Conditional

Grammar, Part 1:
“Real Conditionals”
Let’s study the rules for
this week’s grammar.
Let’s start with some examples:
1. It’s 6:00 a.m. on Monday morning,
and Margaret is getting ready for
work. She has to hurry because …

If she is late for work, Margaret’s

boss will be angry.

What tense is the first verb in?

What tense is the second verb in?
2. It’s 3:00, and John is at work. He
doesn’t feel well. He has a terrible
headache.

John will go home early if he

doesn’t feel better soon.

What tense is the first verb in?

What tense is the second verb in?

3. It’s Saturday morning, and Marissa
has a busy day ahead of her. She
has to do a lot of chores and run
some errands. But . . .

If she has time before dinner, she

is going to see a movie with her
friend.
What tense is the first verb in?

What tense is the second verb in?

If I finish my homework early, I’ll
watch TV for a while.
In this type of sentence . . .
o Put the verb in _________ tense after IF
o Put the other verb in the _________ tense
o Which clause gives the condition?

o Which clause gives the result of the

condition?
 About Real Conditionals:
Real Conditional sentences have two
clauses or phrases:
1) If clause: gives the condition and
has a verb in simple present tense
1) Main clause: gives the result and has
a verb in future. The two ways to
make the future are:
-will
-be going to
It doesn’t matter what order
the clauses are in:

a. Karen will look for a new job if

she doesn’t get a raise soon.

b. If she doesn’t get a raise soon,

Karen will look for a new job.

Important Note: if you begin with IF,

use a comma between the two clauses.
Be careful with negative forms:
Remember, for the present tense
negative use:

But for present tense BE, simply use:

For the future negative, use:

 More examples:
(with negatives)

1. If my family doesn’t come to visit

me this year, I’ll be very sad.

2. Linda and her family won’t get a dog

if their new apartment complex
prohibits it.
 Unless
 Unless means the same as if not.
 We do not use a negative structure in the unless
clause i.e.: unless we don’t protect languages
X in correct!!

Unless we protect languages, they will become

extinct.=if we don’t protect languages, they will
become extinct.

We cannot speak a foreign language fluently unless we practice

the previously learnt discussion structures.= we cannot speak a
foreign language fluently if we don’t practice the previously
learnt structures.
 when& as soon as
 They can replace if in the first conditional. We use
them when we are sure that something will
happen
i.e:As soon as they arrive, we’ll start the meeting.

When they arrive, call me and I’ll meet them.

IMPORTANT!!! We NEVER use a FUTURE TENSE

with these time expressions!!!

When the train will arrive XXX INCORRECT!

As soon as they will come XXX INCORRECT!
 Your turn to practice:
Complete each sentence with an appropriate
idea. Be sure to use correct grammar.

1. IF I have time tomorrow, I …

2. I will buy a new television IF …
3. IF you don’t practice English often, …
4. IF I feel sick tomorrow, …
5. The teacher will help you IF …
6. I will lend you $10 IF …
7. IF the weather is nice tomorrow, …
8. I’ll be upset IF…
9. Unless we study harder…
10. As soon as the teacher comes to the classroom,…
11. When the exam starts,…