Prime Time 5, Coursebook mit Audio-CD

G 14 Conditional clauses  Page 132 Conditional clauses express conditions. They have an if -clause (the condition) and a main clause. The if -clause can come either before or after the main clause. There are four basic types. Remember: no will/would in the if -clause! no comma before the if -clause! a) Zero Conditional – real conditions The zero conditional describes something that is or was generally true . Conditional clause Main clause If I eat fish, I get ill. If + present simple, present simple If I didn't wear my hat in winter, Mom got cross. If + past simple, past simple b) Conditional 1 – real conditions Conditional 1 describes real or probable future situations . The condition will probably be fulfilled. Conditional clause Main clause If it snows , I won’t go out. Most common form: If + present simple, “will” future If you ’re going shopping, If he ’s had enough, will you buy me some bread? he ’ll stop . The present continuous or the present perfect can also be used to talk about the future in the if -clause. When I see her, I ’ll tell her. When can replace if in the conditional clause to show that something is more certain . If I pass my exam, If you go now, we could celebrate . you might see him. Could/Might can replace will in the main clause to show that something is less certain . c) Conditional 2 – unreal conditions Conditional 2 describes imaginary or unlikely situations . It’s less probable or impossible that the condition will be fulfilled. Conditional clause Main clause If I knew , I would tell you. Most common form: If + past simple, would/could/might + infinitive 162 Grammar G Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv