8.1
Conditionals (0 and 1st Conditionals)
Definition
Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences consist of two parts. The clause introduced or beginning with the word if is called the if-clause or the conditional clause. Another clause is referred to as the main clause and is the part of the sentence that is related to some type of possibility or reality.
There are two types of conditional clauses: 1) real and 2) unreal clauses. Both types of conditional clauses are introduced by if.
If-clauses can be in reverse order. The if-clause can come in the initial position and the main clause can come in the second position. In this case, the comma is always used.
I would speak Portuguese if I lived in Portugal. If-clause, second position
If I lived in Portugal, I would speak Portuguese. If-clause, initial position
Definition
The following table shows the types and times of conditional sentences:
Conditional Sentences
If-clause | Conditional Clause | Type | Time |
If Jack calls, | Mary is happy. | Real (the 0 Conditional) | present |
If Jack calls, | Mary will be happy. | Real (the 1st Conditional) | present/future |
If Jack called, | Mary would be happy. | Unreal (the 2nd Conditional) | present |
If Jack had called, | Mary would have been happy. | Unreal (the 3rd Conditional) | Past |
Definition
The 0 Conditional
In the 0 Conditional sentences if can mean whenever. They are used to say what generally happens, they describe a real situation.
If = jestliže (= kdykoli)
- In the if-clause, use a present tense verb:
If + Present Simple
- In the main clause, use a present simple verb.
If (= whenever) you divide 120 by 12, you get 10. (= Jestliže/kdykoliv vydělíš 120 číslem 12, dostaneš 10.)
Definition
The 1st Conditional
The 1st Conditional sentences describe a real situation based on the fact in real time. Although the present tense is used after if, the time referred to is the future.
If = jestliže
- In the if-clause, use a present tense verbs or present perfect tense verbs:
If + Present Simple/Present Continuous, Present Perfect Simple or Present Perfect Continuous
- In the main clause, use a future tense verbs: will/going to, or imperative in place of will.
If I have his address, I’ll write him a letter. (= Jestliže budu mít jeho adresu, napíšu mu dopis.)
If I have his address, I‘m going to write him a letter. (= Jestliže bude mít jeho adresu, napíšu mu dopis.)
If you’re feeling sick, don’t go on holiday next weekend. (= Jestliže se budeš cítit nemocný, nejezdi příští víkend na dovolenou.)
If you’ve finished writing him a letter, you will be able to send it. (= Jestliže mu dopíšeš dopis, budeš jej moci poslat.)
Note
Conditional linking words | |
if unless (= if … not) in case as long as suppose/supposing/imagine provided (that)/providing (that) | jestliže, když, -li ledaže (jestliže ne-) pro případ, že pokud za předpokladu že/pod podmínkou, že za předpokladu/pod podmínkou, že/jestliže |
Unless I hear from you, I’ll come at 8 o’clock. (= Jestliže o sobě nedáš vědět, přijdu v osm hodin.)
I’ll bring a sandwich in case he gets hungry. (= Vezmu s sebou sendvič pro případ, že by měl hlad. I plan to bring a sandwich.)
x
I’ll bring a sandwich if he gets hungry. (= Vezmu s sebou sendvič, jestliže bude mít hlad. I don’t plan to bring a sandwich if I don’t have to.)
Suppose you win a lot of money, what will you do? (= Jestliže/Za předpokladu, že vyhraješ mnoho peněz, co budeš dělat?)
Imagine you see a tiger walking across Hyde Park, will you climb up a tree? (= Jestliže/Za předpokladu, že uvidíš tygra procházet se po Hyde Parku, vylezeš na strom?)
Interesting
Suppose/supposing/imagine are used in questions and they come at the beginning of a sentence.
Can you select the most suitable verb forms?
_____ it's snowing, we don't go to school.
_____ you don't have enough money, what will you do?
Write your name and address on your luggage _____ you lose it.
Don't tell my mother what I did _____ she asks you.