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Flip to reveal answersZero conditional — form and use
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All 14 Flashcards — Conditionals
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Question
Zero conditional — form and use
Answer
if + present, present — for general truths: "If you heat ice, it melts."
Question
First conditional — form and use
Answer
if + present, will + base verb — for a real future: "If it rains, we'll stay in."
Question
Second conditional — form and use
Answer
if + past, would + base verb — for an unreal present: "If I had time, I'd learn the piano."
Question
Third conditional — form and use
Answer
if + past perfect, would have + past participle — for an unreal past: "If I'd known, I would have helped."
Question
Golden rule of the if-clause
Answer
Never put 'will' or 'would' in the if-clause: "If it rains…" (not "If it will rain…").
Question
'If I were you…' — which conditional?
Answer
The second conditional; we use 'were' for all subjects to give advice: "If I were you, I would apologise."
Question
Comma rule for conditionals
Answer
Comma when the if-clause comes first ("If it rains, we'll stay in"); no comma when the main clause comes first.
Question
What does 'unless' mean?
Answer
'If not': "You'll miss the bus unless you leave now" = "…if you don't leave now".
Question
Complete: "If I won the lottery, I ___ travel the world."
Answer
would (second conditional — an unlikely/imaginary present).
Question
Complete: "If she ___ (study) harder, she would have passed."
Answer
had studied (third conditional — if + past perfect).
Question
Spot the error: "If I would have time, I would help."
Answer
No 'would' in the if-clause: "If I had time, I would help."
Question
Which conditional for a scientific fact?
Answer
The zero conditional — present tense in both clauses: "If you mix the two, you get a reaction."
Question
How do tenses move as a situation gets less real?
Answer
Further back: present (zero/first) → past (second) → past perfect (third); the result climbs will → would → would have.
Question
Why do conditionals help your exam mark?
Answer
They show a range of tenses and structures — a key part of Criterion A (Language).
Read the notes
Full study notes for Conditionals
Topic 3.3 hub
Mood, voice & verb patterns
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English B exam skills
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