2. If you buy two tickets, you get a free one
As you have studied in the introduction topic of this unit, there are four different types of conditionals. There you could have a first approach to the zero conditional, but let's widen in its form and use.
In 'zero' conditional sentences, the tense is the simple present in both parts of the sentence:
| 'IF' CLAUSE (CONDITION) | MAIN CLAUSE (RESULT) |
|
If + simple
present
If you see Mary |
simple
present OR Imperative give her this letter, please.
|
The situation is real and possible. They are used to make statements about the real world, and often refer to general truths, such as scientific facts. This structure is often used to give instructions, using the imperative in the main clause. Examples:
- If Bill phones, tell him to meet me at the cinema.
- Ask Pete if you're not sure what to do.
Reading activity
Paco has got up early although yesterday night he was reading till late because he was engaged by the novel. He is ready for a shower but he is in a bad humor with the so many instructions to use it: 'If you press this button, you get warm water'; 'If you want warmer water, press the same button longer'; 'If you press shortly, the water is cold'....
After a 'now cold, now warm, now torrid shower', he goes downstairs to the Hotel lobby with the hope of meeting Phuong. Unfortunately she is not there! He wants to visit the Hoa Lo prison, ironically nicknamed 'Hanoi Hilton' by the American soldiers during the American War and in the evening he would like to go to a water puppet theatre.
|
| By Pigalle. Creative Commons. |
He asks for information at the desk, the receptionist tells him that...
Receptionist: There is a special performance tonight at 21.00. If you buy two tickets, you get a free one. If you are interested, tell me and I will book it for you.
Paco: Yes, I am. By the way, isn't Phuong working today?
Receptionist: No, she isn't. It's her free day but she is going to come here to look for a jacket.
Paco: Ok, if she comes, give her this note, please.
Receptionist: I will, sir. Don't worry.
Paco: Thank you.
Paco goes out for his visit. In the note he has invited her to the water puppets theatre.
Solved exercise
Read the passage again and pay special attention to the conditional sentences.
|
| By Manco Capac-Public Domain |
Curiosity
THE WATER PUPPETS
This is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam.
The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered.
The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large rod supports the
puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally
hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be
moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers
would entertain each other using this form of puppet play. Enjoy them with this video.