Back to library Sentence Structure

Conditionals (Zero, First & Second)

Use "if" sentences for facts, real possibilities and imaginary situations.

Intermediate 2 min read

What is it?

Conditional sentences have two parts: an if-clause (the condition) and a main clause (the result). The verb tenses tell the listener how real or likely the situation is.

When to use it

Zero conditional, for things that are always true: If you heat ice, it melts.
First conditional, for real future possibilities: If it rains, we’ll stay inside.
Second conditional, for imaginary or unlikely situations: If I won the lottery, I’d buy a house.

When not to use it

Don’t put will or would in the if-clause. Say If I see him, I’ll tell him, not If I will see him.

How to build it

Type	If-clause	Main clause
Zero	if + present simple	present simple
First	if + present simple	will + base verb
Second	if + past simple	would + base verb

You can swap the order: We’ll stay inside if it rains. Use a comma only when the if-clause comes first.

Examples

If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
If Joe studies tonight, he’ll pass the test.
If I were you, I’d take the job.
Unless we leave now, we’ll be late. (unless = if not)

Common mistakes

If it will rain, we’ll cancel.If it rains, we’ll cancel.
If I would have money, I’d travel.If I had money, I’d travel.
If I am you, I would ask.If I were you, I would ask.

Memory tip

The further from reality, the further back in time the verb goes. Real future → present (if it rains). Imaginary → past (if I won).

Joe & Monica

Joe: If I get the scholarship, I’ll study in Canada.

Monica: That’s amazing! If I were you, I’d start practicing for the interview now.

Joe: Good idea. If you have time, could you help me?

Interactive Practice

Pick an answer to check your understanding.

Question 1 of 5

If you heat ice, it ___.

Question 2 of 5

If you ___ hard, you’ll pass the test.

Question 3 of 5

If I ___ rich, I would travel the world.

Question 4 of 5

If I had known about the party, I ___.

Question 5 of 5