Page 132 - New Grammar with a Smile 7

There are four kinds of conditional sentences.

1. Zero conditional sentences
The zero conditional sentences are used to talk about scientific facts and general
truths. For example,

y If you freeze water, it turns into ice.
y If you brush your teeth twice a day, your teeth remain healthy.
y If I study, I pass the exam.
In a zero conditional sentence, we use the simple present tense in both the clauses.

2. First conditional sentences

The first conditional sentences are used to talk about a possible condition in the
present or future and its likely results. For example,

y If it is hot, I will go for a swim.
y If it is cold, I will stay home.
y If I study, I will pass the exam.
In a first conditional sentence, we generally use the simple present tense in the
if-clause and simple future tense in the main clause.

3. Second conditional sentences
The second conditional sentences are used to talk about a condition in the present
or future and it is very unlikely that this condition will be fulfilled.
For example,

y If they invited me to the party, I would go.
(but it is unlikely that they’ll invite me)

y If you asked her, she would help you.
(but you don’t seem to be willing to ask her)
y If I studied, I would pass the exam. (but I don’t study)

In a second conditional sentence, we use the simple past tense in the if-clause and
the would + base form of verb in the main clause.
4. Third conditional sentences

The third conditional sentences are used to talk about an unfulfilled condition in
the past. For example,

y If you had studied harder, you would have passed.
y If I hadn’t been tired, I would have gone out last night.
y If I had studied, I would have passed the exam.
In a third conditional sentence, we use the past perfect tense in the if-clause and
the would have + past participle form of verb in the main clause.

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