Overview
Conditional sentences use specific tense combinations to express different degrees of reality. Zero: if + present simple / present simple. First: if + present simple / will. Second: if + past simple / would. Third: if + past perfect / would have. Mixed: combines elements from different conditionals. Each pattern signals a different relationship between condition and result.
All Four Conditionals
- zeroIf + pres. simple / pres. simple → always true.
- firstIf + pres. simple / will → real future.
- secondIf + past simple / would → hypothetical.
- thirdIf + past perfect / would have → past unreal.
- mixedCombines past condition + present result (or vice versa).
Examples
- zeroIf water boils, it becomes steam.
- firstIf it rains, I will stay home.
- secondIf I had time, I would travel.
- thirdIf she had studied, she would have passed.
- mixedIf I had saved more, I would be richer now.
Common Errors
- ❌ If I will go → ✅ If I go (1st conditional if-clause).
- ❌ If I would have known → ✅ If I had known (3rd cond.).
- ❌ I would went → ✅ I would have gone.
When to use
Facts (Zero)
If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
Real Future (1st)
If the weather is good, we'll have a picnic.
Hypothetical (2nd)
If I were president, I would lower taxes.
Past Regret (3rd)
If I had left earlier, I would have caught the train.