If clause (condition) + main clause (result)

Type 0 – general truth, law of nature, scientific fact, the results are always true, not based on personal
opinions or specific situations.

Examples,

If it rains, the roads are slippery. (simple present, simple present)

If you heat ice, it melts.

Type 1 – describes a possible condition and its likely result, the conditions and results are possible and
likely to happen, but not certain. It is important to note that type 1 conditional clauses are used to
talk about future events that are based on present or future conditions. They describe a possible
relationship between two events, but the result is not guaranteed to happen.

Examples,

If you study hard, you will pass the exam. (If + simple present, simple future)

If she gets tired, she may talk a break. (If + simple present, modal + infinitive)

If you are hungry, eat something. (If + simple present, imperative)

*The use of modal verbs or imperatives makes the statement more direct and authoritative.

Type 2 – used to talk about hypothetical or unlikely situations, and their possible results.

Examples,

If I won the lottery, I would buy a house on the beach. (If + past simple, would + infinitive)

If I had more time, I could learn a new language. (If + past simple, modal + infinitive)

If you saw a snake, scream. (If + past simple, imperative)

*The use of modal verbs or imperatives makes the statement more hypothetical or less certain.

Type 3 – the condition is something that did not happen in the past, and the result is what would have
happened if the condition had been true.

Examples,

If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam. (If + past perfect, would + have + pp)

If she had spoken English, we could have understood. (If + past perfect, would + have + pp)