CONDITIONALS

They are subordinate sentences. They are normally linked by

if. If the first condition happens, the second one is likely to
happen too. THERE ARE 5 TYPES OF CONDITIONALS

0 CONDITIONAL = If + present simple, present simple

We use the Zero conditional to show that one action always follows another. We often use when
or if.
-

If/ when water freezes, it turns to ice.

When I travel by boat, Im always sick

1ST CONDITIONAL = If + present simple, will/can + infinitive

We use the first conditional to talk about events which are possible. The Conditional clause can
refer to the present or the future.
-

If it rains, we will stay at home.

Other structures are possible, depending on what you want to say:

-

If you behave yourself, you can come

If you dont work, you are going to fail
If you need anything, ask
If were leaving soon, Ill get my coat
If Ive finished, Ill be able to come
If youve finished, you can go
Eat less and youll get slim
Buy some eggs when you go to the supermarket
Paul will bring you a sweater (just) in case it gets cold
Provided/ing (that) you rest, youll make a full recovery
Theyll be safe as long as they dont move
Unless you leave now, youll be late (unless = if not)
2ND CONDITIONAL = If + past simple, would/ could/ might + infinitive

We use the second conditionals for unlikely situations in the present or future:
-

If I had enough money, Id retire

I would study more if I were you

In the second and third conditionals, we can use were instead of was with any subject.

3RD CONDITIONAL = If + past perfect, would/ could/ might + present perfect

We use the third conditional to talk about a situation that did not happen in the past.
-

If I hadnt become a teacher, I would have liked to be an actor

MIXED CONDITIONALS

3/ 2 when a past event has an effect in the present

-

If you hadnt invited me, I wouldnt be here

2 /3 when a present condition has an effect in the past

-

If I were more hard-working, I would have finished my degree at university

I WISH / IF ONLY

WISHES ABOUT THE PRESENT. We use wish with past tense (simple or continuous) to
express regret about a present situation
-

I wish/ If only I were/was taller

I wish/ If only I was going on holiday with you
I wish/ If only I could tell her about it
I wish/If only I would tell her about it

WISHES ABOUT THE FUTURE. We use wish with would to say how we would like somebody
to behave in the future
-

I wish/ If only you would stop talking

I wish/ If only this car would go faster

WISHED ABOUT THE PAST. We use wish with past perfect when we have regrets about the
past
-

I wish/ If only I hadnt taken your advice

I wish/ If only she could have come

By Yolanda Garca Moreno