Conditionals

Laura Beltrán

Zero Conditionals• The zero conditional is a structure

used for talking about general truths -- things which always happen under certain conditions. Following I will explain how the zero conditional is formed, and when to use it.

The structure of a zero conditional

sentence• A zero conditional sentence consists of

two clauses, an "if" clause and a main clause (note that most zero conditional sentences will mean the same thing if "when" is used instead of "if"):

If clause+ main clause:If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.

Comma?!• If the "if" clause comes first, a comma is usually

used. If the "if" clause comes second, there is no need for a comma:

• main clause+ if clauseWater boils if you heat it to 100 degrees.We use the same verb form in each part of a zero

conditional: the simple present tense:• if clause: if +subject + simple present verb• main clause: subject + simple present verb

Using the zero conditional

• The zero conditional is used to talk about things which are always true -- scientific facts, general truths, and so on:

• Example: If you cross an international date line, the time changes.

• Explanation: This always happens, every time you cross a dateline.

• If you go 10 meters under water, the pressure increases to two atmospheres.

• Explanation: This is basically always true -- the pressure of 10 meters of water equals one atmosphere.

• Phosphorus burns if you expose it to air. • Explanation: This is a scientific fact -- you can test it in a

laboratory.

Let’s Practice:

• Use the conditions and results in the box to complete the phrases below.

Conditions: you've got a headache, you don't wear a crash helmet, you heat it to 100 ºc, she comes home very late, you leave gates open in the country, you add sugar

Results: you get pink, A dog bites, the DVD player comes on, Butter melts, it scratches you, You have more chance of being killed

1. Water boils if __________________________________ 2. If you mix red and white _________________________________3. ____________________________________ if you leave it in the sun. 4. If ____________________________________ , take an aspirin. 5. If _____________________________________ , it tastes sweet. 6. __________________________ if you go near its food when it's eating. 7. If you pull a cat's tail, _______________________________ . 8. _______________if you don't wear a seat belt. 9. If you press this button,

………………………………………………………………………………10. Farmers get very angry if _______________________________________

The First Conditional

The first conditional (also called conditional type 1) is a structure used for talking about possibilities in the present or in the future. Following I will explain how the first conditional is formed, and when to use it.

The structure of a first conditional sentence

• A first conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an "if" clause and a main clause:

• if clause+ main clause: If you study hard, you will pass

the test.

Comma?!

• If the "if" clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the "if" clause comes second, there is no need for a comma:

• main clause+ if clause: You will pass the test if you study hard.We use different verb forms in each part

of a first conditional:• if clause: if + subject + simple present

verb • main clause: subject + will + verb

Using the first conditional

• The first conditional is used to talk about things which are possible in the present or the future -- things which may happen :

• Example: If it's sunny, we'll go to the park.

• Explanation: Maybe it will be sunny -- that's possible.

• Paula will be sad if Juan leaves. Explanation: Maybe Juan will leave --

that's possible.