Types of Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences
Zero conditional:
The zero conditional is a type of conditional sentence that is used to express general truths, facts, or scientific principles.
It is formed using the present simple tense in both the if clause and the main clause.
If + present simple, present simple.
If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.
In this example, the sentence expresses a general truth: when water is heated to a specific temperature, it always boils.
If it rains, the grass gets wet.
This sentence describes a simple cause-and-effect relationship: when rain occurs, the result is always that the grass becomes wet.
The zero conditional is often used for facts that are universally true or situations that are always true under certain conditions.
First conditional:
The first conditional is a type of conditional sentence used to talk about real and possible future situations.
It is formed by combining the present simple tense in the if clause (the condition) with the future simple tense (will + base form of the verb) in the main clause.
If + present simple, will + base form of the verb.
If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.
If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
The first conditional is often used for situations that are possible or likely to happen in the future.
Should in first conditional:
In some cases, the modal should can be used in the if clause of first-conditional sentences, and the main clause remains in the future simple tense.
This usage of should implies a possibility or a recommendation.
If it should rain tomorrow, we will move the picnic indoors.
If she should call while I’m out, please take a message.
If you should encounter any problems, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Will in first conditional:
While it’s not the most common usage, will can occasionally appear in the if clause of first-conditional sentences.
In this case, will is used to express advice or suggestion, not as an auxiliary word.
If you (listen) will listen to my advice, you will save yourself a lot of trouble.
If he (is) will be patient with the new software, he will find it very user-friendly.
If you (take) will take your vitamins regularly, you will feel more energetic.
In these examples, will in the if clause is used to convey a sense of advising or suggesting, similar to the way should is often used.
Imperative mood in first conditional:
In first-conditional sentences, the main clause predicate can indeed be in the imperative mood, giving a sense of command or suggestion.
If it rains, take an umbrella with you.
If you see her, tell her to call me.
If you have any questions, ask the teacher.
In these examples, the imperative mood in the main clause adds a direct and actionable element to the sentence, making it clear what action should be taken if the condition is fulfilled.
First conditional for assumptions or predictions:
The first conditional can also be used for expressing assumptions or predictions.
In these cases, verbs in the indicative mood can stand in various tense forms in both parts of the sentence.
If she is at home, she is probably preparing a meal.
If she called him yesterday, he told her the news.
Second conditional:
The second conditional is a type of conditional sentence used to talk about unreal or unlikely situations in the present or future.
It is formed using the past simple tense in the if clause (the condition) and the conditional modal would + base form of the verb in the main clause.
If + past simple, would + base form of the verb.
If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world.
If it didn’t rain tomorrow, we would have a picnic.
The second conditional is often used to talk about dreams, wishes, or situations that are unlikely or contrary to reality.
It allows speakers to explore hypothetical scenarios and their potential outcomes.
To be (were) in second conditional:
In the second conditional, when using the verb to be in the if clause, it takes the subjunctive mood, and the form were is used for all persons (I, you, he/she/it, we, you, they).
This usage of were is common for expressing unreal or hypothetical situations.
If I were a bird, I would fly around the world.
If she were president, she would focus on education reform.
If it were sunny tomorrow, we would go to the beach.
Should + Infinitive/Were + Infinitive in second conditional:
In the second conditional, should + infinitive without to and were + infinitive with to can be used to express less possibility or probability in the future.
If I should win the lottery, I would be surprised.
Here, should win implies a less probable or likely event, and the main clause expresses the consequence or reaction if that less probable event were to occur.
If she were to arrive on time, it would be a miracle.
In this example, were to arrive suggests a less expected or less likely situation, and the main clause describes the consequence or reaction to that hypothetical event.
Would + Infinitive in second conditional:
In some cases, would + infinitive in the if clause of the second conditional can be used to express a polite request or suggestion.
If you would kindly pass me the salt, I would appreciate it.
If you would be so kind as to lend me your car, I could pick up groceries for you.
If you would please send me the report by tomorrow, I could review it over the weekend.
The use of would + infinitive in the if clause here serves as a polite form of making requests or suggestions within the context of the second conditional.
Third conditional:
The third conditional is a type of conditional sentence used to talk about unreal or hypothetical situations in the past.
It is formed using the past perfect tense in the if clause (the condition), and the conditional perfect would have + past participle in the main clause.
If + past perfect, would have + past participle.
If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam.
If they had known about the traffic, they would not have been late.
The third conditional is often used to express regret, disappointment, or reflection on missed opportunities or unrealized events in the past.
Types of Conditional Sentences
Direct (Quoted) and Indirect (Reported) Speech
Types of Interrogative Sentences