THE CONDITIONALS

CONDITIONALS

THE ZERO CONDITIONAL

FORM

If + Present Simple + Present Simple / Imperative

WHY
We use this construction to talk about scientific states, conditions and results that are
completely true or correct. You may find they are referred to general laws or truths too.
We can use either when or if in the clauses.

EXAMPLES
If you heat water, it boils.
If / when you have got a headache, take an aspirin.
If / when you add sugar to your coffee, it tastes sweet.
If you don’t know the answer, have a guess.

EXERCISES

1. Use the phrases in the box to complete the sentences below.

If you leave it in the sun you are protected as best as possible

you get pink the lights come on it scratches you

1. If you mix red and white, __________________________________________.

2. If you pull a cat’s tail, ____________________________________________.
3. If you press this switch, __________________________________________.
4. Butter melts ___________________________________________________.
5. If you wear your seatbelt, ____________________________________.

2. Use the above structures to write some examples of your own.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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THE CONDITIONALS

THE FIRST CONDITIONAL / TYPE I

FORM

If Clause in Present Simple + Will + Infinitive without to (Future Simple)

OR

Main Clause in Future Simple + Present Simple

WHY
We use the verb in the If clause in the present tense and the verb in the main clause in
the future tense. We can use either form to start off our sentences, there is no
difference in the meaning. We use this structure to talk about things that are likely,
probable and possible to happen in the future. It can also be used for warnings,
promises or threats.

EXAMPLES
If you run, you will get to school on time / You will get to school on time if you run.
If you study hard, you will pass the exam / You will pass the exam if you study hard.
If you don’t do your homework, your teacher will be angry / Your teacher will be angry if
you don’t do your homework.

EXERCISES

1. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs.

1. You __________________________ (get sick) if you eat so much food.

2. If you wait here, I__________________________ (bring) you the newspaper.
3. I will be ecstatic if you __________________________ (pass) the exam with a 10.
4. If you need some money, I __________________________ (lend) you some.
5. If they help me, I __________________________ (finish) all my work.
6. I __________________________ (make) dinner if you do the dishes.
7. If you come to see me now, I __________________________ (have) time to finish
my homework.
8. If it is hot today, we __________________________ (go) for a swim.
9. Mum will be extremely sad if you __________________________ (forget) Mother’s
Day again.
10. __________________________ your boss __________________________ (be)
angry if you are late for work tomorrow?

2. Use the above structures to write some examples of your own.

1.

2.

3.

4.

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THE CONDITIONALS

THE SECOND CONDITIONAL / TYPE II

FORM

If + Past Simple (Subjunctive) + Would + Infinitive without to (Conditional Tense)

OR

Main Clause in Would + Infinitive without to (Conditional Tense) + If + Past Simple

(Subjunctive)

WHY

We use this construction to talk about events, things or situations that are less likely to
happen, imaginary or impossible in the present or the future and when things are
contrary to known and stated facts. This structure can also be used to give advice
using was or were; with both being acceptable but was is more common in spoken
English.

EXAMPLES
If I went on holiday this year, I would go to the USA.
If I studied for the exam, I would pass it easily.
If I had a lot of money, I would buy a Ferrari.
If we won the Lottery, we’d travel the world for a long time.
If I were rich, I’d retire and live somewhere hot.
If I were you, I’d complain about the service.

EXERCISES

1. Re write the above sentences so that you start with the conditional clause first
and then use the If clause.

1. I’d go to the USA if

2.

3.

2. Complete the following sentences using the correct form of each verb.

1. If I __________________________ (be) the President I

__________________________ (change) a lot of things!
2. My brother __________________________ (look after) the baby if he
__________________________ (have) more time.
3. If I __________________________ (find) the perfect house I
__________________________ (buy) it as soon as possible.
4. He __________________________ (invite) her to dinner if he
__________________________ (have) the courage to do so.
5. The police __________________________ (give) me a fine if they
__________________________ (see) me driving dangerously.

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THE CONDITIONALS

THE THIRD CONDITIONAL / TYPE III

FORM

If + Past Perfect (Subjunctive) + Would / Might / Could + Have + Past Participle

OR

Main Clause in Would / Might / Could + Have + Past Participle + If + Past Perfect
(Subjunctive)

WHY

We use this structure to talk about imaginary situations in the past.

EXAMPLES

If I had studied, I would have passed the exam.

If they hadn’t scored that goal, we would have won the competition.
We would have won the Lottery if we had bought a ticket.
They wouldn’t have had a crash if they had worn their seat belt.

EXERCISES

1. Complete the sentences in the correct form.

1. If I __________________________ (know) that you were in hospital, I

__________________________ (visit) you.
2. If she __________________________ (not hit) the teacher, she
__________________________ (not be) suspended from school.
3. We __________________________ (enjoy) the film, if you
__________________________ (ask) me so many questions!
4. If I __________________________ (buy) a bigger house, I
__________________________ (not lose) all my money.
5. If Athletic __________________________ (not concede) that last minute goal, they
__________________________ (win) the match.

2. Write some examples of your own.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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