CONDITIONAL SENTENCESIf Clause

The condition & The result • Which is which?

• If a large comet hit the Earth,

• human would very soon die out.

The Zero Conditional • Something that is or was generally true

(It means “whenever”) • If I eat fish, I get ill.• If I didn’t eat my meals, Mum got cross.

• FORM • If + present tense, present tense• If + past tense, past tense

The Zero Conditional• The imperative

• Tell her about the party if you see her.• If he is here, tell me immediately.• If you’re going out, buy me some milk.

The First Conditional • Describes real or probable future situations

• If it rains, I won’t go out.• If you’re going shopping, will you buy me some milk?• If he’s had enough, he’ll stop.

• FORM • If + present tense, will + infinitive

The First Conditional • When and as soon as can replace if

• If I see her, I’ll tell her.• When I see her, I’ll tell her• As soon as I see her, I’ll tell her.

• Will can be replaced to show something is less certain• If you out now, you may/ might see her.• If I pass my exam, we can/could celebrate.

The Second Conditional• Describes imaginary or unlikely situation

• If I knew, I’d tell you.• If I won a lottery, I would travel around the world.• If I were you, I’d apply for the job.• If he were here, what do you think he’d do?

• FORM• If + past tense, would + infinitive

• What would Jesus do?

The Second Conditional• Would can be replaced less certain

• If I went to Africa, I might see wild elephants.• If I had enough money, I could go round the world.

Other points• Conditions are not always stated.

• I’d love to meet your brother. (if you let me)

• The choice often depends on the speaker’s view of the situation• Example: Two people buy lottery tickets every week.• A: If I win, I’ll give up my job.• B: If I won, I’d move to the country.