Conditionals

Zero conditional to describe situations where one event always results in the other Example: If the weather is warm and rainy, mushrooms grow very quickly The pattern is: If clause main clause If + present simple, Present Simple

First Conditional To talk about possible future events which depend on other future events Example: If you read this report, you will understand our economic situation much better. They will sign the agreement unless their financial situation changes dramatically. Pattern: If clause main clause If/unless+ present simple will or other modal verb + infinitive without to

We also use this conditional to: Give advice or an order Make a suggestion or a request Example: If you want to make a good impression, remember to smile and make eye contact. Pattern If clause main clause If + present simple imperative

Second Conditional To talk about imagined events in the future which are impossible or unlikely Example: If I went on ‘ Who’s to be a millionaire’ I’d win a lot of money. To talk about impossible present situations Example: If people had more common sense, there wouldn’t be any wars in the world. Pattern: If clause main clause If + past simple would/could/might+ infinitive without to

Third Conditional To talk about unreal situations in the past, to imagine things that did not happen Example: If we had been driving faster, we would’ve crashed on that slippery road. ( we weren’t driving so fast and we didn’t crash) Pattern: If clause Main clause If + past perfect would/could/might + perfect infinitive (have+ past participle)