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If...(zero and first conditional)

If zero conditional.png
If first conditional.png

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 + willpresent form verb

Subject + willverb 'be' + adjective

 

Subject + verb 'be' + going to + present form

Subject + should + present form verb

 

Subject + might / could / maypresent form

Vocabulary - Verbs
Vocabulary - Travel essentials
Vocabulary - Emotions
Examples

Past

Now

it rains