Document: Conditionals

English Conditionals
In the English tenses, there are several structures that are called conditionals.

"Condition" means "situation or circumstance". If a particular condition is true, then a particular result
happens.

There are three basic conditionals that we use very often. There are some more conditionals that we
rarely use.

NOTE: Comma placement –

Use a comma if the ‘if clause’ is at the beginning of the sentence.

Example: If I go to London, I will visit the Tower.

Don’t use a comma if the ‘if clause’ is at the end of the sentence.
Example: I will visit the Tower if I go to London.

The table below explains the different types of conditionals.

USE Examples

Conditional 0 Situations which are always true if something If it rains, I open my umbrella.
happens.
Water boils if it reaches 100°C.

Called the "real" conditional because it is used for
real - or possible - situations
Conditional 1
These situations take place if a certain condition is
met.
If our plans work out, I will be
very happy.
The bus service will start again if
the demonstration comes to an
end.

Often called the "unreal" conditional because it is
used for unreal - impossible or improbable -
Conditional 2 situations.
This conditional provides an imaginary result for a
given situation.
If she was not tired, she would
join us. (But she is tired, so she
will not.)
I would not quit my job if I won
the lottery. (But I haven’t won
the lottery…)

Often called the "past" conditional because it If he had known that, he would
concerns only past situations with hypothetical have decided differently.
Conditional 3
results.
Jane would have found a new job
Used to express a hypothetical result to a past if she had stayed in Boston.
given situation.

1 English Conditionals