much.

2nd conditionalWOULD / COULD + IF CLAUSE

if clause main clause

Past simple,

would/could +

infinitive.unreal

• to describe possible unreal situations and their possible results

• to talk about “imaginary situations” – we imagine something that we are (almost) certain that won’t come true

• to give someone advice, using the expression “ If I were you…”

These are

StructuresType Uses if clause Main clause

Zero Facts Present simple,

Present simple

1 Real/ possible

Present simple,

Simple future

2 Unreal

Past simple,

would/could + infinitive.

A Game

Decide what conditional each sentence is, then complete the missing part with your own ideas.

1. If the storm hadn’t happened, …2. If …., it will break.3. The earth’d be cleaner if …4. I’ll send her your regards if …5. My Ipad wouldn’t have been stolen if …6. If …, I’d travel around the world.7. If I had wings, …8. If it’s snowy, …9. If my wish came true, …10.We will call you if …

Example: If I were you, …

ALTERNATIVES FOR IF1. As long as= only if this happensEx: I will do every thing for you as long as you love

me.2. Assuming/ Suppose/ Supposing/Provided/ providing that= imagine that this happensAx: Assuming that you had two wishes, what would

you wish?3. Unless = if …not Ex: The criminal wouldn’t have done that unless he

had been deadly drunk.4. On condition that = if this happensEx: You can go to the party on condition that you

finishes all of your homework.

1. If she leaves you, what will you do? 2. I would let him have the flat if he got rid of that dog.3. I’ll take you to the show if you finish your homework in time.4. I'm going swimming tomorrow if it doesn't rain.5. The strike will be successful if we all stay together. 6. The Head promised me the post if I took on the school play.7. If he’s still alive, how old would he be now?8. I hope to go to college next year if I pass my exams.

Group WorkRewrite the sentences using the alternative for ‘if’,

you can only use 1 alternative one time.

Mixed conditionals

Use: To talk about a  past action and its result in the present

Structure: if + past perfect and would not + infinitive:

Ex: If he hadn't done well on the training courses, he wouldn't be a Project leader now.