CONDITIONAL SENTENCES Conditional sentences express a condition and

CONDITIONAL SENTENCES Conditional sentences express a condition and the consequence of the condition. The consequence can be expressed before or after the condition: If you come to the USA, we can visit New York. or We can visit New York if you come to the USA. If the condition comes first, a comma is used. If the consequence comes first, no comma is used.

ZERO CONDITIONAL If you speak a bit of the language, it is much easier to make friends. If + simple present tense, simple present tense Zero conditional is used to express: • Things which are always or generally true: People get annoyed if you shout at them. • Scientific facts: If you heat ice, it melts.

FIRST CONDITIONAL If you call me, I will come. You can have an ice cream if you behave. If she phones, tell her I’m in a meeting. If + simple present tense, future tense/ modal verb (can, may, should, etc. )/ imperative The first conditional is used to express: • A future condition the speaker thinks is possible or likely: If I get the job, I will take you out for a meal. Unless can be used instead of if: You shouldn’t go swimming unless you think it’s safe.

SECONDITIONAL If I wasn’t so busy, I would go for a walk. If/Unless + simple past tense, would/could/might + infinitive The seconditional is used to express: • A present or future condition which is imaginary, contrary to the facts, impossible or improbable: If I was as rich as Bill Gates, I wouldn’t work. (imaginary) Her English would be better if she came to class more often. (contrary to the facts)