CONDITIONALS A Compare these sentences: 1 If sales increase (generally), we make more profit. 2 If sales increase (next quarter), we will make more profit. 3 If sales increased (next quarter), we would make more profit. 4 If sales had increased (last quarter), he would have been happier. Key: 1-> section B, 2-> C, 3-> D, 4 -> E B If we sell ... (always true) zero conditional O/ When we want to talk about things that are always or generally true, we use: IF/ WHEN + PRESENT, PRESENT SIMPLE OR IMPERATIVE condition result O/ In this type of conditional we are not referring to one specific event. O/ Any type of present tense can be used, even the present perfect. If people understand that change is necessary, they have an appetite for it. ... If you don't get the best people into the company, your product suffers. O/ Notice that we can use IF or WHEN where the meaning is EVERY TIME. C If we sell ... (likely future) first conditional O/ When we want to talk about future events that will happen, or are likely to happen, we use: IF + PRESENT, FUTURE OR IMPERATIVE condition result O/ Again any type of present tense can be used, even the present perfect. If the compromise deal fails, who knows what will happen? If I've made any mistakes, I will correct them later. O/ The examples above are about two actions in the future. If the result clause refers to the present we can use a present tense. If anyone calls, I am in a meeting all morning. D If we sold ... (imaginary future) second conditional O/ When we want to talk about future events that are imaginary, unlikely or impossible, we use: IF + PAST SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS, WOULD/ COULD/ MIGHT + INFINITIVE condition result O/ DONīT FORGET: We only use the past tense to express the unreality of the condition. It DOES NOT REFER TO THE PAST! If you wanted a quantity discount you would have to order at least 1,000 units. If I were the Queen of England, I wouldn't have to pass the English exam. O/ For the verb TO BE we prefer the form were instead of was. E If we had sold ... (imaginary past) third conditional O/ When we want to talk about past events that are different to what really happened, we use: IF + PAST PERFECT, WOULD + HAVE + PAST PARTICIPLE condition result O/ There is often a suggestion of criticism or regret. If the economic situation had been better, we wouldn't have lost so many customers. O/ Might is also common in this type of conditional. If you had tried harder, you might have succeeded. O/ WATCH OUT! A contracted `d can be had in the condition or would in the result... F Mixed conditions: O/ For past events that have a result continuing in the present, it is possible to mix conditionals 2 and 3. If you had saved some money, you wouldn't be so hard up. O/ Also for possible past consequences of imaginary present situations, the conditionals are mixed. If I lived in Germany (but I don't, now) I would have got a better interest rate last year. (but I didn't, then) G Unless O/ Unless means the same as if ... not Polish attitudes are dominated by the belief that unless Poland joins the European Union, things can only get worse. Compare: If he doesn't arrive soon, he will miss the start of the presentation. Unless he arrives soon, he will miss the start of the presentation. H If I were you, ... O/ When we give advice we use If I were you..., or when we ask for it we use What would you do if you were me...? If I were you, I would be more careful.