B2 Grammar: Conditionals

Zero, first and second conditionals

Conditional sentences express a condition (If …) and the consequence of the condition.

The consequence can be expressed before or after the condition: If you come to Canada, we can visit Vancouver. We can visit Vancouver if you come to Canada.

Note: If the condition comes first, a comma is used. If the consequence comes first, no comma is used.

Zero conditional

If + present tense, - present tense: If the teacher is late, it sets a bad example to the class.

Zero conditional is used to express:

• Things which are always or generally true: People get annoyed if you shout at them
• Scientific facts: If water boils, it evaporates.

First conditional

If/Unless + present tense, - future tense / modal verb (may, can, should, etc.) / imperative: If you wash the car, it will look much smarter. You can have an ice cream if you behave well. If he phones, tell him I’m in a meeting. I won’t phone you unless it’s urgent. You shouldn’t go swimming unless you think it’s safe.

The first conditional is used to express a future condition the speaker thinks is possible or likely: If I get the job, I’ll buy myself a new car.

Second conditional

If/Unless + past tense, - would/could/might + infinitive: If she wasn’t so busy, she could come to the party. I would go or a walk, if it wasn’t so cold.

The second conditional is used to express a present or future condition which is imaginary, contrary to the facts, impossible or improbable:

If I was as rich as Bil Gates, I wouldn’t work (this is imaginary).

I wouldn’t fly in a helicopter unless I was sure it was completely safe (this is imaginary).

Her English would be better if she came to class more often (contrary to the facts – she doesn’t come to class often enough).

Indirect questions

Indirect questions are questions which you introduce with a short phrase, e.g. Do you know …, Could you tell me …, I wonder …, I’d like to know …

This type of question is used when:

• you are talking to someone you don’t know, or
• you are writing a letter or email.

When you ask an indirect question:

• the order of the words in the question is the same as a normal sentence, e.g.

direct question: How long have you been studying English?

indirect question: Can you tell me how long you have been studying English?

direct question: When can I phone you?

indirect question: I wonder when I can phone you.

• the auxiliary verbs do, does and did are not used to form questions: the question has the same form as a normal sentence, e.g.

direct question: Does the train to Paris leave from this platform?

indirect question: Could you tell me if the train to Paris leaves from this platform?

direct question: Did she speak to the headmaster?

indirect question: Do you know if she spoke to the headmaster?

• use a question mark (?) when the introductory phrase is a question, e.g.

Could you tell me why you haven’t done your homework yet?

• Do not use a question mark (?) when the introductory phrase is not a question, e.g.

I’d like to know how much the course costs.

• Use if or whether to introduce questions where you expect the answer yes or no, e.g.

direct question: Is the university near the city centre?

indirect question: Can you tell me if/whether the university is near the city centre?