1) What is a conditional sentence?
A conditional sentence is a sentence that expresses a condition and its result. It contains two clauses; the conditional clause and the result clause.
Example:
If people steal from the shop, (the conditional clause) the detectives always catch them. (the result clause)
2) Zero conditional
❖ Use:
- We use the zero conditional to talk about real situations.
Example:
If we talk to the baby, he smiles.
The baby smiles if we talk to him.
- We can also use the zero conditional to describe rules and instructions.
Examples:
If a player drops the ball, he is out.
If it’s cold, light the fire.
❖ Form:
We use the present simple in both clauses to form the zero conditional.
Example:
If plants don’t get water, they die.
Plants die if they don’t get water.
3) First conditional
❖ Use:
- We use the first conditional to talk about a possible future situation.
Example:
If they catch you, they will call the police.
They will call the police if they catch you.
- We can also use the first conditional to offer something or warn someone.
Examples:
If you pay for lunch, I will pay for dinner.
If you arrive late, we will go without you.
❖ Form:
We use the present simple in the conditional clause and the future simple in the result clause to form the first conditional.
Example:
If I study today, I will go to the party next week.
I will go to the party next week if I study today.