Conditional Sentences

ÍNDICE

Introduction 1

1. CONDITIONAL SENTENCES 2

1.1. Definition 2

1.2. Types of Conditional Sentences 2

1.2.1. Zero Conditional 2

1.2.2. First Conditional 2

1.2.3. Second Conditional 3

1.2.4. Third Conditional 3

1.2.5. Mixed Conditional 3

2. Conclusion 4

Bibliography 5

Introduction

In order to deepen the student’s knowledge about conditional sentences, the present work will broach aspects related with the theme aforementioned. At this work we will talk about the kinds of conditional sentences (conditional clauses).

Without further waiting, we hope to have reached a fruitful investigative development.

1. CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

1.1. Definition

Conditional sentences also known as conditional clauses are sentences expressing factual implications, or hypothetical situations and their consequences. They are so called because the validity of the main clause of the sentence is conditional on the existence of certain circumstances, which may be expressed in a dependent clause or may be understood from the context.

1.2. Types of Conditional Sentences

In general, there are five types of conditional sentences. They are: zero conditional, first conditional, second conditional, third conditional and mixed conditional.

1.2.1. Zero Conditional

This kind of conditional sentences is used to talk about general truths, or things that are almost always true under certain conditions.

To form zero conditional we use two clauses, one with “if + present simple verb” and the other with another “simple present verb”. For instance, "If students miss an exam, the professor fails them." or we can reverse the order of the clauses by saying: "The professor fails students if they miss an exam".

1.2.2. First Conditional

This kind of conditional refers to predicative conditional sentences. Here, normally, the condition is expressed by using the present tense and the consequence using the future. So, we use this kind of conditional to talk about future events that are likely to happen.

To form first conditional we use two clauses, one with “if + present simple verb” and the other with “will + infinitive without to”. For example, “if you kiss me, I will be in paradise”.

1.2.3. Second Conditional

The second conditional refers to the pattern where the condition clause is in the past tense and the consequence in conditional mood (using “would” or, in the first person and rarely, “should”). This is used for hypothetical, counterfactual situations