First off, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you who are reading these blog posts, I've had some fantastic feedback so far! Remember that if there is anything specific you would like me to cover, you only have to send me an email with your question or topic.
'If you do, I will try my best to respond quickly in a blog post' - This brings us onto today's topic!
Conditionals! I can hear you sighing and yawning already ... I know, these can be tricky and you might have spent your precious time in a classroom or on YouTube listening to a teacher go on for hours about them, only to have forgotten them weeks later!
However, the fact is that we need conditional sentences, they are so useful and it's difficult to describe situations and their consequences without them.
Today, I hope to give you a simple breakdown of the four conditionals and an opportunity to actually practise them.
So let's get started!
THE ZERO CONDITIONAL
This conditional is used for general situations when the result is always true. It's the simplest conditional in terms of structure but many learners don't use it.
One thing which is different about the zero conditional compared to the others, is that usually we have the option to use 'when' instead of 'if'.
For example:
When water reaches 100 degrees, it boils
If water reaches 100 degrees, it boils
Take a look at the info-graphic below!
Can you think of any other examples?
THE FIRST CONDITIONAL
This is used to talk about future situations which are likely to happen and their possible consequences. Remember that the key point here is that the situation is real, it could actually happen, it's not imaginary or hypothetical.
More examples:
If they ask me to stay late, I will have to.
If it rains, I will stay indoors.
If she lies again, I will be very angry.
THE SECOND CONDITIONAL
This is one which many students struggle with, it's not super complicated in terms of the grammar structure but often people forget that here we are talking about unlikely or impossible situations!
Thought of some examples? Comment below and I will reply! :)
THE THIRD CONDITIONAL
Although the third conditional is the most difficult in terms of grammar, in my opinion it's the most useful! Remember that we have to use the past participle of the verb in both of the clauses!
Drink - drank - drunk
We often use this one to talk about regrets, but if you have #noregrets don't worry, we can still use it for past events in a positive way, take a look:
If I hadn't of woken up so early, I wouldn't have made it on time to my exam. (I made it on time so it's positive, I'm not regretting)
Extra tip:
It is possible with these conditionals to 'invert' the two clauses, which means we can switch them around! However, we should not use a comma when we do this, take a look at this example:
If it rains, I won't go outside.
I won't go outside if it rains.
Your assignment for this week!
Complete these sentences and write three examples with the zero conditional, send them to me via email contact@mlukenglish.com and I will check them for you!
First Conditional
1. If I __________________ (go) out tonight, I __________________ (go) to the
cinema.
2. If you __________________ (get) back late, I __________________ (be)
angry.
3. If we __________________ (not / see) each other tomorrow, we
__________________ (see) each other next week.
4. If he __________________ (come), I __________________ (be) surprised
Second conditional
1. If I _________________ (be) you, I _________________ (get) a new job.
2. If he _________________ (be) younger, he _________________ (travel)
more.
3. If we _________________ (not / be) friends, I _________________ (be)
angry with you.
4. If I _________________ (have) enough money, I _________________ (buy)
a big house.
Third Conditional
1. If you ______________ (not / be) late, we ______________ (not / miss) the
bus.
2. If she ______________ (study), she ______________ (pass) the exam.
3. If we ______________ (arrive) earlier, we ______________ (see) John.
4. If they ______________ (go) to bed early, they ______________ (not / wake)
up late.
I hope this quick breakdown of conditionals has been helpful to review them and that they are a little clearer now in your mind.
This week I will be posting a series of lessons on my Facebook page, designed to help you with conditionals and to answer any questions!
That's all for now guys and girls, I'm looking forward to your comments, homework and emails!
See you on Friday!
Mitch
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