2.3 Conditionals
If-sentences and consequences.
Conditionals: If-Sentences
Conditional sentences have two parts:
1. If-clause (condition)
2. Main clause (result/consequence)
"If it rains, I will stay home."
(condition) → (result)
We use conditionals to talk about what happens (or might happen) if a certain condition is met.
Use for: Things that are always true (facts, scientific laws, general truths)
Examples:
- If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
- If it rains, the grass gets wet.
- If you don't water plants, they die.
Note: The word "if" can be replaced with "when" with the same meaning:
- When you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
Use for: Possible future situations and their likely results
Examples:
- If it rains, I will stay home.
- If you study hard, you will pass the test.
- If she doesn't come, we will start without her.
The condition is possible/likely:
- If I have time, I'll call you. (I might have time)
- If the weather is nice, we'll go to the beach. (It might be nice)
Note: In the if-clause, we use present tense even though we're talking about the future!
- ❌ If it will rain...
- ✓ If it rains...
Use for: Imaginary or unlikely situations
Examples:
- If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house.
- If I could fly, I would travel everywhere.
- If she knew the answer, she would tell us.
The situation is imaginary/unlikely:
- If I were a bird, I would fly away.
- If I had a million dollars, I would help people.
Special note: With "I", we often use "were" instead of "was":
- If I were you, I would apologize. (formal/correct)
- If I was you, I would apologize. (informal/common)
What is the difference between these sentences?
→ This is a fact. It always happens.
2. "If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home." (First conditional)
→ This is a real possibility. It might rain tomorrow.
3. "If it rained diamonds, I would be rich." (Second conditional)
→ This is imaginary. It won't really rain diamonds!
Key difference:
- Zero: Always true
- First: Possible/likely
- Second: Imaginary/unlikely
The if-clause can come first OR second:
If-clause first: (use a comma)
- If I have time, I will help you.
Main clause first: (no comma needed)
- I will help you if I have time.
Both sentences mean the same thing!
- ❌ If it will rain, I will stay home.
- ✓ If it rains, I will stay home.
Mistake 2: Using "would" in the if-clause (second conditional)
- ❌ If I would have time, I would help.
- ✓ If I had time, I would help.
Remember: The special verb form goes in the MAIN clause, not the if-clause!
- I will go unless it rains. = I will go if it doesn't rain.
- She won't pass unless she studies. = She won't pass if she doesn't study.
Examples:
- Unless you hurry, you will be late.
(= If you don't hurry, you will be late.)
- I won't tell anyone unless you want me to.
(= I won't tell anyone if you don't want me to.)
Which sentence is a first conditional?
Complete the sentence: "If I ___ rich, I would travel the world."
Complete the first conditional sentences:
If she __ (study), she __ (pass) the exam.
If it __ (be) sunny, we __ (go) to the beach.
I __ (help) you if you __ (ask) nicely.
Complete the second conditional sentences:
If I __ (be) you, I __ (apologize).
If she __ (have) more time, she __ (learn) to play guitar.
We __ (travel) more if we __ (have) more money.
Identify the type of conditional and explain the meaning:
a) "If you mix blue and yellow, you get green."
b) "If I had wings, I would fly to school."
c) "If you don't leave now, you'll be late."
"If you mix blue and yellow, you get green."
"If I had wings, I would fly to school."
"If you don't leave now, you'll be late."
Oppsummering
I dette kapittelet har du lært:
- Conditionals: If-sentences have an if-clause (condition) and a main clause (result).
- Zero and first conditional: Zero: facts (If you heat water, it boils). First: likely future (If it rains, I will stay home).
- Second conditional and unless: Second: imaginary (If I won the lottery, I would...). 'Unless' means 'if not'.
Husk!
- In the if-clause we use present tense for the future: 'If it rains' (not 'If it will rain').
- 'Unless' = 'if not': 'unless it rains' = 'if it doesn't rain'.
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