B2 grammar about Conditional sentences

Conditionals

Conditional sentences contain a conditional clause (introduced by words such as if. as long as and unless) and a main clause.

If the conditional clause comes before the main clause, a comma is needed (as in this sentence).

A comma is not needed if the conditional clause comes after the main clause (as in this sentence).

A

What is Zero conditional

if+ present simple or imperative

We use the zero conditional to talk about situations which are always true. If has the same meaning as when, whenever or every time in such sentences.

Everyday situations: My eyes hurt if I spend too long on the computer.

Scientific facts:

If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.

Instructions: (if+ imperative)

If you don't know the answer, make an intelligent guess.

B

What is the First conditional

if+ present simple, will + infinitive without to

We use the first conditional to talk about possible situations and their probable results in the future.

She'll be very happy if you phone her.

It can be used for warnings, promises and threats.

I'll send you to bed if you don't behave yourself.

If you pass your driving test, I'll take you out for a meal.

Modal verbs can be used in the main clause in place of will. May, might and could, for example, introduce possible results if a condition is met.

If I finish my homework early, I might call you.

C

What is the Second conditional

if+ past simple, would + infinitive without to

We use the second conditional to talk about imaginary, unlikely or impossible situations in the present or future.

If I knew the answer to number six, I would tell you.

If I had wings, I'd fly south in winter.

When to use First or second conditional?

Notice the difference in meaning between these two sentences:

First Conditional Usage:

If they give me a pay rise, I'll buy a new car: (I feel there is a real possibility that they will give me a pay rise.)

Second Conditional Usage:

If they gave me a pay rise, I'd buy a new car. (I feel it is less likely that they will give me a pay risc.)

The second conditional can also be used to give advice.

If I were you, I'd complain to the manager.

Both was and were are possible in the conditional clause after the subject pronouns I/he/she/it. Was is more common in spoken English.

If he were a little taller, he'd be an excellent goalkeeper.

The modal verbs might and could can be used in the main clause to indicate possible results.

If you worked a bit harder you might have more success.

D

What is Third conditional

if+ past perfect, would/might/could have + past participle.

We use the third conditional to talk about imaginary situations in the past.

If we hadn't taken a map, we would have got lost. (We took a map, so we didn't get lost.)

E

What is Mixed conditional

if+ past perfect, would + infinitive without to

Mixed conditionals are a combination of a second and a third conditional. They can express an imaginary past event and a possible or probable present result.

If you'd listened to my advice, you would not be in this situation now.

F

What are the Alternative words for if

As long as, provided (that), providing (that) and on condition (that) can be used in place of if to emphasize the condition.

I'll lend you £10 as long as you give it back tomorrow.

We'll go out in the boat tomorrow afternoon provided the sea isn't too rough.

برای دسترسی به دروس بیشتر به لینک زیر مراجعه کنید.

گرامر صفر تا صد زبان انگلیسی

لسنینگ از مبتدی تا پیشرفته

لغات زبان انگلیسی به تفکیک موضوع

درک مطلب از سطح مبتدی تا پیشرفته

تمامی موضوعات آیلتس اسپیکینگ پارت یک، دو و سه همراه با جواب