Conditionals

What are ‘Conditionals’?

Conditionals describe the result of a certain condition.

E.g.: If you study hard, you will pass your exams.
You will pass your exams if you study hard.

The if clause tells you the condition (If you study hard) and
the main clause tells you the result (you will pass your
exams). The order of the clauses does not change the
meaning.

Prepared by: Ms. Diana Joshi

Primary 3

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Types of ‘Conditionals’?

There are four different types of conditional sentences in English.

1. Zero conditional sentences

2. First conditional sentences

3. Second conditional sentences

4. Third conditional sentences

In Primary 3 - students learn about the 1st and 2nd conditionals only.

Prepared by: Ms. Diana Joshi

Primary 3

3

Zero Conditionals – Present condition

• Zero conditional sentences express general truth/facts.

E.g.:
1)

If you don’t brush your teeth, you get cavities.

2)

If you climb high up the mountain, the air becomes cooler.

• When using the zero conditional, the correct tense in both clauses is the simple present

tense.

If + Clause in Simple Present Tense + Main Clause in Simple Present Tense

E.g.: If I come home late, my mother gets angry.

• Present conditionals are also used for instructions or requests.

E.g.:
1)

If you are not coming to work tomorrow, please let me know.

2)

If you see Jane, tell her to meet me in the library.

Prepared by: Ms. Diana Joshi

Primary 3

4

First Conditionals – Will condition

• First conditional sentences or Will conditions are used to express

situations in which the outcome is likely (but not guaranteed) to
happen in the future provided the condition is fulfilled.

E.g.:
1) If you study hard, you will get good results.
2) You will recover soon if you take medicine and rest well.

• We use the simple present tense in the if-clause and the simple future

tense in the main clause—the clause that expresses the likely outcome.

If + Clause in Simple Present Tense + Main Clause in Simple Future Tense

E.g.: If I do not practice my speech, I will not be able to present well.

Prepared by: Ms. Diana Joshi

Primary 3

5

Thank you!

Prepared by: Ms. Diana Joshi

Primary 3

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