CONDITIONALS

ZERO

ZERO

This conditional one refers a situation that is always true (universal truths)

We use the zero conditional when we have absolute certainty of the statement (facts and general truths). For example if you take an ice cube and put

it in the sun it melts. If it did not, you would think there was something very wrong with the world.

We use the zero conditional when we are thinking of a simple fact. It is not past, present or future, it simply is. But it must be a fact that always

remains the same no matter what. When can substitute if for when in the zero conditional, but the meaning doesn’t change.

ZERO

FIRST

FIRST

We use the first conditional to talk about a possibility in the future. There needs to be a real possibility that this situation could occur.

Although we are thinking about a possibility in the future, the condition is always presented in the present simple, and the result is presented with “will + the base verb”.

I will go out tonight even if it rains.

FIRST

SECOND

SECOND

Like the first conditional we are thinking about the future,

however with the second conditional, the situation is

unreal, or unlikely to occur (hypothetical). For example

you could be thinking what you would do if you had a lot

of money or were a millionaire. Most of us aren’t

millionaires, but we like to think what we would do if we

were. It’s like a dream.

We use the past simple in the second conditional and most

commonly “would + base verb” in the result. However, if

there is less certainty in your statement or if something is

possible, but you might choose not to do it, then use

“could or might + base verb”.

The use of “could” indicates that there is the possibility or ability

to buy a house in London, but it’s not certain that you would

follow the action. It is like saying you could afford a house in

London if you were rich.

SECOND