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.