2. Zero Conditional: certainty
We use the so-called zero conditional when
the result of the condition is always
true, like a scientific fact.
Notice that we are thinking about a result
that is always true for this condition. The
result of the condition is an
absolute certainty.
3. Zero conditional: structure
If condition result
Present Present
simple simple
If you heat ice, it melts.
Result if condition
Present Present
simple simple
Ice melts if you heat it.
4. Zero conditional: examples
If you freeze water, it becomes a solid.
Plants die if they don't get enough
water.
If you mix red and blue,
you get purple.
Water boils if you heat it to 100°C.
5. First Conditional: real possibility
We are talking about the future. We
are thinking about a particular
condition or situation in the future, and
the result of this condition. There is a
real possibility that this condition will
happen.
6. First conditional: structure
If condition result
will / can / may /
Present simple must + verb
I will stay
If it rains,
home.
Result if condition
will / can / may /
must + verb
Present simple
I will stay
if it rains.
home
7. First conditional: examples
If they do not pass their exam, their
teacher will be sad.
He will invite Tara if she is free
tomorrow.
If you drink too much, you'll get drunk.
You must wear warm clothes if it is
cold.
8. Second conditional: unreal
possibility or dream
We are still thinking about the future.
We are thinking about a particular
condition in the future, and the result
of this condition. But there is not a real
possibility that this condition will
happen, like a dream.
9. Second conditional: structure
If condition result
would / could /
Past simple might + verb
If I won the lottery, I would buy a car.
Result if condition
would / could /
might + verb
Past simple
I would buy a car if I won the lottery
10. Second conditional: examples
If I were in Brazil, I would go to Rio de
Janeiro.
If I were an alien, I would be able to
travel around the universe.
I could buy a big house if I had a million
dollars.
We would learn a lot from dolphins if
they could talk.