First Conditional: real possibility

We are talking about the future. We are thinking about a particular condition
or situation in the future, and the result of this condition. There is a real
possibility that this condition will happen.
IF

If

condition

result

present simple

WILL + base verb

it rains

I will stay at home.

Second Conditional: unreal possibility or dream

The second conditional is like the first conditional. We are still thinking
about the future. But there is not a real possibility that this condition will
happen.
IF

If

condition

result

past simple

WOULD + base verb

I won the lottery

I would buy a car.

Third Conditional: no possibility

We talk about a condition in the past that did not happen. That is why there
is no possibility for this condition. The third conditional is also like a dream,
but with no possibility of the dream coming true.

If

condition

result

Past Perfect

WOULD HAVE + Past Participle

I had won the lottery

I would have bought a car.

Zero Conditional: certainty

We use the so-called zero conditional when the result of the condition is
always true, like a scientific fact.
IF

condition

result

If

present simple

present simple

you heat ice

it melts.

What would you do if it _____________________(rain) on your wedding day?

If she comes I _________________________(call )you.

If I eat peanut butter I _______________________(get)sick.

What will you do if you _______________________(fail) the history exam?

If they had not taken the car I __________________________(drive) you.

If it ______________________(snow) will you still drive to the coast?

He would have gone with you if you ______________________(ask) him.

If I won a million dollars I _______________________(buy) my own airplane.

If I forget her birthday Andrea _____________________(get) upset.

10

Jacob will pick you up at school if it _________________________(rain).

Probabilit
y

Conditional

Example

Time

Certain

zero
conditional

If you heat water to 100

degrees celsius, it boils

any
time

Likely

first
conditional

If it rains, I will stay in.

future

Unlikely

second
conditional

If I won the lottery, I would

retire.

future

Impossible

second
conditional

If I had the money, I would

lend it to you

present

Impossible

third
conditional

If I had seen him, I would have

given him the message.

past