Conditionals

Conditionals
There are 4 basic types of conditionals: zero, first, second, and third.
It’s also possible to mix them up and use the first part of a sentence as one
type of conditional and the second part as another. These sentences would be
called “mixed conditionals”
The Zero Conditional

The zero conditional expresses something that is considered to be a universal
truth or when one action always follows another.
if (or when) + present tense | present tense
if (or when) + past tense | past tense
Examples:
When I did my homework, my teacher was happy.*

If the temperature reaches zero degrees Celsius, water freezes.
My mom comforted me when I got scared.*
If you mix red and yellow, you get orange.
Notes:
As you might have noticed, the order of clauses is not fixed in the conditional. However, if
you move “if” or “when” to the middle of the sentence, you must remove the comma.
This rule applies to all 4 types.
The zero conditional is the only type of conditional in which “when” can replace “if.”
The First Conditional
The first conditional expresses a future scenario that might occur. Assuming that
the condition is fulfilled, the outcome is likely to happen.
if + present tense | will (may/might/can/could/should) + infinitive
Examples:
If I get paid today, I will go shopping. (“Will” implies near certainty about the shopping trip in case
the condition is fulfilled)
We could go to Paris if we save enough money. (“Could” indicates that the result is possible.)
If she knows the truth, she might not be happy. (“Might” implies a degree of uncertainty about her
happiness in case the condition is fulfilled.)
They can do it if they try. (“Can” indicates that the result is possible.)
If I see the man, I may say something to him. (“May” implies a degree of uncertainty about saying
something to him in case the condition is fulfilled.)
He should get a dog if he is lonely. (“Should” indicates that the speaker is giving their opinion.)
Notes:
This type refers to general truths, while the first conditional refers to specific situations.
Though “will” is most commonly used in the first conditional, you can also use “may,” “might,”
“can,” “could,” or “should.” However, as outlined in the examples, each of these modal verbs
can change the meaning of the sentence.
The Second Conditional

The second conditional can either refer to future hypotheticals that are unlikely
to be true or present situations that are untrue or impossible.
if + past subjunctive | would/might/could + infinitive (simple or continuous)
*if + simple past | would/might/could + infinitive (simple or continuous)
Examples:
If I were rich, I would travel the world.

If she were to try harder, she might get better grades.
They might be able to see it if they were more observant.
If I met the President, I would be too nervous to speak.
If he played sports, he might be in better shape.
He could get the promotion if he knew the right people.
Notes:
Though the second resembles the first conditional in meaning, their structures are distinct.
Moreover, the first conditional usually refers to future events that are likely to happen, while
the second refers to events that are unlikely to happen (or current impossibilities).
The Third Conditional

The third conditional expresses an unreal situation in the past, with reference to
the hypothetical outcome that would result also in the past.
if + past perfect subjunctive | would (could/might) + perfect infinitive
*if + past perfect | would (could/might) + perfect infinitive
Examples:
If I had known how you were going to react, I would have kept my mouth shut.
If you had seen the movie, we could have talked about the ending.
We might have crossed paths if I had left the house on time.
Notes:
Both the second and third conditionals can refer to impossible events. However, the second
refers to impossibilities in the present (“If I were you…”), while the third refers to
impossibilities in the past. The situations expressed in the third conditional are impossible
because they already transpired and therefore cannot be changed.
Mixed Conditionals
There are two kinds of mixed conditionals:
Present result of a past condition

This mixed conditional is used when we are referring to an unreal past condition
and its probable present result.
If + past perfect (condition clause) + present conditional (main clause)
Examples:
If I had left work early, I would be at home by now

If he had studied harder, he would pass the exam
If she had bought a ticket, she would go to the concert
Past result of a past condition

We use this mixed conditional to explain an unreal present situation and its most
likely past result.
If + simple past (condition clause) + perfect conditional (main clause)
Examples:
If he liked chocolate, he would have eaten some.

If they had a car, they would have driven here
If we had money, we would have gone on holiday

Conditionals

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Conditionals

The Zero Conditional

if (or when) + present tense | present tense

if (or when) + past tense | past tense

When I did my homework, my teacher was happy.*

if + present tense | will (may/might/can/could/should) + infinitive

The Second Conditional

if + past subjunctive | would/might/could + infinitive (simple or continuous)

*if + simple past | would/might/could + infinitive (simple or continuous)

If I were rich, I would travel the world.

The Third Conditional

if + past perfect subjunctive | would (could/might) + perfect infinitive

*if + past perfect | would (could/might) + perfect infinitive

Present result of a past condition

If + past perfect (condition clause) + present conditional (main clause)

If I had left work early, I would be at home by now

Past result of a past condition

If + simple past (condition clause) + perfect conditional (main clause)

If he liked chocolate, he would have eaten some.

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