Conditional sentences express a condition (if…) and the consequence of the

condition.

The consequence can be expressed before or after the condition:

 If you come to Canada, we can visit Vancouver = we can visit Vancouver if

you come to Canada.

Note: if the condition comes first, a comma is used. If the consequence

comes first, no comma is used.

1º - Zero conditional.

If + present tense, -present tense: if the teacher is late, it sets a bad

example to the class.

Zero conditional is used to express:

Things that are always or generally true: people get annoyed if you
shout at them

Scientific facts: if water boils, it evaporates

2º - First conditional.
If/Unless + present tense, - future tense/modal verb (may, should, can,
etc.)/imperative:

 If you wash the car, it will look much smarter. Future tense

 You can have an ice-cream if you behave well. Modal

 If he phones, tell him I’m in a meeting. Imperative

 I won’t phone unless it’s urgent. Future negative

 You shouldn’t go swimming unless you think it’s safe. Modal

 The first conditional is used to express a future condition the speaker

thinks is possible or likely: if I get the job, I’ll buy myself a new car.

3º Second conditional
If/Unless + past tense, - would/could/might + infinitive:

 If she wasn´t so busy, she could come to the party.

 I would go for a walk if it wasn’t so cold.

 The second conditional is used to express a present or future

condition which is imaginary, contrary to the facts, impossible or
improbable:

 If I was as rich as Bill Gates, I wouldn’t work. Imaginary situation

 I wouldn’t fly in a helicopter unless I was sure it was completely safe.

Imaginary situation

 Her English would be better if she came to class more often. Contrary to
the facts as she doesn’t come to class often enough.
Exercises:

> Transform these sentences using the First Conditional.

1 Rachel might fail her driving test. But she can take it again.

2 United might lose. If they do, Tom will be upset.

3 The office may be closed. In that case Mark won't be able to get in.

4 Nick may arrive a bit early. If he does, he can help Tom to get things

ready.

5 The party might go on all night. If it does, no one will want to do any work

tomorrow.

6 Emma may miss the train. But she can get the next one.

7 Is Matthew going to enter the race? He'll probably win it.

> Transform these sentences using the Second Conditional.

1 You can't look the word up because you haven't got a dictionary.

I'm sorry. ..........................................................................................................

2 You don't write to your friends because you're so busy.

I’ve got so much to do ..................................................................................

3 You can't play tennis because your back is aching.

It's a nuisance .................................................................................................

4 Claire won't marry Henry because she doesn't love him.

Of course, ........................................................................................................

5 Nick can't find the way because he hasn't got a map.

Nick's lost, but ................................................................................................

6 David has so many accidents because he's so clumsy.

You know, ...........................................................................................................

 1. Put the verb in brackets into the correct tense and form.

I. He __________________ ( not be) very good football player if he didn´t

train hard.
II. She won´t finish her report on time if you __________________(not /
help) her.
III. I won´t be surprised if they __________________(get married)
IV. If they moved to Rome, I __________________(not see) them very
often.
V. If it rains, they __________________(not go) to the football match.
VI. If someone __________________(have) an electronic shock, what would
you do?
VII. If we __________________(not work) hard, we could fail the exam.
VIII. If your friend got hurt, what __________________(you / do)?
IX. She won´t take a course unless she __________________ (listen) to her
father´s advice.
X. Sara will be sad if Juan __________________(leave).
XI. If you cook the dinner, I __________________(wash) the dishes.
XII. She´ll look completely different if she __________________ (cut) her
hair.
XIII. You __________________ (get) heart disease if you eat too much meat.
XIV. Your blood pressure may rise if you __________________ (be) a heavy
smoker.
XV. If you don´t put so much sugar in your tea, you _________________(put
on) so much weight!

2. Complete the sentences by using your own words.

I. I´ll lend you my umbrella if you _______________________________

II. The sea level will rise unless _________________________________

III. Unless he saves more money, he _____________________________

IV. If you talked to him, he _____________________________________

V. If my father were here, he ___________________________________

VI. I would sing you a song if ____________________________________