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Conditional Rules

The document explains four types of conditionals in English: Zero Conditional for universal truths, First Conditional for real future possibilities, Second Conditional for hypothetical situations, and Third Conditional for imaginary past events. Each type has a specific structure and usage, with examples provided for clarity. Additionally, the document includes practical applications of conditionals in everyday life and a 20-question test for practice.

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anasofycs
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2 views

Conditional Rules

The document explains four types of conditionals in English: Zero Conditional for universal truths, First Conditional for real future possibilities, Second Conditional for hypothetical situations, and Third Conditional for imaginary past events. Each type has a specific structure and usage, with examples provided for clarity. Additionally, the document includes practical applications of conditionals in everyday life and a 20-question test for practice.

Uploaded by

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

Zero Conditional: Universal Truths

The Zero Conditional is used when the result of a condition is always true, like a scienti c fact or
something generally accepted. The structure is simple:

• Form: If + present simple, present simple.


• Example: If water reaches 100°C, it boils.
Here, the outcome (it boils) happens every time the condition (water reaches 100°C) is met.
Notice that both the if clause and the main clause are in the present simple tense.

Other examples:

• If you mix red and blue, you get purple.


• If students practice regularly, they improve their skills.
Think of this as a way to talk about routines or facts. Remember, this conditional doesn’t express
future or hypothetical situations—just universal truths.

2. First Conditional: Real Possibilities

The First Conditional is used for situations that are possible and likely to happen in the future. It
re ects a real condition and its likely result. The structure is slightly different:

• Form: If + present simple, will + base verb.


• Example: If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home.
Here, the speaker considers rain a real possibility and predicts a reasonable response (staying
home). This conditional often highlights decisions or plans dependent on future events.

Other examples:

• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.


• If she calls, I will answer immediately.
• If the train is delayed, we will take a taxi.
Notice that the if clause remains in the present simple, even though we are discussing the future.
The outcome uses "will" to indicate the future action.

3. Second Conditional: Hypothetical Situations

The Second Conditional is used for unreal, hypothetical, or unlikely situations in the present or
future. It often expresses wishes, dreams, or hypothetical results. The structure changes slightly:

• Form: If + past simple, would + base verb.


• Example: If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.
In this sentence, winning the lottery is not a real or likely situation—it’s hypothetical. However,
the speaker imagines what they would do if this unlikely condition were true.
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Other examples:

• If I were you, I would apologize.


• If he studied harder, he would get better grades.
• If they lived closer, we would visit them more often.
Notice that for hypothetical situations about yourself, you can use "were" instead of "was" for all
subjects. This is called the subjunctive mood and is common in formal English.

4. Third Conditional: Imaginary Past Situations

The Third Conditional is used to talk about unreal situations in the past. It expresses regret,
criticism, or re ection about what might have happened differently. The structure is more
complex:

• Form: If + past perfect, would have + past participle.


• Example: If I had studied more, I would have passed the exam.
Here, the speaker regrets not studying enough in the past and imagines a different outcome.
However, because this is a re ection, nothing can change now.

Other examples:

• If she had called me, I would have helped her.


• If they had left earlier, they wouldn’t have missed the train.
• If we had known about the traf c, we would have taken another route.
This conditional can feel bittersweet as it deals with scenarios we can no longer alter.

How Conditionals Relate to Everyday Life

Conditionals are more than just grammar—they help us articulate possibilities, plan for the
future, and re ect on our actions. Let’s see how they might apply to a real-life situation:

1. Zero Conditional in Real Life:


If you drink coffee at night, you don’t sleep well. (Fact for many people.)

2. First Conditional in Real Life:


If you attend the workshop tomorrow, you will learn valuable skills. (Encouragement.)

3. Second Conditional in Real Life:


If I were in your shoes, I would accept the job offer. (Advice.)

4. Third Conditional in Real Life:


If I had saved more money last year, I would have been able to buy a car. (Regret.)

Tips for Using Conditionals


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• Always match the tense correctly in the if clause and the main clause.
• Understand whether you’re discussing facts, real possibilities, hypothetical scenarios, or
imaginary past events.
• Pay attention to how context changes the meaning of your sentences.
For practice, observe how people use conditionals in conversations, books, and movies. You’ll
notice their frequency and versatility!

20-Question Test on Conditionals

Part 1: Identify the Conditional Type

1. If you heat ice, it melts.


2. If I were rich, I would buy a mansion.
3. If we leave now, we will catch the bus.
4. If he had studied harder, he would have passed the test.
5. If she feels tired, she takes a nap.
Part 2: Fill in the Blanks
6. If you _____ (exercise) every day, you will feel healthier.
7. If I _____ (know) about the meeting, I would have attended.
8. If he _____ (not eat) breakfast, he gets cranky.
9. If we _____ (win) the lottery, we would buy a big house.
10. If she had worked harder, she _____ (achieve) her goals.

Part 3: Rewrite the Sentences


11. Rewrite in First Conditional: "If I study hard, I pass the test."
12. Rewrite in Second Conditional: "If I am late, I will miss the train."
13. Rewrite in Third Conditional: "If he is sick, he will stay home."

Part 4: Choose the Correct Option


14. If I _____ (see/saw) him tomorrow, I will tell him the news.
15. If they _____ (had invited/would invite) us, we would have attended the party.
16. If she _____ (worked/works) harder, she would get better results.
17. If the weather _____ (is/were) nice, we would go to the beach.
18. If you _____ (read/reads) more books, your vocabulary improves.

Part 5: Create Your Own Sentence


19. Write a Second Conditional sentence.
20. Write a Third Conditional sentence.

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