zero condicional
TRANSCRIPT
CONDITIONALS
ZERO
ZERO
This conditional one refers a situation that is always true (universal truths)
We use the zero conditional when we have absolute certainty of the statement (facts and general truths). For example if you take an ice cube and put
it in the sun it melts. If it did not, you would think there was something very wrong with the world.
We use the zero conditional when we are thinking of a simple fact. It is not past, present or future, it simply is. But it must be a fact that always
remains the same no matter what. When can substitute if for when in the zero conditional, but the meaning doesn’t change.
ZERO
FIRST
FIRST
We use the first conditional to talk about a possibility in the future. There needs to be a real possibility that this situation could occur.
Although we are thinking about a possibility in the future, the condition is always presented in the present simple, and the result is presented with “will + the base verb”.
I will go out tonight even if it rains.
FIRST
SECOND
SECOND
Like the first conditional we are thinking about the future,
however with the second conditional, the situation is
unreal, or unlikely to occur (hypothetical). For example
you could be thinking what you would do if you had a lot
of money or were a millionaire. Most of us aren’t
millionaires, but we like to think what we would do if we
were. It’s like a dream.
We use the past simple in the second conditional and most
commonly “would + base verb” in the result. However, if
there is less certainty in your statement or if something is
possible, but you might choose not to do it, then use
“could or might + base verb”.
The use of “could” indicates that there is the possibility or ability
to buy a house in London, but it’s not certain that you would
follow the action. It is like saying you could afford a house in
London if you were rich.
SECOND