Conditional Sentences

Conditional Sentences

Zero Conditional

One event triggers another event irrespective of time and tense, that is, any universal truth, fact, habit, rule, etc. We can use 'when' instead of 'if' for zero conditional. It is also okay to use an imperative clause(orders, instructions) as the independent clause.

We get green if we mix red and yellow.

My cat bites me when I touch his belly.

If you don't trust me, check the CCTV. (imperative)

First Conditional

One event in the present triggers another event in the future. 

If you take this pill, you will feel better.

He will not forgive you if you disturb him again.

Second Conditional 

We imagine an event that is impossible or unlikely in the present or the future and we describe the possible imaginary outcome of that event.

If I were a bird, I would fly to all continents. (impossible)

If I had a time machine, I would go back to my childhood. (the invention of a time machine is very unlikely)

Third Conditional

We talk about an event that didn’t happen in the past and we describe the possible outcome of that event in the subsequent past time.

If I had studied attentively, I would have passed the exam.  ( I really didn't study, I failed)

He would have been killed if he had not worn the bulletproof jacket. (He wore it, so he survived.)

Mixed Conditional

We talk about an event that hasn't happened yet, and we describe the possible outcome of that event in the present, past, or future.

(to be continued)