CONDITIONAL

Conditional tenses are used to speculate about what could happen, what might have happened, and what we wish would happen. In
English, most sentences using the conditional contain the word if. Many conditional forms in English are used in sentences that include
verbs in one of the past tenses. This usage is referred to as "the unreal past" because we use a past tense but we are not actually
referring to something that happened in the past. There are five main ways of constructing conditional sentences in English. In all cases,
these sentences are made up of an if clause and a main clause. In many negative conditional sentences, there is an equivalent sentence
construction using "unless" instead of "if".

Conditional sentence Usage If clause verb Main clause verb tense

type tense

Zero General truths Simple present Simple present

Type 1 A possible condition and its probable result Simple present Simple future

Type 2 A hypothetical condition and its probable result Simple past Present conditional or Present continuous
conditional

Type 3 An unreal past condition and its probable result in the Past perfect Perfect conditional
Conditional sentence Usage If clause verb Main clause verb tense
type tense

past

Mixed type An unreal past condition and its probable result in the Past perfect Present contditional
present

THE ZERO CONDITIONAL

The zero conditional is used for when the time being referred to is now or always and the situation is real and possible.
The zero
conditional is often used to refer to general truths. The tense in both parts of the sentence is the simple present. In zero
conditional sentences, the word "if" can usually be replaced by the word "when" without changing the meaning.

If clause Main clause

If + simple present simple present

If this thing happens that thing happens.

If you heat ice it melts.

If clause Main clause

If it rains the grass gets wet.

ZERO CONDITIONAL
FORM
In zero conditional sentences, the tense in both parts of the sentence is the simple present.

If clause (condition) Main clause (result)

If + simple present simple present

If this thing happens that thing happens.

As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not fixed. You may have to rearrange the pronouns and adjust punctuation
when you change the order of the clauses, but the meaning is identical. In zero conditional sentences, you can replace "if" with "when",
because both express general truths. The meaning will be unchanged.

EXAMPLES
 If you heat ice, it melts.
 Ice melts if you heat it.
 When you heat ice, it melts.
 Ice melts when you heat it.
 If it rains, the grass gets wet.
 The grass gets wet if it rains.
 When it rains, the grass gets wet.
 The grass gets wet when it rains.

FUNCTION
The zero conditional is used to make statements about the real world, and often refers to general truths, such as scientific facts. In these
sentences, the time is now or always and the situation is real and possible.

EXAMPLES
 If you freeze water, it becomes a solid.
 Plants die if they don't get enough water.
 If my husband has a cold, I usually catch it.
 If public transport is efficient, people stop using their cars.
  If you mix red and blue, you get purple.

The zero conditional is also 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.
 If you want to come, call me before 5:00.
 Meet me here if we get separated.

Read more about how to use the zero conditional.

TYPE 1 CONDITIONAL
The type 1 conditional is used to refer to the present or future where the situation is real.
The type 1 conditional refers to a
possible condition and its probable result. In these sentences the if clause is in the simple present, and the main clause is in
the simple future.

If clause Main clause

If + simple present simple future

If this thing happens that thing will happen.

If clause Main clause

If you don't hurry you will miss the train.

If it rains today you will get wet.

TYPE 1 CONDITIONAL
FORM
In a Type 1 conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the simple present, and the tense in the main clause is the simple future.

If clause (condition) Main clause (result)

If + simple present simple future

If this thing happens that thing will happen.

As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not fixed. You may have to rearrange the pronouns and adjust punctuation
when you change the order of the clauses, but the meaning is identical.

EXAMPLES
 If it rains, you will get wet.
 You will get wet if it rains.
 If Sally is late again I will be mad.
 I will be mad if Sally is late again.
 If you don't hurry, you will miss the bus.
 You will miss the bus if you don't hurry.

FUNCTION
The type 1 conditional refers to a possible condition and its probable result. These sentences are based on facts, and they are used to
make statements about the real world, and about particular situations. We often use such sentences to give warnings. In type 1
conditional sentences, the time is the present or future and the situation is real.

EXAMPLES
 If I have time, I'll finish that letter.
 What will you do if you miss the plane?
 Nobody will notice if you make a mistake.
 If you drop that glass, it will break.
 If you don't drop the gun, I'll shoot!
 If you don't leave, I'll call the police.
In type 1 conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of the future tense to express the degree of
certainty, permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.

EXAMPLES
 If you drop that glass, it might break.
 I may finish that letter if I have time.
 If he calls you, you should go.
 If you buy my school supplies for me, I will be able to go to the park.

Read more about how to use the type 1 conditional.

TYPE 2 CONDITIONAL
The type 2 conditional is used to refer to a time that is now or any time, and a situation that is unreal.
These sentences are not
based on fact. The type 2 conditional is used to refer to a hypothetical condition and its probable result. In type 2 conditional
sentences, the if clause uses the simple past, and the main clause uses the present conditional.

If clause Main clause

If + simple past present conditional or present continuous conditional

If clause Main clause

If this thing happened that thing would happen. (but I'm not sure this thing will happen) OR
that thing would be happening.

If you went to bed earlier you would not be so tired.

If it rained you would get wet.

If I spoke Italian I would be working in Italy.

TYPE 2 CONDITIONAL
FORM
In a Type 2 conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the simple past, and the tense in the main clause is the present conditional
or the present continuous conditional.
 If clause (condition) Main clause (result)

If + simple past present conditional or present continuous conditional

If this thing happened that thing would happen.

As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not fixed. You may have to rearrange the pronouns and adjust punctuation
when you change the order of the clauses, but the meaning is identical.

EXAMPLES
 If it rained, you would get wet.
 You would get wet if it rained.
 If you went to bed earlier you wouldn't be so tired.
 You wouldn't be so tired if you went to bed earlier.
 If she fell, she would hurt herself.
 She would hurt herself if she fell.

FUNCTION
The type 2 conditional refers to an unlikely or hypothetical condition and its probable result. These sentences are not based on the
actual situation. In type 2 conditional sentences, the time is now or any time and the situation is hypothetical.
 EXAMPLES
 If the weather wasn't so bad, we would go to the park. (But the weather is bad so we can't go.)
 If I was the Queen of England, I would give everyone a chicken. (But I am not the Queen.)
 If you really loved me, you would buy me a diamond ring.
 If I knew where she lived, I would go and see her.

It is correct, and very common, to say "if I were" instead of "if I was" (subjunctive mood).

EXAMPLES
 If I were taller, I would buy this dress.
 If I were 20, I would travel the world.
 If I were you, I would give up smoking.
 If I were a plant, I would love the rain.

In type 2 conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of "would" to express the degree of certainty,
permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.

EXAMPLES
 We might buy a larger house if we had more money
 He could go to the concert if you gave him your ticket.
 If he called me, I couldn't hear.

THE PRESENT CONDITIONAL TENSE

The present conditional of any verb is composed of two elements:
would + the infinitive of the main verb, without "to"

Subject + would + infinitive

He would go

They would stay

TO GO: PRESENT CONDITIONAL

Affirmative Negative Interrogative Interrogative Negative

I would go I wouldn't go Would I go? Wouldn't I go?

You would go You wouldn't go Would you go? Wouldn't you go?

He would go He wouldn't go Would he go? Wouldn't he go?

 Affirmative Negative Interrogative Interrogative Negative

She would go She wouldn't go Would she go? Wouldn't she go?

We would go We wouldn't go Would we go? Wouldn't we go?

They would go They wouldn't go Would they go? Wouldn't they go?

Read more about how to use the type 2 conditional with the present conditional and how to use the present continuous conditional in
type 2 conditional sentence.
TYPE 3 CONDITIONAL
The type 3 conditional is used to refer to a time that is in the past, and a situation that is contrary to reality.
The facts they are
based on are the opposite of what is expressed. The type 3 conditional is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its
probable past result. In type 3 conditional sentences, the if clause uses the past perfect, and the main clause uses the perfect
conditional.

If clause Main clause

If + past perfect perfect conditional or perfect continuous conditional

If this thing had happened that thing would have happened. (but neither of those things really happened) OR
that thing would have been happening.

If you had studied harder you would have passed the exam.

If it had rained you would have gotten wet.

If I had accepted that promotion I would have been working in Milan.

TYPE 3 CONDITIONAL
FORM
In a Type 3 conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the past perfect, and the tense in the main clause is the perfect conditional
or the perfect continuous conditional.

If clause (condition) Main clause (result)

If + past perfect perfect conditional or perfect continuous conditional

If this thing had happened that thing would have happened.

As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not fixed. You may have to rearrange the pronouns and adjust punctuation
when you change the order of the clauses, but the meaning is identical.

EXAMPLES
 If it had rained, you would have gotten wet.
  You would have gotten wet if it had rained.
 You would have passed your exam if you had worked harder.
 If you had worked harder, you would have passed your exam.
 I would have believed you if you hadn't lied to me before.
 If you hadn't lied to me before, I would have believed you.

FUNCTION
The type 3 conditional refers to an impossible condition in the past and its probable result in the past. These sentences are truly
hypothetical and unreal, because it is now too late for the condition or its result to exist. There is always some implication of regret with
type 3 conditional sentences. The reality is the opposite of, or contrary to, what the sentence expresses. In type 3 conditional sentences,
the time is the past and the situation is hypothetical.

EXAMPLES
 If I had worked harder I would have passed the exam. (But I didn't work hard, and I didn't pass the exam.)
 If I had known you were coming I would have baked a cake. (But I didn't know and I didn't bake a cake.)
 I would have been happy if you had called me on my birthday. (But you didn't call me and I am not happy.)

In type 3 conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of "would" to express the degree of certainty,
permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.

EXAMPLES
 If I had worked harder I might have passed the exam.
 You could have been on time if you had caught the bus.
 If he called you, you could go.
  If you bought my school supplies for me, I might be able to go to the park.

CONTRACTIONS
Both would and had can be contracted to 'd, which can be confusing if you are not confident with type 3 conditional sentences.
Remember 2 rules:
1. would never appears in the if-clause so if 'd appears in the if clause, it must be abbreviating had.
2. had never appears before have so if 'd appears on a pronoun just before have, it must be abbreviating would.

EXAMPLES
 If I'd known you were in hospital, I'd have visited you.
 If I had known you were in hospital, I would have visited you.
 I'd have bought you a present if I'd known it was your birthday.
 I would have bought you a present if I had known it was your birthday.
 If you'd given me your e-mail, I'd have written to you.
 If you had given me your e-mail, I would have written to you.

THE PERFECT CONDITIONAL TENSE

The perfect conditional of any verb is composed of three elements:
would + have + past participle
Have followed by the past participle is used in other constructions as well. it is called the "perfect infinitive".
 Subject + would + have + past participle

He would have gone

They would have stayed

TO GO: PERFECT CONDITIONAL

Affirmative Negative Interrogative Interrogative Negative

I would have gone I wouldn't have gone Would I have gone? Wouldn't I have gone?

You would have gone You wouldn't have gone Would you have gone? Wouldn't you have gone?

He would have gone He wouldn't have gone Would he have gone? Wouldn't he have gone?

She would have gone She wouldn't have gone Would she have gone? Wouldn't she have gone?
 Affirmative Negative Interrogative Interrogative Negative

We would have gone We wouldn't have gone Would we have gone? Wouldn't we have gone?

They would have gone They wouldn't have gone Would they have gone? Wouldn't they have gone?

Read more about how to use the type 3 conditional with the perfect conditional tense, and how to use the perfect continuous
conditional in type 3 conditional sentences.

MIXED TYPE CONDITIONAL

The mixed type conditional is used to refer to a time that is in the past, and a situation that is ongoing into the present.
The facts
they are based on are the opposite of what is expressed. The mixed type conditional is used to refer to an unreal past
condition and its probable result in the present. In mixed type conditional sentences, the if clause uses the past perfect, and
the main clause uses the present conditional.
If clause Main clause

If + past perfect or simple past present conditional or perfect conditional

If this thing had happened that thing would happen. (but this thing didn't happen so that thing isn't happening)

If I had worked harder at school I would have a better job now.

If we had looked at the map we wouldn't be lost.

If you weren't afraid of spiders you would have picked it up and put it outside.

Read more about how to use the mixed conditional.

MIXED CONDITIONAL
It is possible for the two parts of a conditional sentence to refer to different times, and the resulting sentence is a "mixed conditional"
sentence. There are two types of mixed conditional sentence.
PRESENT RESULT OF A PAST CONDITION
FORM
In this type of mixed conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the past perfect, and the tense in the main clause is the present
conditional.

If clause (condition) Main clause (result)

If + past perfect present conditional

If this thing had happened that thing would happen.

As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not fixed. You may have to rearrange the pronouns and adjust punctuation
when you change the order of the clauses, but the meaning is identical.

EXAMPLES
 If I had worked harder at school, I would have a better job now.
 I would have a better job now if I had worked harder at school.
 If we had looked at the map we wouldn't be lost.
 We wouldn't be lost if we had looked at the map.
 If you had caught that plane you would be dead now.
  You would be dead now if you had caught that plane.

FUNCTION
This type of mixed conditional refers to an unreal past condition and its probable result in the present. These sentences express a
situation which is contrary to reality both in the past and in the present. In these mixed conditional sentences, the time is the past in the
"if" clause and in the presentin the main clause.

EXAMPLES
 If I had studied I would have my driving license. (but I didn't study and now I don't have my license)
 I would be a millionaire now if I had taken that job. (but I didn't take the job and I'm not a millionaire)
 If you had spent all your money, you wouldn't buy this jacket. (but you didn't spend all your money and now you can buy this
jacket)

In these mixed conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of would to express the degree of certainty,
permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.

EXAMPLES
 If you had crashed the car, you might be in trouble.
 I could be a millionaire now if I had invested in ABC Plumbing.
 If I had learned to ski, I might be on the slopes right now.

PAST RESULT OF PRESENT OR CONTINUING CONDITION

 FORM
In this second type of mixed conditional sentence, the tense in the 'if' clause is the simple past, and the tense in the main clause is the perfect
conditional.

If clause (condition) Main clause (result)

If + simple past perfect conditional

If this thing happened that thing would have happened.

As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not fixed. You may have to rearrange the pronouns and adjust punctuation
when you change the order of the clauses, but the meaning is identical.

EXAMPLES
 If I wasn't afraid of spiders, I would have picked it up.
 I would have picked it up if I wasn't afraid of spiders.
 If we didn't trust him we would have sacked him months ago.
 We would have sacked him months ago if we didn't trust him.
 If I wasn't in the middle of another meeting, I would have been happy to help you.
 I would have been happy to help you if I wasn't in the middle of another meeting.
 FUNCTION
These mixed conditional sentences refer to an unreal present situation and its probable (but unreal) past result. In these mixed
conditional sentences, the time in the if clause is now or always and the time in the main clause is before now. For example, "If I wasn't
afraid of spiders" is contrary to present reality. I am afraid of spiders. "I would have picked it up" is contrary to past reality. I didn't pick it
up.

EXAMPLES
 If she wasn't afraid of flying she wouldn't have travelled by boat.
 I'd have been able to translate the letter if my Italian was better.
 If I was a good cook, I'd have invited them to lunch.
 If the elephant wasn't in love with the mouse, she'd have trodden on him by now.

 Imagine This: You Can Understand English Conditional

Sentences in 5 Steps
 What would you do if you were rich?
 What do I mean? It’s a confusing sentence.
 That question is asking you to do two things: (1) imagine that you’re rich and (2) imagine what you will do as a rich
person.
 You can reply: “If I were rich, I would fly first class to Hawaii. I would buy a car! I would travel all over the world.”
 But don’t get too excited, it’s all imaginary.
 You’re not rich. It’s all in your mind!
 In English grammar, this kind of imaginary sentence is called a conditional sentence.
 We use conditionals to talk about imaginary situations in the past, present and future.
 We use conditionals for situations that might happen in the future, or situations that might never happen.
 We use conditionals for actions in the past that cannot be changed.
  Conditionals are a little difficult to master, but they’re extremely useful to learn.
 Luckily, with some basic knowledge and a lot of practice, you will soon be able to use conditionals as if you were a native
English speaker.

1. Listen for would and if

All conditionals use the word if, and often at the start of the sentence.
When you’re listening or reading in English and the word if appears, there’s a strong chance that it’s a conditional sentence.
Next, listen or look for the word would. Not all conditional sentences contain the word would, but most do. Some conditionals use will instead
of would, so look out for that word too.
If you see if and would/will in one sentence, you know you have a conditional sentence to deal with.
2. Break up the sentence into simple pieces
Once you recognize a conditional sentence, you can make it easier to understand by separating it into two clauses(two main parts of the
sentence).
The two clauses of a conditional sentence are: (1) the if clause and (2) the would (or will) clause.
Here’s another example of a conditional sentence.
 If you exercised every day, you would be so fit.
Break up the sentence into two parts, separated by the comma in the middle.
 If you exercised every day, (first clause)
 you would be so fit. (second clause)
Now it should be easier to understand. The if clause is the condition—it’s the thing that must happen first.
The would clause can only happen as a result of the if clause. You would only be fit if you exercised every day. If you don’t exercise, you will
not be fit.
Fitness, like English, requires hard work.
3. Learn the different types of conditional sentences
There are three basic types of conditional sentences, and they are named type 1, type 2, and type 3.
Luckily, the names are at least easy to remember.
Each type of conditional sentence has slightly different grammar and has a different purpose.
 Type 1 conditional:
A type 1 conditional is a possible situation which could happen.
We use type 1 conditionals to express realistic situations, plans and things that are very likely to happen if we do something. Unlike the previous
examples, a type 1 conditional uses will instead of would. Usually this conditional uses present tense verbs in both clauses too.
 If I eat all the chocolate, I will feel sick tomorrow.
In that example, I’m imagining a situation that will certainly happen. I will definitely feel sick tomorrow if I eat all that chocolate. Maybe I
shouldn’t eat that chocolate, then.
 If I study hard, I will pass the exam.
Hard work pays off. Passing an exam is the likely result of studying hard.
Type 2 conditional:
This one is a little more difficult. Type 2 conditionals express things that probably will not happen. These can be imaginary things that are
simply impossible, or just very unlikely.
In this case, we use would.
The verb in the if clause is in the past tense, but the verb in the would clause is in the present tense.
 If I bought a Ferrari, I would have no money left.
A Ferrari is so expensive that it would cost all the money I have. But it would be crazy to buy a Ferrari. I can only imagine buying one, but
I would never consider it in reality. Because of this, I have used a type 2 conditional.
 If I were you, I would not be rude to the boss.
In this example, I’m giving someone advice by imagining myself in their position—”If I were you…”—and then telling them what I would do in
their position. I’m telling someone to be polite to the boss, using a type 2 conditional to imagine how I would act in their position.
“If I were you…” is a great way to give advice in English.
Type 3 conditional:
The type 3 conditional is more confusing. In this sentence we’re talking about a situation in the past, and actions that cannot be changed. It’s
often used to express a feeling of regret. The would clause uses a perfect infinitive verb (have done, have taken), and the if clause uses a past
perfect verb (had done, had taken).
 If I had studied harder as a teenager, I would have gone to a better university.
In a type 3 conditional every action is in the past, and nothing in the sentence happened. I didn’t study hard as a teenager, so I didn’t go to a
better university. I can’t change anything now, but I wish I could.
 If you had eaten breakfast, you would have felt fine this morning.
Did you eat breakfast this morning? No. Did you feel fine? No, you felt terrible. You should have eaten breakfast.
4. Be flexible
The grammar in conditional sentences may be strict, but the order of the if and would clauses is not. You can switch them around and the
sentence will still have the exact same meaning.
 If I had more time, I would learn kick-boxing.
 I would learn kick-boxing if I had more time.
These two sentences mean exactly the same thing, so relax—you don’t need to worry about the order of your clauses.
5. Practice with mixed conditionals
Sometimes when we talk about actions in the past, a type 3 conditional isn’t exactly what we need.
In a type 3 conditional, everything is in the past and finished.
But what do you do if you’re talking about imaginary actions in the past that affect the present?
You need to change your grammar and used a mixed conditional.
Here’s an example:
 If I had married that rich woman, I would be rich too!
Notice how the if clause uses a past participle, like a type 3 conditional, but the would clause uses the present tense verb be. That’s because if I
had married the rich woman in the past, the action would still affect me in the present. Iwould be rich today too!
Why didn’t I marry that rich woman?
Conditionals can be confusing, but they’re a wonderful and essential part of using English well.
With a good understanding of conditionals you can talk confidently about imaginary situations.
You can suggest a proposal and talk about its possible results. You can talk about any number of impossible, wonderful, funny things.
You can reflect on your actions and talk about things you wish you could change.
Congratulations—now you’re one step closer to speaking English like a native!