English Grammar
Conditionals
Conditional sentences express what happens — or would happen — under certain circumstances. English has several types, from factual zero conditionals to hypothetical third conditionals.
Textbook Conditionals
The standard forms taught in English courses worldwide — illustrated with real clips from native speakers, not invented examples.
Zero Conditional
If + present simple, present simple
Used for facts, general truths, and things that always happen. Both clauses use the present simple.
First Conditional
If + present simple, will + base verb
Used for real and likely future situations. The first conditional talks about things that can genuinely happen.
Second Conditional
If + past simple, would + base verb
Used for imaginary or unlikely present/future situations. "If I were you" is a classic second conditional.
Third Conditional
If + past perfect, would have + past participle
Used to talk about imaginary situations in the past — things that didn't happen and their hypothetical consequences.
Mixed Conditionals
If + past perfect, would + base verb (or variations)
Mixed conditionals combine elements of the second and third conditional to link a past event to a present consequence, or a present situation to a past consequence.