If Clauses

INTRODUCTION

We hope that with this work we can clarify letter the use and form of each verbal tense (zero conditional, first conditional and second conditional).

ZERO CONDITIONAL

We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are always or usually true and to give advice. It is used to express actions arising from natural or universal laws, used to express general situations that are always true and to give an order or instruction.

The if in this conditional sentence with two simple present verbs (one in the “if clauses” and one in the “main clause”).

If + simple present + simple present.

Examples:

• If I take the stairs, my legs hurt. - is something that always or usually happens.

• When water gets to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils. - a truth.

• Fish die if they stay out of water.

FIRST CONDITIONAL

We use the first conditional to talk about a strong possibility or certainty in the future.

The first conditional has the simple present after “if”, then the future simple in the other clause.

If + verb (simple present), will + verb (infinitive).

Examples:

• If you try it, you won’t regret it. - strong possibility.

• If they need it, they’ll buy it. - sure.

• She’ll be late if the train iss delayed.

SECOND CONDITIONAL

We use the second conditional to talk about true or not possible situations in the present or in the future; things that don’t happen or won’t happen.

The second conditional uses the simple past after if, then “would” and the infinitive.

If + verb (simple past), would + verb (infinitive).

IT HAS TWO USES

1. We can use it to talk about things in the future that are probably not going to be true.

Examples:

• If I won the lottery. I would buy a big house.

• She would pass the exam if she ever studied.

• If I met the Queen Of England, I would say hello.

2. We can use it to talk about something in the present wich is impossible, because its not true.

Examples:

• If I had his number, I would call him.

• If I were you, I wouldn't go out with that man.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that a conditional is a sentence or part of a sentence that expresses a condition. If usually begins with the words when, if and unless. And that