CONDITIONALS

CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

Zero Conditional:  If present / present

It is used to talk about universal truth. Things that always happen.

Ex. If you heat water at 100ºC it boils

1^st Conditional:  If present /future

We use this conditional when there is a real possibility that something happens.

Tom: I think I left my lighter in your house. Have you seen it?

Ann: No, but I’ll have a look. If I find it, I’ll give it to you.

Ex: Will you come to the party if I go?

Instead of present we can use an imperative or a modal verb.

Ex: Stay at home if you want.

If you want to pass the exam you should study hard.

2^nd Conditional: If past / conditional (would)

We use this conditional when we imagine a future happening (desires etc.)

Ex. If I found 100 euros in the street I’d (I would) keep it.

Would you be frightened if somebody pointed a gun at you?

Instead of would we can use could or might.

Ex. If it stopped raining we could go out.

3^rd conditional: if past perfect ( had participle ) / perfect conditional (would have participle )

We use this conditionals to talk about the past. Things that are impossible to happen.

Ex: If you had phoned me yesterday I would have accompanied you to the hospital.

NEGATIVE CONDITIONALS

We can say “if not…” or UNLESS ( A NO SER QUE )

Ex. If we don’t hurry we will be late

We will be late unless we hurry.

I’ll come tomorrow if I don’t have to work.

Unless I have to work , I ‘ll come tomorrow.