0-1-2-3 Conditionals
What is a conditional sentence?
Conditional sentences express a connection between two actions or states. The if clause tells you the condition and the main clause tells you the result. The conditional clause and the main clause can be in any order. The order of the clauses does not change the meaning.
What are the types of conditionals ?
There are 4 main kinds of conditionals in English grammar.
Zero Conditional:
If + Simple Present , Simple Present
We use the zero conditional to talk about general truths and scientific facts.
Eg: if you heat ice, it melts.
The First Conditional:
If + Simple Present, Future Simple
We use the first conditional to talk about possible future situations.
Eg: If I study hard, I will pass my exam.
In a first conditional sentence, you can use a modal verb.
Eg: If I don’t leave now, I might miss the bus.
The Second Conditional:
If + Past Simple, would + verb (base form)
We use the second conditional to talk about unreal or imaginary situations in the present or future.
Eg: If he had time, he would help you. ( but he is too busy and he can’t help you )
The Third Conditional:
If + Past perfect, would + have + past participle
We use the third conditional to talk about imaginary situations in the past and their imaginary results.
Eg: If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam. ( I didn’t study hard enough so I didn’t pass the exam )
To learn more with examples watch the video below:
