Conditionals

What are conditionals in English grammar? Sometimes we call them 'if

clauses'. They describe the result of something that might happen (in
the present or future) or might have happened but didn't (in the past).
They are made using different English verb tenses.

We form conditionals with two clauses ( If clause + , + Main clause )

which can be either, this way or changing the order of the clauses; but
in this situation the comma must be omitted.

If I earn enough money this month, I will buy a new phone.

I will buy a new phone if I earn enough money this month.

Zero Conditional

If + Present simple + , + Present simple

Zero conditional is used to talk about facts, things that are always true.

In that kind of conditionals the If can be replaced by when.

If water reaches 100 degrees, it boils.

When water reaches 100 degrees, it boils.

First Conditional

If + Present simple + , + Will + Infinitive

First conditional is used to talk about things that might happen in the
future. We are not sure, but they could easily come true.

If I pass the exam, I will invite you to lunch.

Second Conditional

if + past simple, + would + infinitive

It has two uses:

First, we can use it to talk about things in the future that are probably
not going to be true. Maybe because we are imagining some dream
for example.

If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house.

Second, we can use it to talk about something in the present which is

impossible, because it's not true.

If I had his number, I would call him

Third Conditional

if + past perfect + , +would + have + past participle

It talks about the past. It's used to describe a situation that didn't
happen, and to imagine the result of this situation.

If she had studied, she would have passed the exam