Instructions
We use conditional sentences to say one thing depends on another. They can be used to talk about real or imaginary situations. One of the clauses starts with if (or a similar word) – this is the conditional clause. The other clause talks about the result of the conditional clause happening.
Ummm?
Don’t worry, it’s a lot easier than it sounds. Let’s look at some examples.
If you don’t tell me, I’ll just keep asking.
If I promise to travel less, will you forgive me?
I know that one. It’s a first conditional: if + present simple, then will + infinitive.
That’s right. It’s for talking about a situation in the future which the speaker thinks is quite possible. If the first condition happens, something will happen as a result. In this conditional sentence, the present tense after if refers to the future, not the present.
And can you change the order of the clauses round?
Yes, and we leave out the comma in the middle of the sentence if the order is changed round.
I’ll just keep asking if you don’t tell me.
OK. I also know the second conditional. If + past simple, then would + infinitive.
Right again! This is for talking about an unlikely or unreal condition.
If you travelled less because of me, I’d feel worse.
If I had the opportunity to visit places like that, I wouldn’t complain!
So, in the second example, Oliver doesn’t think he will have the opportunity to travel a lot. It’s possible but improbable. We use the past simple to show that it’s not likely, not to indicate past time.
Can you use any other verbs, apart from would, in this kind of conditional?
Yes, we sometimes use other modal verbs like might or could in the result clause (not the if clause).
I see. What about, 'If you mix blue and yellow, you get green'. Is that a conditional?
Yes. That’s a zero conditional. We often use them for facts, or in academic subjects.
When it rains a lot, the animals move to higher ground. (geography)
What about other words that can replace if, like unless and as long as?
Well, unless is a kind of negative version of if.
I’ll never go unless you take me. (= If you don’t take me, I’ll never go.)
As long as imposes a condition on someone. You’re telling them what you expect them to do.
You can borrow my surfboard as long as you get it back to me by five o’clock.
So if you agree to what I say, you can borrow my surfboard?
Exactly.
Are there any other conditionals?
Well, there’s the third conditional, but we’ll deal with that separately.
Phew! Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll have to stop there.
That’s fine, as long as everything’s clear!
Worksheets and downloads
Transcript
Discussion
If you could go anywhere in the world on your next holiday, where would you go and why?
Comments
because i want to live in america and become like google CEO Sunder Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella they are from India.
if i had such opportunity i would go to America in my next holidays specially in new york city because i want to see statue of liberty,i want to have lunch in vikas khanna's restaurant junoon,walk around times square,i want to see all the tourist places in new york city,make friends,i will stays at trump tower hotel,i want to live the luxurious lifestyle of america.
maybe i'd go to Germany because i can speak german
Good
This activity I like because i review the viewed in class
I would like to visit all the country of mexico, the magic towns
If I had such opportunity, I'd go to tropical islands. I like the nature and the climate, and I also like tropical plants and animals.
If i had a chance, i would go to know the beaches of Mexico
I would like to go to Japan, because I want to know more about this country and its customs
If I chose a part of the world to go to, I would travel to Amsterdam because of its cold weather, I would walk all day in its streets admiring its big buildings
it's something surprising since it helped my activity and thus identify how each side of the conditionals is like the verbs in the past
It is a very difficult question. because I want to visit many places, but I think if I could go anywhere during my vacation, I would go to Canada.
the subject is complicated but with practice you can learn the 3 conditionals
Okay
i want to go places which distinct around the world like Japon ,Franc. Cuz i really love travelling.
I really liked the activity :D
excellent activity to learn more English
I would go to the Spain. to visit my grandmother!
If I could go to a place I would go to London England
If I had such opportunity I will go to Thailand in my next holiday. I love Thailand's all of culture such as food,nationality,construction.One of best construction is 101 tower.That is highest tower in Thailand.I would like to to top of 101 to take a photo from top of tower.also food culture is really nice.I love that.If I have money I move to Thailand as soon as possible to enjoy my life In the future .3 year ago I persuaded my parents to move to another country to learn English,but my parent refuse my desire .I hope If I could to store money I move to another country .
Can anybody give me the "only if" structure?
If I get some money, I would like to visit Alaska in my next Holliday’s. I would like to see the northern lights.
If I had a chance, I would want to go to the Pluton via SpaceX... :):):)
If I had such opportunity, I'd go to tropical islands. I like the nature and the climate, and I also like tropical plants and animals.
If I could go anywhere on my holiday, I would go to England to improve my english.
I would go to the U.S.A. to visit some friends!
If I could go anywhere on my holidays, I would go to Thailand and China.
If I could go on holiday, I would go to China, because it is one of the oldest cultures in the world.
I don't understand this sentence: "I'd known,I would have asked,you know that."
What is its conditional type ?
Because you use the "would" at both sentence
Hi Didoo. Good question! In 'I'd known', the 'd' is short for 'had', not 'would'. So, it's a third conditional :) You can find out more about it here.
Jonathan (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
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