Conditional

It is a statement composed of an if-clause known as the condition, and the main clause which is know as
the result.

If we don’t take good care of our health, we will have a weak immune system.

The first part is the conditional and the second part is the result.

Conditionals are used to express the action in the main clause can only take place if a certain condition is
met or fulfilled.

Conditionals are used to tell what usually happens, what could happen, what might have happened and
what we wish would happen.

Zero conditionals (true in general)

Used to show an outcome that happens if a specific repeated condition is met.

The condition ALWAYS has the same result.

Used to talk about what you normally do in real life situations.

Example:

Zero Conditional

Used for present, real/factual situations

If I drink coffee tonight, I don’t sleep well. (simple present and simple present)

Scientific truths

If you freeze water, it becomes solid.

Jeremy helps me with his homework if he has time

Take note:

Both if and when are used in the present real conditional.

Using if suggests that something happens less frequently, while using when suggest that something
happens regularly.

Example

When I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.

This means that the person speaking regularly has days off from work.

If I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.

This means that the person speaking rarely has days off from work.
As you can see, a change in conjunction can affect a statement’s meaning.

First conditional (present or future real)

Used to show a likely or possible outcome that will probably happen if a specific condition is met.

If I see her, I will tell her.

If plus simple present, will/wont verb.

If she studies for the test, she will get a good grade.

If it rains, I won’t go to the park.

It is also used to make promises or warnings like in the sentence:

If I catch you cheating, I will bring you to the guidance office.

Second or present unreal conditional

Used to show unlikely or impossible outcome that probably wouldn’t happen

Used to talk about what you would generally do in imaginary situations

If I own the car, I would drive to work. (But I don’t own the car)

I would read more if I didn’t watch too much tv (but I watch too much tv)

If plus past simple, would plus base verb

Note:

When cannot be used here because you are talking about imaginary situations

The form was is not considered grammatically correct

You don’t say

If I was taller, I would wear this dress

If I were taller, I would wear this dress

Third conditional or past unreal

Used to speak about impossible past events

Expresses an imaginary situation that did not happen because of a lost opportunity

If I had gone to bed earlier, I wouldn’t have slept in and missed the test (iwent to bed late)

If+pp+would have+pp

He could have done better if he had studied harder

She would have won the title if she had competed.

Quiz

If they had taken the warning seriously, the problem would have been avoided.

If I were the president, I would be less harsh with my words.

If parents care enough for their children, they will prepare for the future.

If you boil water, it evaporates.

If I liked parties, I would attend more of them.

If the health workers were given enough support, they would have done a better job.

Vitamin C is easily destroyed if you expose it to the heat, air or light.

If they had a million dollars they would spend it on their dream house.

He would have passed the exam if he had reviewed well.

Carla will buy you a coffee if you help her with her project.