- Zero — facts: If + present, present — If you heat ice, it melts.
- First — a real possibility: If + present, will + infinitive — If it rains, we'll stay at home.
- Second — imaginary or unlikely: If + past simple, would + infinitive — If I won the lottery, I'd travel the world. With be, careful English uses were for everyone: If I were you…
- Third — an unreal past: If + past perfect, would have + participle — If I'd left earlier, I would have caught the train.
| type | if-clause | main clause |
|---|---|---|
| zero (facts) | If you heat water, | it boils. |
| first (real) | If you study, | you'll pass. |
| second (imaginary) | If I had more time, | I'd learn Japanese. |
| third (unreal past) | If I had left earlier, | I would have caught the train. |
Examples
- If you're hungry, I'll make a sandwich.first conditional
- If I were rich, I'd buy a boat.second conditional
- What would you do if you lost your job?second, question
- If you mix red and blue, you get purple.zero conditional
✅ Exercises
9 exercises: choose the right answer or type the missing word. Score 70% to complete the topic.