English VII

Academic Consulting Session #2:

Zero Conditional Sentences,
First Conditional Sentences,
& Future Time Clauses
 Conditional Sentences
Overview
Conditional sentences have two parts: (1) the main clause and (2) the conditional clause
(conditional clause = if clause)
The conditional clause is a DEPENDENT / SUBORDINATE clause.
The conditional clause can come before or after the main clause without a difference in meaning.
However, it is more common for the conditional clause to come first.
There is a comma between the conditional clause and the main clause when the conditional clause comes first.
But, there isn’t a comma between the main clause and conditional clause when then main clause comes first.

(conditional clause) à , à (main clause) COMMA between clauses

(main clause) à (conditional clause) NO COMMA between clauses

Conditional clauses are EASY to identify as they begin with one of two words: “if” or “unless”

if = si unless = if…not = si no
 Types of Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences are usually classified by the tense of the verbs in the conditional clause

I. Today Zero conditional sentences = simple present in conditional clause and simple present in main clause

If + (simple present) à, à (simple present)…

First conditional sentences = simple present in conditional clause and usually simple future in main clause

If + (simple present) à , à will / won’t + (base form of main verb)…

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Later Second conditional sentences = simple past in conditional clause and usually “would” + (base form) in main clause
If + (simple past) à , à “would” + (base form of main verb)…

Third conditional sentences = past perfect in conditional clause and usually ”would have” + (base form) in main clause

If + (past perfect) à , à “would have” + (past participle of main verb)…

 Zero conditional sentences
I. Usage To express the result / effect / consequence of something in general
Usually, things that are ABSOLUTE, OBJECTIVE (i.e. the opposite of individual and subjective)

II. Structure Conditional clause = simple present verb = If + (simple present)…

Main clause verb = simple present

Main clause expresses the result that ALWAYS happens

III. Examples If you don’t water your plants, they become dry. (not water, become)

If you get too much sun, your skin turns red. (get, turn)

If you walk, you save money on transportation. (walk, save)

If you recycle, you help the environment. (recycle, help)

 Practice Exercise #1
Instructions:
Write a zero conditional sentence.
Send your answers via the zoom chat.

Use one of the following structures:

1. If + (simple present)à , à (simple present)...

2. (simple present) à if + (simple present)…

Example:
If the temperature drops below 0 degrees Celsius, water freezes. (drop, freeze)
If you mix red with green, you get blue. (mix, get)
 First conditional sentences
I. Usage To express the EXPECTED result / effect / consequence of a possible, common action

II. Structure Conditional clause = simple present verb = If + (simple present)…

Note: The verb in the conditional clause is NOT in the future.

Main clause
Most common: simple future verb
Remember: Simple future = (future with will)
[i.e. “will” / “won’t” + (base form of main verb) ]

III. Examples If you exercise, you will be stronger. (exercise, be)

If you drink too much beer, you will go to the bathroom. (drink, go)

The boss won’t be happy if his assistant misses the meeting. (not be, miss)
 Alternative first conditional sentences
I. Usage To express the EXPECTED result / effect / consequence of a possible, common action
II. Structure Conditional clause = simple present verb (not future) = If + (simple present)…

Main clause…

Less common alternatives =

may / might + (base form)

If you meditate, you may / might feel better. (meditate, feel)

can / will be able to + (base form)

If I work, I can pay my bills. (work, pay)

imperative
Take care of your health if you want to be happy. (take care, want)
 Practice Exercise #2
Instructions:
Write a first conditional sentence that is true for you.
Send your answers via the zoom chat.

Use one of the following structures:

1. If + (simple present)à , à will / won’t + (base form of main verb)...

2. will / won’t + (base form of main verb) à if + (simple present)…

Examples:
If you practice, you will learn. (practice, learn)
I will be tired if I don’t sleep. (be, not sleep)
 Sentences with Future Time Clauses
Overview
Sentences with future time clauses have two parts: (1) the main clause and (2) the future time clause.
The future time clause is a DEPENDENT / SUBORDINATE clause.
The future time clause can come before or after the main clause without a difference in meaning.
However, it is more common for the future time clause to come first.
There is a comma between the future time clause and the main clause when the future time clause comes first.
But, there isn’t a comma between the main clause and future time clause when then main clause comes first.

(future time clause) à , à (main clause) COMMA between clauses

(main clause) à (future time clause) NO COMMA between clauses

Future time clauses are EASY to identify as they begin with one of the following words:
(1) When, (2) Until, (3) As soon as, (4) Before, (5) After, etc.
 Future time clauses
I. Usage To express the moment when an action or state will occur

II. Structure Future time clause = simple present verb

Note: The verb in the future time clause is NOT in the future.

Remember: Future time clauses are DEPENDENT / SUBORDINATE clauses.

They must be accompanied by a MAIN / INDEPENDENT clause.

Words that introduce / begin a future time clause:

1. When = Cuando
2. Until = Hasta
3. As soon as = Tan pronto que
4. Before = Antes
5. After = Despues

III. Examples When I have more time, I will sleep more. (have, sleep)

I will have to answer all of my emails until I get an assistant. (have, get)
 Practice Exercise #3
Instructions:
Write a sentence with a future time clause that is true for you.
Send your answers via the zoom chat.

Use one of the following structures:

1. When / Until / As soon as + (simple present)à , à will / won’t + (base form of

main verb)...
2. will / won’t + (base form à when / until / as soon as + (simple present)

Example:
As soon as I finish with all of the academic consulting sessions, I will turn off my
computer. (finish, turn off)