Let’s take a closer look at the different

conditional structures.
The simple conditional structures are zero, first, second and third."
1. When do we use them?
2. How do we form sentences in these simple conditional structures?"
3. When do we use mixed conditionals?"
4. How do we form them?

When do we use the

conditional structures?

Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education       Gold Experience 2nd Edition B2

 Function: When do we use them?
zero conditional
To talk about things that
are generally true.!
If you read a lot, your
vocabulary improves.
To talk about the
consequence of a
situation!
If I don’t sleep enough, I get
grumpy.
A full conditional sentence has two clauses: the If hypothetical clause and
Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education     Gold Experience 2nd Edition B2
first conditional second conditional third conditional
Describing possible future Unlikely/unreal situations Unreal situations in the
situations.! in the present or future.! past.!
I’ll call you if I get back early. If Sophie lived in New York, If I had left earlier, I would
she’d earn more. have caught the bus.
Making suggestions and Giving advice.!
giving advice.! If I were you, I’d speak to
If you don’t like it here, you your boss first."
should move.
Making threats.!
If you don’t behave, I’ll call
your parents.
Making promises.!
I’ll visit you next summer if
you finish renovating.
the result of that hypothetical. Look…" How do we form these
If Sophie lived in New York, she’d earn more. " structures?
hypothetical result
 Form: How do we form these structures?
zero conditional" FORM: ! If + present simple, present simple

If you read a lot, your vocabulary improves.

first conditional" FORM:! If + present simple/continuous, future/modal verb (can/could/

may/might/should) + infinitive

If I get back early, I’ll call you. Look at the example for
zero conditional. Now try
second conditional" FORM:! If + past simple/continuous, would/could/might + infinitive to work out the structures
for the other three
conditionals.
If Sophie lived in New York, she’d earn more.

third conditional" FORM:! If + past perfect, would + have + past participle

If I had left earlier, I would have caught the bus.

Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education     Gold Experience 2nd Edition B2

Function& Form: When and How do we use mixed
conditionals?
THIRD/SECOND CONDITIONAL If + past perfect + would/wouldn’t + infinitive

We use this mixed conditional 3rd/2nd to refer to an unreal past

condition and its probable result in the present.
- I had won the lottery, I would be rich.
(But I didn't win the lottery in the past and I am not rich now.)
- If I had taken French in high school, I would have more job opportunities.
(But I didn't take French in high school and I don't have many job opportunities.)

SECOND/THIRD CONDITIONAL If + past simple + would/wouldn’t + have + past participle

We use this mixed conditional 2nd/3rd to refer to an unreal present situation and
its probable (but unreal) past result

- If I were rich, I would have bought that Ferrari we saw yesterday. "
(But I am not currently rich and that is why I didn't buy the Ferrari yesterday.)"
- If Sam spoke Russian, he would have translated the letter for you. "
(But Sam doesn't speak Russian and that is why he didn't translate the letter.)

Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education       Gold Experience 2nd Edition B2 Let’s practise!
Practice activities
Rewrite the sentences using the words in bold.!

1. I think it’s a good idea for you to get to the airport early." " " " " "
" " " " " " " " " " WERE

2. I really regret going to that new book shop and spending all my money last week!" " " GONE"

3. There is possibility of your sister visiting next week, isn’t there? Please send me a message." " IF
" " "

4. James is always lazy. He failed a test last week. WOULD HAVE!

" " " " " " " "

5. Evie lives in the basement flat. The flat above has a much better view." " " " "
" " " " " " " " " " " SHE WOULD
" " " !
" " " " " " " "
Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education       Gold Experience 2nd Edition B2
Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education       Gold Experience 2nd Edition B2