Conditionals
Zero conditional
We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are always true.
- If you heat water, it boils.
- When the sun goes down, it gets dark.
- It lights up if you push that button.
The present simple is used in both clauses.
First conditional
We use the first conditional when we talk about real and possible situations.
- I’ll go shopping on the way home if I have time.
- If it’s a nice day tomorrow we’ll go to the beach.
- If Arsenal win they’ll be top of the league.
In first conditional sentences, the structure is usually if + present simple and will + infinitive. It’s not important which clause comes first.
Second conditional
The second conditional is used to talk about ‘unreal’ or impossible things.
- If I won a lot of money I’d buy a big house in the country.
- Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?
- If you didn’t smoke so much you’d feel a lot better.
The structure is usually if + past simple and would + infinitive. It’s not important which clause comes first.
Look at the difference between the first and second conditionals.
- In January: If it snows tomorrow I’ll go skiing. It might snow tomorrow.
- In August: If it snowed tomorrow I’d go skiing. It almost certainly won’t snow tomorrow.