Condtionals with imperatives.

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ESL forum > Grammar and Linguistics > Condtionals with imperatives.

Condtionals with imperatives.

sulekra

Condtionals with imperatives.

Hi guys,
I �d just like to check whether using an imperative in the main clause of a conditional means it is a zero conditional?

If you see Michaela, ask her to call me.
If you go to the shops, buy some milk.

What do you reckon, zero conditional or first conditional?
It�s not always true or a fact, and it does refer to a future event, but it uses the zero conditional form, so I´m a bit lost...
Thanks:)

30 Oct 2010

perma

Hi Sulekra!

This is first conditional, for the reasons you mention yourself.

Another way to differentiate between the two: In a zero conditional sentence you can use "when" instead of "if" without any difference in meaning.

In your examples if you change "if" to "when" you have the sentence

"When you see Michaela, ask her to call me."

this implies that you are definitely going to see her

"If you see her, ask her to call me" implies that it �s not certain.

As you see there is a difference between the two. So, it �s first conditional.

HtH!

30 Oct 2010

aliciapc

Check your PM

30 Oct 2010

sulekra

Thanks for the help guys:D

31 Oct 2010