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Unit 6 - Conditionals

Conditionals


Unit 6 - Conditionals

Maggie: I don't feel well today.
Vince: If you feel sick, go to the doctor!
Maggie: I don't want to go to the doctor. If I go to the doctor, I will have to pay a lot of money!
Vince: If you don't go to the doctor, you will be more sick!
Maggie: I know. I don't like feeling this way. If I don't go to the doctor, I will rest at home.
Vince: If I come pick you up, will you let me drive you to the doctor?
Maggie: That's very nice of you, thank you.

English conditional statements are grouped into four main types - zero, first, second, and third conditional.

Zero Conditional

Zero conditional is used for statements and facts which are perceived to be true.

Zero conditional has the form if + present simple + present simple. For example:
- If you need any help just call me.
- If you run fast you get tired.
All conditionals have two clauses, the if clause
- "If you have time, ..."
and the main clause
- "...come and visit us".

Either of these two clauses can come first:
- "If it rains take an umbrella" - or also:
- "Take an umbrella if it rains."

The zero conditional is often used with imperatives. For example:
- If you feel sick, see a doctor.
- If you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.

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Grammar Exercise

The zero conditional (using If you can't...) is often found in old sayings and proverbs.

Complete the sayings and proverbs below using the clauses in the box.

you can't be helped. better not show your teeth. be thankful for what you have escaped. then you'll just have to serve as a horrible warning. join them.
don't say anything at all. adjust your sail. you can't rule. get out of the kitchen. somebody else will.

Example: If you can't take the temperature
Answer: If you can't take the temperature

1. If you can't serve

2. If you can't beat them,

3. If you can't bite,

4. If you can't take advice,

5. If you can't control the wind,

6. If you can't stand the heat,

7. If you can't laugh at yourself,

8. If you can't say anything nice,

9. If you can't be a good example,

10. If you can't be content with what you have received,

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Answers
1. = "you can't rule.";
2. = "join them.";
3. = "better not show your teeth.";
4. = "you can't be helped.";
5. = "adjust your sail.";
6. = "get out of the kitchen.";
7. = "somebody else will.";
8. = "don't say anything at all.";
9. = "then you'll just have to serve as a horrible warning.";
10. = "be thankful for what you have escaped.";

First Conditional

First conditional is used for statements and facts which will be true, if a certain condition is met.

First conditional has the form if + present simple + will + base verb. For example:
- If it's sunny, we'll go to the beach.
- If I have time, I'll meet you at work.
- If we don't go now, we'll be late.
As with all conditionals the first conditonal has two clauses, the if clause
- "If you help us, ..."
and the main clause
- "...we'll help you.".

Either of these two clauses can come first:
- "If he gets a new job we'll move to London." - or also:
- "We'll move to London if he gets a new job."

In the first conditional will is a modal verb expressing certainty. Other modal verbs can also be used to show various degrees of certainty. For example:
- If you like Asian food, you'll love this restaurant. (There is a 100% chance you'll love the restaurant.)
- If you like Asian food, you should like this restaurant. (80%)
- If you like Asian food, you might like this restaurant. (50%)
- If you like Asian food, you probably won't like this restaurant. (20%)
- If you like Asian food, you won't like this restaurant. (0%)

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Grammar Exercises

Using the rules for first conditionals, complete the sentences below.

Example: If the teacher _____ come, who _____?

a) doesn't... will teach
b) does... won't teach - The answer is: a) doesn't... will teach
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1. I _____ say anything if you _____.
a) don't... won't b) won't... don't

2. What _____ if you _____ get a job?
a) do you do... won't b) will you do... don't

3. If a soufflé _____ punctured or shaken it _____.
a) is... will collapse b) will be... collapses

4. If teachers _____ earn respect, students _____ give it.
a) don't... won't b) won't... don't

5. You _____ asked to leave if you _____ follow the rules.
a) are... won't b) will be... don't

6. If you _____ keep up with the payments, you _____ your home.
a) don't... will lose b) won't... lose

7. Ladybugs _____ fly if the temperature _____ below 13 degrees Celsius.
a) don't... will be b) won't... is

8. What _____ you get if you _____ a huge, hairy monster with a penguin?
a) do... will cross b) will... cross

9. We _____ your deposit if you _____ your reservation more than 7 days in advance.
a) return... will cancel b) will return... cancel

10. If the company _____ bankrupt, how _____ able to pay our bills and feed our families?
a) goes... will we be b) will go... are we
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Answers

"b", "b", "a", "a", "b", "a", "b", "b", "b", "a"