Conditionals

Conditionals are sentences which are also known as “if clauses.” These types of sentences are very common in English, and they are an important concept for anyone learning the language to understand.

There are various different types of conditionals, and each of them has its own rules and reasons for use. In this section, we are going to look at the different types of conditionals and give you the information you need to use each one correctly.

Types of Conditionals in English

Conditional sentences usually have two clauses: an if-clause and a main clause. These two clauses are closely related. In general, conditional sentences are divided into several main types.

Zero Conditional

(Present Real Conditional)

The zero conditional is used to express facts and things that are always true. These sentences describe real situations, not imaginary or hypothetical ones. In most cases, both clauses are in the present tense.

How to use: We use the zero conditional to talk about general truths, scientific facts, and things that always happen.

For example:

• If you mix blue and red, you get purple.
• If it rains, the grass gets wet.
• If I go to bed early, I always get up very early.
• If you want to come, call me before 5:00.
• If I make a silly mistake, I laugh.

First Conditional

(Present or Future Real Conditional)

The first conditional is used to talk about real and possible situations in the present or future. In the basic structure, the condition is expressed using the present simple tense, and the result is expressed using a future form, usually with will.

In some fixed expressions or very formal contexts, the present subjunctive may appear, but this is less common in everyday English.

How to use: We use the first conditional to talk about real possibilities and likely results.

For example:

• If it rains tomorrow, we’ll rent a car.
• If I find her address, I’ll send her an invitation.
• Elaine will buy the drinks if somebody helps her carry the bottles.

Second Conditional

(Present Unreal Conditional)

The second conditional is used to describe hypothetical or unreal situations in the present or future. These situations are imaginary or unlikely. In this type of conditional, the if-clause uses the past tense, although it does not have a past meaning, and the main clause usually uses would.

How to use: The second conditional is used to talk about imaginary situations in the present or future.

For example:

• If he had more time, he would learn karate.
• She could win the prize if she practiced hard.

Third Conditional

(Past Unreal Conditional)

The third conditional is used to talk about imaginary or unreal situations in the past. These situations did not happen, and we are imagining a different past. In this structure, the if-clause is in the past perfect, and the main clause uses the conditional perfect.

How to use: We use the third conditional to talk about imaginary situations in the past.

For example:

• If she had studied hard last week, she could have passed the exam.
• I would have written you a postcard if I had had your address.

Mixed Conditionals

The term mixed conditional refers to sentences that combine elements of the second and third conditionals. In these sentences, the time in the if-clause and the time in the main clause are different.

Mixed Conditional 1

(Present result of a past condition)

In this type, the condition refers to the past, but the result refers to the present. The if-clause is in the past perfect, and the main clause uses the conditional form.

How to use: Present result of a past condition.

For example:

• If she hadn’t stayed up late last night, she wouldn’t be so tired now.
• If he had worked harder at school, he would be a student now.

Mixed Conditional 2

(Past result of a present or continuing condition)

In this type, the condition refers to the present or a continuing situation, but the result refers to the past. The if-clause follows the second conditional form, while the main clause follows the third conditional form.

How to use: Past result of a present or continuing condition.

For example:

• If I were you, I would have learned English earlier.

How to Use Unless in English

Unless means if not. We use unless in conditional sentences instead of if not.

• Unless is similar in meaning to if not and can replace it in certain conditional sentences.
• Unless is usually followed by a present tense, a past tense, or a past perfect tense.
• We generally do not use unless to begin yes/no questions.
• We do not use will or would in the clause after unless.

How to Use Wish in English

We use the verb wish to express a desire for a situation to be different from reality. The tense we use after wish depends on whether we are talking about the present, the past, or the future.

How to Use Wish in English:

• Wish + Past Simple – to express a wish about the present
  I wish I had more free time.
• Wish + Past Continuous – to express a wish about something happening now
  I wish it weren’t raining.
• Wish + Past Perfect – to express regret about the past
  I wish I had studied harder.
• Wish + Would – to complain or express a desire for change in the future
  I wish you would listen to me.
• Wish + To-infinitive – to express a polite or formal wish
  I wish to speak to the manager.