Conditionals (If Clauses)

Conditional sentences are used to express that the action in the main clause (without if) can only take place if a certain condition (in the clause with if) is fulfilled. There are four main types of conditionals.

The Zero Conditional

Used for general truths and scientific facts.

• Structure: If + Present Simple, ... Present Simple
• Example: If you heat water, it boils.

The First Conditional

Used for a possible situation in the future.

• Structure: If + Present Simple, ... will + Base Verb
• Example: If it rains tomorrow, we will stay home.

The Second Conditional

Used for hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future.

• Structure: If + Past Simple, ... would + Base Verb
• Example: If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world.

The Third Conditional

Used for a hypothetical situation in the past that did not happen.

• Structure: If + Past Perfect, ... would have + Past Participle
• Example: If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.