If...(zero and first conditional)
There are many different 'conditionals' and all will be dealt with in time. The first ones we'll look at are the zero and first conditionals. Think of these as the future conditionals. The event or the result of the event have happened.
Zero conditional - Explain
The zero conditional is used for:
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everyday events, or
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natural events.
Even though they may have happened in the past, or always happen, we are talking about the next one in the future.
Past
Now
Present tense
Future
Present tense
If , .
If [present tense] , [present tense] .
Past
Now
I drink red wine.
Future
I become tired.
If , .
If I drink red wine, I become tired.
Past
Now
I drink red wine.
I become tired.
Future
Without , does not happen.
Past
Now
Future
I go to that restaurant.
I have sushi.
If , .
If I go to that restaurant, I have sushi.
We can swap the parts and put the 'if' in the middle.
if .
I have sushi if I go to that restaurant.
Note that the comma (,) was dropped. It is personal preference based on the length of the first part of the sentence.
When
With the zero conditional, because one event must follow another, you can change the 'if' to a 'when'.
When I drink red wine, I become tired.
I become tired when I drink red wine.
When I go to that restaurant, I have sushi.
I have sushi when I go to that restaurant.
First conditional - explain
The first conditional is used for events you can see happening in the future. They are usual, typical events. Event 1 happens and then event 2 will or might happen.
Past
Now
Present tense
Future tense
Future
Event 2 is in the future in relation to event 1.
If , .
​
​
if .
Review
Present tense
​
Subject + present form verb
​
Subject + verb 'be' + adjective
​
Subject + verb 'be' + continuous form
Subject + like
Subject + want
​
Future tense
​
Subject + will + present form verb
​
Subject + will + verb 'be' + adjective
Subject + verb 'be' + going to + present form
​
Subject + should + present form verb
Subject + might / could / may + present form
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Vocabulary - Verbs
Vocabulary - Travel essentials
Vocabulary - Emotions
Examples
Past
Now
it rains
we will need an umbrella
Future
If it rains, we will need an umbrella.
​
We will need an umbrella if it rains.
Past
Now
we don't see Buckingham Palace
Kate will become upset
Future
If we don't see Buckingham Palace, Kate will become upset.
​
Kate will become upset if we don't see Buckingham Palace.
Past
Now
We want to watch a football match.
We should book tickets.
Future
If we want to watch a football match, we should book tickets.
Practice
the musuem + verb 'be' + closed
If
we could + present tense verb + location
,
If the museum is closed, we could go to the park.
Answer
We could go to the park if the museum is closed.
Answer - swapped
we + present tense verb + the restaurant
If
,
Tom + will + verb 'be' + adjective
If we book the restaurant, Tom will be pleased.
Answer
Tom will be pleased if we book the restaurant.
Answer - swapped
you + verb 'be' + continuous verb + TV
If
I + verb 'be' + going to + become + adjective
,
If you are watching TV, I am going to become annoyed.
Answer
I am going to become annoyed if you are watching TV.
Answer - swapped
If
it + verb 'be' + adjective
,
I + verb 'be' + going to + present tense verb + noun
If it's sunny, I'm going to [buy / wear / need] sun cream.
Answer
I'm going to [buy / wear / need] sun cream if it's sunny.
Answer - swapped
we + want + to + present tense verb
If
we + should + present tense verb
,
If we want to go on the London Eye, we should book tickets.
Answer
We should book tickets if we want to go on the London Eye.
Answer - swapped
we + go + on + holiday
If
we + will + need + noun phrase + and + noun phrase
,
If we go on holiday, we will need a sim card and a charger.
Answer
We will need a sim card and a charger if it we go on holiday.
Answer - swapped
Negative
Make either the 'present tense' or 'future tense' statement negative.
​
If we don't see the Queen, I won't be annoyed.
​
If she doesn't like the food, she could have a pizza.
​
If the play isn't good, we should watch the football.
​
If it's sunny, we are not going to need an umbrella.
we + don't + verb + to + noun phrase
If
,
Billy + will + become + adjective
If we don't go to the beach, Billy will become upset.
Answer
Billy will become upset if we don't go to the beach.
Answer - swapped
Questions (?)
Change the 'future tense' part into a question.
Past
Now
we don't see Buckingham Palace
Future
will Kate become upset
Question
If we don't see Buckingham Palace, will Kate become upset?
​
Will Kate become upset if we don't see Buckingham Palace?
Statement: If she likes reading, she should read this book.
Question: If she likes reading, should she read this book?
​
Statement: If the library is closed, we will study at the cafe.
Question: If the library is closed, will we study at the cafe?
​
Statement: If the theme park is busy today, we could go tomorrow.
Question: If the theme park is busy today, could we go tomorrow?
we + don't + verb + noun
will + Billy + become + adjective
,
If
If we don't go to the beach, will Billy become upset?
Answer
Will Billy become upset if we don't go to the beach.
Answer - swapped
Two subjects?
Let's look at two sentences.
The weather is hot.
We will need sun cream.
Each sentence has a different subject: the weather and we.
​
When we join the sentences there can be two difference subjects.
If the weather is hot, we will need sun cream.
Each part of the new sentence is called a 'clause'.
Task
Finish these sentences:
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If I go shopping, ...
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If I have a lot of + noun , ...
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If I stay at a hotel, ...
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