Mixed Conditionals

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Mixed Conditionals
The Conditionals
There are four types of conditional sentences, and we refer to them as the ZERO, the FIRST, the SECOND and the THIRD conditionals. A conditional sentence is formed by two parts: the IF clause (the condition) and the main clause (the result). Next you will see a review of how the conditionals are formed. (Note: Except for the Zero Conditional, this lesson is a review of past lessons. For examples of the First, Second and Third conditionals see each lesson separately)

Formation of the conditionals

Zero Conditional A ZERO CONDITIONAL sentence is formed as follows: If +Present Simple / Present Simple. The order is indifferent. The If clause can go second, but in this case we don't use a comma: If you heat ice, it melts Ice melts if you heat it

We can use WHEN instead of IF: WHEN we heat ice, it melts First Conditional The First Conditional is usually formed: IF + Present Simple clause + Future Simple clause. The order of the two clauses doesn't matter. (Note: When the condition comes first we separate the two clauses with a comma. When the condition is placed in the second clause we dont use a comma) The IF clause can also be in the Present Continuous and the Present Perfect tenses. Moreover, the MAIN clause (the result) can be in imperative as well as future simple. And the modals which can replace WILL are: CAN, MAY, MIGHT, MUST, SHOULD. UNLESS can replace IF....NOT PROVIDING/PROVIDED THAT and AS LONG AS can replace IF, they mean ONLY IF: (see below for examples) Second Conditional A Second Conditional sentence is usually formed as follows: If + Past Simple, subject+ WOULD + infinitive (without to). The order is indifferent. (Note: When the condition comes first we separate the two clauses with a comma. When the condition is placed in the second clause we dont use a comma.) The IF clause can also be in the past continuous. The MAIN clause (the result) can have COULD and MIGHT as well as WOULD. SUPPOSING/SUPPOSE + subject can be used instead of IF. (see below for examples) Third Conditional A third conditional sentence is formed as follows:

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Mixed Conditionals

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If + Past Perfect / Perfect Conditional (would have + past participle). The order is indifferent. (Note: We must put a comma between the two clauses when we start with the condition.) (see below for examples)

When to use the Zero Conditional

Explanation We use the ZERO CONDITIONAL to talk about general truths (things that are always true). Examples - If you heat ice, it melts.

When to use the First Conditional

Explanation We use the First Conditional to talk about the future. We also use it to talk about a situation which is very likely to happen. Examples - If I have money next year, Ill buy a car

- If it rains, I will definitely take the bus

When to use the Second Conditional?

Explanation We use the Second Conditional to talk about an unrealistic situation or a very unlikely possibility in the present or future. Examples - If I had money I would buy a car. (The situation is that I dont have money, so buying a car is not realistic) - If I won the lottery I would give it all away to friends and family (the possibility of winning the lottery is extremely unlikely.) If I was/were you, I would speak to Mary at once. (Note: WERE can replace WAS with I/HE/SHE/IT)

We also use the SECOND CONDITIONAL to give advice.

When to use the Third Conditional

Explanation We use the third conditional to talk about a past situation, the result of which we imagine differently. We use it to criticise Examples If you had taken your umbrella, you wouldn't have got wet

If you had taken a taxi, you would have arrived on time

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Mixed Conditionals
And to express regret

3
If I hadn't said those hard words, we would still be friends

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