Conditional – podmiňovací způsob Time clauses – souvětí časové

ZERO CONDITIONAL:

Zero conditional sentences refer to “all time”, not just the present or future. They express a situation that is always true. Conditional sentence with 2 present tenses. If means when or whenever (kdykoli).

  • If you heat ice, it melts.
  • If you boil water, it evaporates.
  • If I read too much, I get a headache.
  • If you drop an egg, it breaks.

FIRST CONDITIONAL: If + Present Simple + will First conditional sentences express real possibilities. Notice that we do not usually use will in the if clause.

  • If I see a nice jumper in the shops, I will buy it. - What will you do if you don’t have enough money?
  • When I come home, I will have a coffee.
  • You won’t pass the exams if you don’t revise.

SECOND CONDITIONAL: If + Past Simple + would Second conditional sentences express unreal or improbable situations. We use past tense forms to show “unreality” and distance from the present.

  • What would you do if you saw a ghost?
  • If I were Prime Minister, I´d increase income tax.
  • If you needed help, whom would you ask?
  • If my mother was still alive, she’d be very proud. (but she’s dead)
  • I could buy some new clothes if I had some money.
  • If I saved a little every week, I might be able to save up for a car.

Both 1st and 2nd conditional sentences refer to the present and future. The difference is probability (not time). - If I win the tennis match, I will … (I think it is possible) – KDYZ….

  • If I won 5 million, I´ d … (but I don’t think it will happen) – KDYBYCH …

TIME CLAUSES:

We don’t usually use when, as soon as, before, until, after by will in the clauses. We use present tens even through the time reference is future.

  • I will give you a ring… - before I go.
  • as soon as I get back.
  • when I know the time of the train.
We can use Present Perfect if it is important to show that the action in the time clause is finished.

  • When I have read the book, I will lend it to you.

WOULD:

She’d look better with shorter hair. (= If she cut her hair, she’d look better.)

To express preference:

  • I´d love a cup of tea.
  • Where would you like to sit?

To express a request:

  • Would you open the door for me?
  • Would you mind lending me a hand?.