Conditionals
Zero, first, second and third conditionals, and words like unless, as long as and provided.
Conditionals are 'if' sentences, and they come up in almost every Part 4. Learn the four patterns and a few words that mean 'if', and you'll get easy marks!
The four main conditionals
Each conditional has its own tenses. Learn them as a pattern: the if-part and the result.
Giving advice
Other words that mean 'if'
Part 4 often asks you to change 'if' into one of these words – or the other way round.
How it comes up in Part 4
In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (2–5 words).
HAD
If we had had a map, we wouldn't have got lost.
Third conditional. The first had is the past perfect of have, so 'had had' is correct! Negative becomes positive: didn't have → had had.
UNLESS
You can't come in unless you have a ticket.
'Only if' becomes 'not … unless'. Unless already means 'if not', so the verb after it is positive.
WERE
If I were you , I would apologise to her.
'If I were you, I would…' is the classic way to give advice.
Common mistakes
- ✗ If I will see him, I'll tell him.✓ If I see him, I'll tell him.No 'will' in the if-part of a first conditional.
- ✗ If I would have known, I would have come.✓ If I had known, I would have come.No 'would' in the if-part: use the past perfect.
- ✗ Unless you don't hurry, you'll be late.✓ Unless you hurry, you'll be late.'Unless' is already negative – don't add another 'not'.
When the first sentence talks about the past with 'because' or 'so', think third conditional: If + had + past participle, would have + past participle. And watch out: positive becomes negative, and negative becomes positive!
Quick check
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 2–5 words.
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