Conditionals - If you read this post carefully, you will master conditionals

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Conditional sentences or if clauses are used to describe conditions and results. There is an if clause that tells you the condition (if you read this post) and a main clause that describes the result (you will master conditionals).

There are four main types of conditional sentences.

ZERO CONDITIONAL

Structure: if + present simple, ... present simple

You can also reverse the order: You get sunburnt if you lie in the sun too long. (No comma is necessary in this case)
Usage: facts that are generally true (the result is always the same), for example scientific facts or rules.

FIRST CONDITIONAL

Structure: if + present simple, ... will + infinitive

You can also reverse the order: They will cancel the concert if it rains. (No comma is necessary in this case)
Usage: describe possible or probable future situations and their consequences.

SECOND CONDITIONAL

Structure: if + past simple, ... would + infinitive


You can also reverse the order: They would travel the world if I won the lottery. (No comma is necessary in this case)Usage: imaginary, unlikely or impossible situations.


Careful: If I WERE you, I’d study harder. NOT: *If I was you. 

THIRD CONDITIONAL

Structure: if + past perfect, ... would have + past participle 
You can also say: I would have passed the exam if I had studied.
Usage: talk about the past and describe a situation that didn't happen, and to imagine its hypothetical consequences.

Last but not least, if you’ve perfectly understood conditional sentences…have a look at the MIXED CONDITIONALS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mv7fBqauvc

ACTIVITY 1 - 1st conditional 

MURPHY’S LAW "If a toast falls, it will land with its butter face on the floor"



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Write 10 Murphy's laws related to your school or job. Use the first conditional.

ACTIVITY 2 - Second conditional

  • If you could have dinner with any three people (dead or alive), who would they be and why?
  • If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?
  • What would you do if... you had to live on a deserted island?
  • What would you do if... you could swap lives with your teacher for a day?
  • What would you do if... aliens landed in your backyard?
  • What would you do if... you could control the weather?

ACTIVITY 3- Third conditional

Watch this clip from the film " The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Then write sentences using the third conditional.

1. Daisy’s friend’s shoelace broke. 

2. The delivery truck blocked the taxi.

3. The package wasn’t wrapped.

4. The girl broke up with her boyfriend. 

5. The man forgot to set his alarm.

6. The taxi driver stopped for a cup of coffee.

7. The woman didn’t remember her coat.

Example:

If Daisy’s friend’s shoelace hadn’t broken, Daisy  would have crossed the street and the taxi would have driven by.

EXERCISES:





SONGS:




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