Conditionals

Question 1

Why do we use Conditionals?

Answer 1

Primarily to talk about imaginary or possible situations.

Basically, if a condition is or becomes true, then a particular result will happen.

Question 2

Zero Conditional -

Answer 2

We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are generally true, especially for laws and rules.

if/when + present simple&raquo_space; present simple.

Ice melts if you heat it.
When the sun goes down, it gets dark.

Question 3

First Conditional -

Answer 3

We use the first conditional when we talk about future situations we believe are real or possible.

if/when + present simple&raquo_space; will + infinitive.

If it doesn’t rain tomorrow, we’ll go to the beach.
Arsenal will be top of the league if they win.

Question 4

Second Conditional -

Answer 4

The second conditional is used to imagine present or future situations that are impossible or unlikely in reality.

if + past simple&raquo_space; + would + infinitive.

If I were you, I wouldn’t mention it.
If she was prime minister, she would invest more money in schools.

Question 5

Third Conditional -

Answer 5

used to imagine a different past. We imagine a change in a past situation and the different result of that change.

If + past perfect&raquo_space; would have + past participle.

If I had understood the instructions properly, I would have passed the exam.
We wouldn’t have got lost if my phone hadn’t run out of battery.

Question 6

Mixed Conditionals - Past/Present

Answer 6

imagining how a change in a past situation would have a result in the present.

If + past perfect&raquo_space; would + infinitive.

If I hadn’t got the job in Tokyo, I wouldn’t be with my current partner.

Question 7

Mixed Conditionals - Present/Past

Answer 7

imagining how a different situation in the present would mean that the past was different as well.

If + past simple&raquo_space; would have + past participle.

It’s really important. If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t have called you on your holiday.