The Conditionals

The conditionals or the if-clauses are used when talking about something that you know is sure to happen, might happen or might have happened. The sentence shows the possible cause and effect.

The Zero Conditional

- This is used when talking about matters that are factual.
- It follows the structure, If subj + verb, subj + verb.

Examples:
If the temperature falls below zero, water freezes. (It is a scientific fact that water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius).

Try it out:

What are some other facts that you know? Try using the zero conditionals to construct sentences describing them.

The 1st Conditional

- The 1st conditional is used when talking about something that will happen if the condition is satisfied.
- It follows the structure, If subj + verb, subj + will verb.

E.g.
If you get up late, you will be late for work.
I will go running if I have time later.
If you promise to do the dishes, she will cook dinner.

The 2nd Conditional

- This conditional is used to talk about hypothetical situations.
- This follows the structure, If subj + past verb, subj + would/could/should verb.

E.g.
If I only I had wings, I would fly around the world.

The 3rd Conditional

- The third conditional is used when referring to past situations.
-This follows the structure, If subj + had past participle, subj + would/could/should have + past participle.

E.g.
If I had only gotten up early, I would not have been late for work.
If I had had time, I would have gone running.
If you had promised to do the dishes, I would have cooked dinner.



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