1st Bac
Grammar Reference
Grammar: Conditionals: Zero, First, & Second
Conditional sentences are made of two clauses: an
if-clause
(the condition) and a
main clause
(the result).
Zero Conditional (General Truths)
Use:
To talk about facts, scientific laws, and situations that are always true.
Form:
`If + Present Simple, ... Present Simple.`
Example: "If you
heat
water to 100 degrees, it
boils
."
First Conditional (Real Future Possibility)
Use:
To talk about a real and possible situation in the future.
Form:
`If + Present Simple, ... will + base verb.`
Example: "If it
rains
tomorrow, we
will stay
at home."
Second Conditional (Hypothetical/Unreal Present or Future)
Use:
To talk about imaginary, hypothetical, or unlikely situations. Also used for giving advice.
Form:
`If + Past Simple, ... would + base verb.`
Note: With the verb 'to be', 'were' is often used for all subjects (e.g., If I
were
you...).
Example: "If I
won
the lottery, I
would buy
a big house." (Unlikely situation)
Example: "If I
were
you, I
would tell
the truth." (Advice)
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