Conditionals

- If z= 8 then 3z = 24
- If x = 13 then 2x = 26
There are several conditionals, but we use three basic conditionals much more often than the others. Below we have described the three most basic conditionals and will also describe another one called zero conditional. At the end we will provide a simple quiz to assess your grasp of conditionals.
Some refer to conditionals as “IF” statements. The reason for this is that, most often than not, conditionals will contain the word “ if ” in the sentence.
Although conditionals may sound difficult, in reality they are very easy to understand and formulate. The basic structure for a conditional involves two possible outcomes. In real life we use verbs in different tenses as well as other words to complete the sentence, but at its most basic level it can be summarized as follows:
IF | condition | result |
IF | g = 8 | 3g = 24 |
or something similar:
result | IF | condition |
2x = 40 | IF | x = 20 |
The chart below is an aid in understanding the levels of probability along with the conditionals. The 50% and 10% probabilities are meant as guidance, and not to be taken literally.
Probability | Conditional | Example | Time |
100% | Zero Conditional | If it rains, the roads get wet. | any time |
50% | First Conditional | If the sun comes out, I will pack a picnic. | future |
10% | Second Conditional | If I got promoted, I would buy a new condo. | future |
0% | Third Conditional | If I have studied, I would have aced the class. | past |