Types of conditionals
What Are Conditionals?
Conditionals are sentence structures that express a condition (the "if" part) and a result (the "then" part, though "then" is usually omitted). They allow us to discuss situations that depend on certain circumstances being met.
Basic structure:
- Condition clause: Usually starts with "if"
- Result clause: Shows what happens or would happen
- Example: "If [condition], [result]"
The Four Main Types of Conditionals
Zero Conditional - Universal Truths and Facts
Form: If + present simple, present simple Use: For facts, general truths, and things that always happen Examples:
- "If you heat water to 100°C, it boils."
- "If people don't eat, they get hungry."
- "If you press that button, the machine starts."
When to use: Scientific facts, general truths, instructions, habits
First Conditional - Real Future Possibilities
Form: If + present simple, will + base verb Use: For realistic situations that might happen in the future Examples:
- "If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic."
- "If you study hard, you'll pass the exam."
- "If she calls, I will answer."
When to use: Plans, predictions, warnings, promises, threats
Second Conditional - Hypothetical Present/Future
Form: If + past simple, would + base verb Use: For imaginary or unlikely situations in the present or future Examples:
- "If I were president, I would change the education system."
- "If we had more money, we would buy a bigger house."
- "If I could fly, I would visit every country."
When to use: Dreams, wishes, advice, hypothetical situations
Special note: Use "were" (not "was") for all persons with the verb "be"
Third Conditional - Imaginary Past
Form: If + past perfect, would have + past participle Use: For situations that didn't happen in the past and their imaginary results Examples:
- "If I had left earlier, I would have caught the train."
- "If you had told me, I would have helped you."
- "If they had practiced more, they would have won the game."
When to use: Regrets, criticism, imagining different past outcomes
Mixed Conditionals - Combining Time Periods
Sometimes we mix different conditional types to show how past events affect the present, or how present situations might have affected the past.
Past condition → Present result:
- "If I had studied medicine, I would be a doctor now."
Present condition → Past result:
- "If she were more careful, she wouldn't have broken the vase."
Other Conditional Structures
Unless = If not
- "Unless you hurry, you'll be late." (= If you don't hurry, you'll be late.)
Alternative conditional words:
- Provided/providing that: "I'll help you provided that you ask nicely."
- As long as: "You can go as long as you're back by 10."
- In case: "Take an umbrella in case it rains."
Уровень владения языком
Intermediate
2025-07-27 10:00
Продолжительность: 45 минут
Места: 0 / 5
Moscow
Поделитесь этой встречей:
0 / 5 Забронированы (5 Оставшиеся места)
Чтобы присоединиться к этой встрече, вам необходимо войти в систему.
Участники встречи:
Сообщество:
Организован:
