Contents q q q Conditional sentences Zero conditional
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Contents q q q Conditional sentences. Zero conditional. First conditional. Seconditional. Third conditional. Mixed conditional.
Conditional sentences We use conditional sentences when we want to say that something is the consequence of a certain condition or depends on something else: the condition If it rains the consequence I will get wet. Condition is expressed in the subordinate clause, the consequence – in the main clause. subordinate clause If it rains main clause I will get wet
The subordinate clause may come first or second in a sentence. The subordinate clause often starts with If – если It can also be started with: when – когда; in case – в случае; provided – при условии; suppose – предположим; on condition – при условии.
We use the zero conditional when we are talking about things that are generally true, like scientific facts. In this type of conditional we use the Present Simple Tense in both clauses: If you heat wax it (always )melts. People open umbrellas if it rains. If you give a dog a bone, it buries it.
We use the first conditional when we are talking about something that may happen in the future. In this type of conditional sentence, we use the Future Simple Tense for the main clause with the subordinate clause in the Present Simple Tense. When I am at home, I’ll phone you. In case I visit Moscow, I’ll buy souvenirs. If you pet my cat, it will lick you.
We use the seconditional to talk about the consequence of impossible events in the present or future. The verb pattern is the Past Simple Tense or Past Continuous Tense in the subordinate clause and would+Infinitive in the main clause: If I were you I would discuss it with parents. Steve would do it if he had the time If I had money I would go on holiday.
The third conditional is used to express the imagined consequences of something that did not happen in the past. We use the Past Perfect Tense in the subordinate clause, and would have+past participle in the main clause: I would have done it if I had time. If I had time I would have written the essay.
Mixed Conditional is used when the subordinate and main clauses are used in different tenses. Future and Present actions are expressed by non perfect tenses, Past actions – by perfect tenses. If you had done the work you would be free now. If we hadn’t missed the train we would be at home now.
