The Randall Sensei

Conditionals

In English grammar, conditionals are sentences that describe situations that could happen, might happen, or what we wish would happen. They usually consist of two clauses: a condition clause (if-clause) and a result clause (main clause). The condition clause tells us the “if” part, and the result clause tells us what happens or would happen when the condition is fulfilled.

Types of Conditionals

Zero Conditional: This is used for general truths or laws of nature—situations that are always true.

• Structure: If + present simple, present simple
• Example:
  • If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
  • If I mix blue and yellow, I get green.

First Conditional: This is used for real and possible situations in the future.

• Structure: If + present simple, will + base verb
• Example:
  • If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home.
  • If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

Second Conditional: This is used for unreal or hypothetical situations, especially when talking about the present or future.

• Structure: If + past simple, would + base verb
• Example:
  • If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world.
  • If I were you, I would take that job.

Third Conditional: This is used for hypothetical situations in the past—things that did not happen.

• Structure: If + past perfect, would have + past participle
• Example:
  • If I had known about the meeting, I would have attended.
  • If they had left earlier, they would have caught the train.

Mixed Conditional: This is used when the time in the if-clause is different from the time in the main clause. Typically, it refers to an unreal past event and its present consequences.

• Structure: If + past perfect, would + base verb
• Example:
  • If I had studied harder, I would have a better job now.
  • If she hadn’t missed the bus, she would be here by now.

Each type of conditional serves a different purpose, whether it’s talking about facts, possible future events, hypothetical situations, or regrets about the past.