Grammar: Zero and First Conditionals (Add-ons)

Looks like I missed out the big point which Bo Bo was enquiring, so here are the add-ons.

First, let's look at Bo Bo's examples.

Let's go back to the sentense again :

1. I'm not quiet and nice, but I'll come, if Mother will let me. I'll go ask her.
2. I'll talk all day if you'll only set me going.

They might look difficult, but they are actually nothing more than the First Conditional. What is different now is that the "will" in the "condition" part shows a sense of politeness. You can even use "would" to make things more polite. (Some of you who attended my lessons understand perfectly why)

It is like:

1. Will you help me out? If you will help me out, I'll be delighted.
2. Mr Krugman is waiting in the conference room. If you would come this way...

So really, there is nothing much to worry about.

Grammar: Zero and First Conditionals

It is always good to receive some good questions to open up a new entry. This time, thanks to Bo Bo for asking me a question on the conditionals.

Generally speaking, there are 5 types of conditionals, namely, Zero, First, Second, Third and Mixed Conditionals.

Conditionals sentence often comes with the word "if" because this sets the "condition".

Let's take a look at the first example.

Zero Conditional

The Truth or the Facts

[ If (present simple), (present simple) ]

Condition Result

1. If one heats ice, it melts.
2. If one doesn't eat for a day, they feel hungry.

Time Concern: Anytime

Chances for condition to have the same result: Always

Now, when you use the Zero Conditional, please follow the format above. Alternatively, one can also write

[(present simple) if (present simple)]

Result Condition

1. Ice melts if one heats it.
2. One feels hungry if they don't eat for a day.

___________________________________________________________________

First Conditional

Very High Possibility, but not perfect

[ If (present simple), (will + infinitive) ]

Condition Result

1. Last minute into the football match! If Liverpool don't score a goal, they will lose!
2. If you continue spending so much money, you will go bankrupt very soon!

Time Concern: From Now to Future

Chances for condition to happen: Very High, but not 100% (because it is not a fact)

Alternatively, you can use

[(will + infinitive) if (present simple)]

Result Condition

1. Last minute into the football match! Liverpool will lose if they don't score a goal!
2. You will go bankrupt very soon if Iyou continue spending so much money.

Whether the condition will have a very high possibility of happening or not, only the author will know, but once this conditional has been used, you understand what the author means.

Don't you?

Welcome your questions.