The Conditional: Zero, First, Second & Third
Zero Conditional
We use the zero conditional to talk about a general “condition” or to describe something that usually happens.
If +Present Simple +Present Simple
(If clause – simple present, main clause – simple present)
Examples:
If the market goes up, people are happy.
If a country has high tax rates, it is less attractive to foreign investors.
He can’t concentrate at work if he doesn’t eat breakfast.
First Conditional
We use the first conditional to talk about a real possibility.
If +Present Simple +Will + Infinitive
(If clause – simple present, main clause – will, going to, might, may ,plus the base form of a verb)
Examples:
If you work hard, you will succeed.
If I have time today, I will go running after work.
If I don’t have time later, I won’t go running.
I might arrive late if I don’t leave right now.
Second Conditional
We use the second conditional to talk about an unreal possibility.
If +Past Simple +Would + Infinitive
(If clause – simple past, main clause – would, might, could (plus the base form of a verb)
Examples:
If I were you, I would talk to her about it.
If I had millions of dollars, I wouldn’t have to work.
I might miss my country if I traveled a lot for work.
