E n g l i s h S u p p l e m e n t a r y w o r k s h e e t : P . 4 : P a g e 2 | 5
CONDITIONALS
What are conditionals in English grammar?
Sometimes we call them 'if clauses'. They describe the result of something that
might happen (in the present or future) or might have happened but didn't (in the
past). They are made using different English verb tenses.
Zero Conditional
We can make a zero conditional sentence with
two present simple verbs
(one
in the 'if clause' and one in the 'main clause'):
If + present simple, present simple.
This conditional is used when the result will always happen. So,
if water
reaches 100 degrees, it always boils. It's a fact. I'm talking in general, not about one
particular situation. The result of the 'if clause' is always the main clause.
The 'if' in this conditional can usually be replaced by 'when' without changing
the meaning.
For example:
If water
reaches
100 degrees, it
boils
.
(It is always true, there can't be a different result sometimes).
If I
eat
peanuts, I
am
sick.
(This is true only for me, maybe, not for everyone, but it's still true that
I'm sick every time I eat peanuts)
Here are some more examples:
•
If people
