Conditionals

Conditionals have if-then structures. Their tenses and thus types depend on how possible a condition is.

Conditionals
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Types

  • Zero conditional (always happens)
  • 1st conditional (likely to happen)
  • 2nd conditional (imagining something for the present)
  • 3rd conditional (imagining something for the past)

Zero conditional

  • Probability: Always happens
  • Used for: Stating facts or commands
  • Structure: If + present tense + present tense OR present tense + if + present tense

Example sentences:

  • If you leave water below zero degrees, it freezes.
  • Water freezes if you leave it below zero degrees.
  • If you go, take this with you.
  • If I have chocolates in the house, I eat them immediately.
  • When I go to the gym, I tend to buy a smoothie afterward.

1st conditional

  • Probability: Likely to happen.
  • Used for: Promises or warnings.
  • Structure: If + present tense + will OR will + if + present tense

Example sentences:

  • If you don't eat all your peas, you will not get any pudding.
  • You will get pudding if you finish all your food.

2nd conditional

  • Probability: Likely to happen.
  • Used for: Promises or warnings.
  • Structure: If + present tense + will OR will + if + present tense

3rd conditional

  • Probability: Likely to happen.
  • Used for: Promises or warnings.
  • Structure: If + present tense + will OR will + if + present tense