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Conditionals

Conditional structures in English

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2 views

Conditionals

Conditional structures in English

Uploaded by

driansandes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

The Zero Conditional

The zero conditional expresses something that is considered to be a universal truth or


when one action always follows another.

if (or when) + present tense | present tense

if (or when) + past tense | past tense

 When I did my homework, my teacher was happy.*


 If the temperature reaches zero degrees Celsius, water freezes.
 My mom comforted me when I got scared.*
 If you mix red and yellow, you get orange.

As you might have noticed, the order of clauses is not fixed in the conditional.
However, if you move “if” or “when” to the middle of the sentence, you must
remove the comma. This rule applies to all 4 types.

*Note: The zero conditional is the only type of conditional in which “when” can
replace “if.”

2. The First Conditional

The first conditional expresses a future scenario that might occur. Assuming that the
condition is fulfilled, the outcome is likely to happen.

if + present tense | will (may/might/can/could/should) + infinitive

 If I get paid today, I will go shopping. (“Will” implies near certainty about the shopping trip in
case the condition is fulfilled)
 We could go to Paris if we save enough money. (“Could” indicates that the result is possible.)
 If she knows the truth, she might not be happy. (“Might” implies a degree of uncertainty
about her happiness in case the condition is fulfilled.)
 They can do it if they try. (“Can” indicates that the result is possible.)
 If I see the man, I may say something to him. (“May” implies a degree of uncertainty about
saying something to him in case the condition is fulfilled.)
 He should get a dog if he is lonely. (“Should” indicates that the speaker is giving their
opinion.)

This type refers to general truths, while the first conditional refers to specific
situations. Though “will” is most commonly used in the first conditional, you can also
use “may,” “might,” “can,” “could,” or “should.” However, as outlined above, each of
these modal verbs can change the meaning of the sentence.

3. The Second Conditional

The second conditional can either refer to future hypotheticals that are unlikely to be
true or present situations that are untrue or impossible.

if + past subjunctive | would/might/could + infinitive (simple or continuous)


*if + simple past | would/might/could + infinitive (simple or continuous)

 If I were rich, I would travel the world.


 If she were to try harder, she might get better grades.
 They might be able to see it if they were more observant.
 If I met the President, I would be too nervous to speak.
 If he played sports, he might be in better shape.
 He could get the promotion if he knew the right people.

Though the second resembles the first conditional in meaning, their structures are
distinct. Moreover, the first conditional usually refers to future events that are likely
to happen, while the second refers to events that are unlikely to happen (or current
impossibilities).

4. The Third Conditional

The third conditional expresses an unreal situation in the past, with reference to the
hypothetical outcome that would result also in the past.

if + past perfect subjunctive | would (could/might) + perfect infinitive

*if + past perfect | would (could/might) + perfect infinitive

 If I had known how you were going to react, I would have kept my mouth shut.
 If you had seen the movie, we could have talked about the ending.
 We might have crossed paths if I had left the house on time.

Both the second and third conditionals can refer to impossible events. However, the
second refers to impossibilities in the present (“If I were you…”), while the third
refers to impossibilities in the past. The situations expressed in the third conditional
are impossible because they already transpired and therefore cannot be changed.

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