Introduction
You want to buy a (car), but want to negotiate a better price? What do you say to the salesperson? What are some other situations which people usually negotiate?
Grammar 1
(If you give me a better price, I will buy it./If you study English hard, you will become a good speaker.).
When do we use this grammar? We call this the "first conditional". Notice the if-clause and the main clause.
("first conditional" - Shows an open condition, when what is said in the condition is possible.)
(This condition refers to the present or future tense. >>> "if + present tense + future tense")
e.g. If it rains, I will stay at home., If his mother visits, John will clean his room.
("Zero conditional" is used to talk about general truths and scientific facts. >>> "if + present tense + present tense")
e.g. If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.
(If it rains, you get wet./If it rains, you will get wet.) How are these two sentences different?
The first sentence describes a situation which is certain, so the zero conditional is used. The second sentence describes a situation that is probable, so first conditional is used. In spoken English, first conditional is often used instead of zero conditional anyway.
(If I have time, I usually study./If I have time, I will study.) How are they different? How are they different? In the first sentence, I am saying what I usually do in my free time. In the second sentence, I am saying what I might do if I have free time.
Controlled Practice 1
Complete the sentences with the most appropriate verbs and complete the sentences.
Write down words for students: melt, turn, fail, can, be, stay, have, stop.
If you leave ice cream in the sun, .........
If he wants a seat, ......... arrive on time.
If you don’t exercise, you can’t .... healthy.
If she doesn’t study harder, she ................
If we don’t hurry, we ........ late.
If you don’t get a driver’s license, you ......... car.
If you don’t eat lettuce for three days, ....... brown.
If you don’t change the batteries soon, your clock ........
Language in Use
Make sentences using "if". For example:
(...we will be late (leave) >>> If we don't leave now, we will be late.)
...you will get wet. (umbrella)
...please wait outside. (early)
...I will help you dry. (dishes)
...please tell him to call me. (John)
...you will get fired. (work)
...you get dough. (flour and water)
...an emergency operator answers. (911)
...the time changes. (international date line)
Grammar 2
(If I have the time, I will return a library book I found in the study hall today./If I found a million dollars in the study hall, I would keep it.) Compare the grammar in these two situations? The second sentence is in the "second conditional" type form. When do we use the "second conditional"?
(second conditional in unreal/impossible or improbable situations. The tense is past, but we are talking about the present. >>> "If + simple past + present conditional")
For example:
(If I were you, I would tell John about the problem. If I became mayor, I would abolish all taxes.)
What would you do if you were rich/famous?
* The verb "to be", when used in the "second conditional", is always conjugated as "were".
Controlled Practice 2
Rephrase the sentences by switching the clauses around.
e.g. If we had a race, I would win. >>> I would win, if we had a race.
If I had a lot of money, I would quit my job.
If we missed the bus, we would have to walk.
If we had more staff, we could work a lot faster.
If I met her again, I would ask for her number.
If I were you, I would apologize immediately.
If you were in my position, what would you do?
If they didn’t eat so much fast food, they wouldn't be in such poor health.
If you left, I would be sad.
If I knew more information, I would tell you.
Make conditional sentences using these words.Write language for students using the typing tool.
became President / change some of the laws
(If I became President, I would change some of the laws.)
had a million dollars / donate it to charity
were you / take the job
Had the time / visit my parents
swimming pool / use it every weekend
German / vacation in Germany
overweight / diet
France / Eiffel Tower
Language in Use 2
Complete the following sentences.
If I were the leader of my country, I would...
If I spoke perfect English, I would...
If I didn't have to go to work everyday, I would...
If I suddenly lost my job, I would...
If I were 20 years younger, I would...
If I were an English teacher, I would...