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:
-
everyday events, or
-
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
Vocabulary - Verbs
Vocabulary - Travel essentials
Vocabulary - Emotions
Examples
Past
Now
it rains