Grammar Focus

Conditionals (Υποθετικοί λόγοι)

We use conditionals with if to talk about facts, real future possibilities, and imaginary situations.

1. Zero Conditional (Γενικές αλήθειες)

We use the Zero Conditional for facts, rules and things that are always true.

Form: If + Present Simple, Present Simple

Examples

• If you mix red and yellow, you get orange. → Αν ανακατέψεις κόκκινο και κίτρινο, παίρνεις πορτοκαλί.
• If people don’t drink water, they get thirsty. → Αν οι άνθρωποι δεν πίνουν νερό, διψούν.
• If it rains, the ground gets wet. → Αν βρέχει, το έδαφος βρέχεται.

2. First Conditional (Πραγματική πιθανότητα στο μέλλον)

We use the First Conditional for real or possible future situations.

Form: If + Present Simple, will + base verb

Careful: After if, we use Present Simple, not will. Say: If I see him, I will tell him.

Examples

• If I study, I will pass the test. → Αν διαβάσω, θα περάσω το τεστ.
• If she comes, we will play a game. → Αν έρθει, θα παίξουμε ένα παιχνίδι.
• If it is sunny, we will go to the park. → Αν έχει ήλιο, θα πάμε στο πάρκο.

3. Second Conditional (Φανταστική / μη πραγματική κατάσταση)

We use the Second Conditional for imaginary situations or things that are unlikely now or in the future.

Form: If + Past Simple, would + base verb

Note: With the verb to be, we often use were for all subjects: If I were rich…

Examples

• If I were a superhero, I would help people. → Αν ήμουν υπερήρωας, θα βοηθούσα τους ανθρώπους.
• If she had a car, she would drive to school. → Αν είχε αυτοκίνητο, θα οδηγούσε στο σχολείο.
• If we lived near the sea, we would swim every day. → Αν ζούσαμε κοντά στη θάλασσα, θα κολυμπούσαμε κάθε μέρα.

4. Quick Comparison

5. Practice

A. Zero Conditional

1. If you heat ice, it __________ (melt).
2. If people eat too much, they __________ (feel) sick.
3. If it rains, the streets __________ (get) wet.

B. First Conditional

1. If I study, I __________ (pass) the test.
2. If she calls me, I __________ (answer).
3. If it is sunny, we __________ (go) to the park.

C. Second Conditional

1. If I had a magic wand, I __________ (help) everyone.
2. If he were taller, he __________ (play) basketball.
3. If we lived in London, we __________ (speak) English every day.

D. Choose the correct conditional.

1. If water reaches 100°C, it boils / will boil / would boil.
2. If I see Anna tomorrow, I tell / will tell / would tell her.
3. If I were rich, I buy / will buy / would buy a big house.