Contitionals 0-1-2-3-MIXED
Contitionals 0-1-2-3-MIXED
When the IF clause comes first, a comma is placed between the two clauses.
There are fIVE types of conditional: type zero, one, two, three and mixed conditionals
TYPE ZERO
In the IF clause of the zero conditional, we describe a consequence that takes place regularly
and with certainty.
• express general truths, scientific and mathematical laws, technical procedures, instructions.
In the main clause, the use of will indicates a certain consequence. To indicate that something is
possible, we use modal can, while for an uncertain consequence we use the modal may.
If you spend too much time in the sun, you may get sunburnt.
(it isn’t certain)
TYPE TWO
• When we assume a condition to be improbable or imaginary and that we don’t expect to
happen but is however, theoretically possible, we can use the second conditional.
If I won a million dollars on the lottery, I would stop working and would go
and live in the Caribbean. (it is highly unlikely but is however possible)
• The second conditional is also used when propose a different situation to the present reality.
If you worked harder, your grades would be much better. (situation that is different to
the present reality: at the moment you aren’t working hard enough)
The structure of the second conditional is:
If you won some big money, would you spend it all or would you save part of it?
• When the verb be is present in an if clause, were is used for all persons. In spoken English, was
is also used for the first and third person singular: If I/he/she/it were.....was......
If you played a musical instrument, you could join the local bend.
If she tried Japanese food, she might find that she likes it.
If I won the race, I should thank the coach for his help.
The modals would, should or could are often found in if clauses.
• Would is used in if clauses to express a request in a polite and formal way, or even to express
willingness to do something.
If I had taken my racket with me, I could have played tennis with you.
MIXED CONDITIONALS
TYPE 1
Mixed third / second conditional
With this combination we are contrasting an imagined or real event in the past with
the present result of that.
If he'd taken the medication as prescribed, he wouldn't be sick in bed.
(Sometime in the past, he didn’t take the medication he was prescribed and now he is sick in bed)
(I knew John very well and I know that he never had much money, but he loves Ferraris. He never had the
money to buy a Ferrari, therefore he doesn’t have one.)
TYPE 2
Mixed second / third conditional
This combination describes ongoing circumstances in relation to a past event.
If I were a hard-working person, I would've finished my degree at university.
(I am not a hard-working person, therefore I didn’t study hard enough and didn’t get a degree)
If you weren't such a poor dancer, you would've got a job in that musical
(You don’t dance well, so they didn’t give you the job.)