Zero and first conditionals, future time clauses

Zero and first conditionals, future time clauses

By Marío Medina

​Zero conditional

We use it to talk about something that is always true or always happens as a result of something else, we use if + simple present, and the simple present in the other clause.

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You can also use the present continuous or present perfect in either clause.​

Grammar bank

Zero conditional​

​Zero conditional

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If the photos are good, I'll send them to you.

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If you're not going to Jason's party, I'm not going to go either.​

Grammar bank

Zero conditional​

​First conditional

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I haven't come back by 9:00, start dinner without me.

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I'll have finished in an hour if you don't disturb me.​

Grammar bank

First conditional​

Future time clauses

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We use it when you are talking about the future, use a present tense after these expressions: as soon as, when, until, unless, before, after, and in case. ​This can be any present form, e.g. simple present, present continuous, present perfect.

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Grammar bank

Future time clauses

Future time clauses

We use in case when we do something ​in order to be ready for future situations/problems. Compare the use of if and in case:

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I'll take an umbrella if it rains.= I won't take an umbrella if it doesn't rain.

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I'll take an umbrella in case it rains.= I'll take an umbrella anyway because it might rain.​

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Grammar bank

Future time clauses

Future time clauses

I'll be ready as soon as I've had a cup of coffee.

Text me when your train's coming into the station.

I'm not going to buy the new model until the price has gone down a little.

I'm not going to work overtime this weekend unless I get paid for it.

Take your umbrella in case it's raining when you leave work. ​

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Grammar bank

Future time clauses