Look at these examples to see how zero, first and second conditionals are used.
If you freeze water, it becomes solid.
If it rains tomorrow, I'll take the car.
If I lived closer to the cinema, I would go more often.
Try this exercise to test your grammar.
- Grammar test 1
Read the explanation to learn more.
Grammar explanation
Conditionals describe the result of a certain condition. The if clause tells you the condition (If you study hard) and the main clause tells you the result (you will pass your exams). The order of the clauses does not change the meaning.
If you study hard, you will pass your exams.
You will pass your exams if you study hard.
Conditional sentences are often divided into different types.
Zero conditional
We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are generally true, especially for laws and rules.
If I drink too much coffee, I can't sleep at night.
Ice melts if you heat it.
When the sun goes down, it gets dark.
The structure is: if/when + present simple >> present simple.
First conditional
We use the first conditional when we talk about future situations we believe are real or possible.
If it doesn't rain tomorrow, we'll go to the beach.
Arsenal will be top of the league if they win.
When I finish work, I'll call you.
In first conditional sentences, the structure is usually: if/when + present simple >> will + infinitive.
It is also common to use this structure with unless, as long as, as soon as or in case instead of if.
I'll leave as soon as the babysitter arrives.
I don't want to stay in London unless I get a well-paid job.
I'll give you a key in case I'm not at home.
You can go to the party, as long as you're back by midnight.
Second conditional
The second conditional is used to imagine present or future situations that are impossible or unlikely in reality.
If we had a garden, we could have a cat.
If I won a lot of money, I'd buy a big house in the country.
I wouldn't worry if I were you.
The structure is usually: if + past simple >> + would + infinitive.
When if is followed by the verb be, it is grammatically correct to say if I were, if he were, if she were and if it were. However, it is also common to hear these structures with was, especially in the he/she form.
If I were you, I wouldn't mention it.
If she was prime minister, she would invest more money in schools.
He would travel more if he was younger.
Do this exercise to test your grammar again.
- Grammar test 2
Hello teachers,
I have a question please as I am a bit confused.
I have founded differences between the conditionals’ structures that are posted on British council’s website and the ones written in English File/ upper-intermediate student's book/ third edition from Oxford. These differences are as follows:
For zero conditional structure, British council uses only ’present simple’ in this structure, while Oxford's book says that '' You can also use the present continuous or present perfect instead of the present simple in either clause''.
For 1st conditional structure, British Council only uses ’present simple’ and ‘Will’ in this structure, while Oxford's book says that ''You can use any present form in the IF-clause (present simple, contentious, or perfect) and any future form (will, going to, future perfect, future continuous) or an imperative in the other clause.
For 2nd conditional structure, British Council only uses ’past simple’ and ‘would’ in this structure, whereas Oxford's book says that ''In the IF-clause you can also use past continuous. In the other clause, you can use could or might instead of would’’.
For 3rd conditional structure, British Council only uses ‘past perfect’ and ‘would have+p.p.’, whereas Oxford's book says that '' You can also use the past perfect continuous in the IF-clause. You can also use could or might instead of would in the other clause’’.
So which structures are correct, please? and why there are big differences in the structures above between Oxford's book and British council?
Thank you very much,
Omar
Hello Omar,
Because our site is mostly used by people studying on their own, our presentation of the different conditional structures is simpler.
The presentation in the English File is more complete in part because the book is meant to be used in a classroom with a teacher who can explain the finer points in more detail.
Best wishes,
Kirk
LearnEnglish team
Hello teachers
Could you tell me if this sentence is grammatically correct and to what types of conditionals it relates?
"If you'd like to accept the job, I would be delighted to hire you"
Thanks in advance
Hello Ziyo1978,
The zero, first, second and third conditional structures describe the most common patterns with 'if', but any actually any combination of appropriate verb forms can be used.
The example you mention doesn't fall into any of the categories typically described by English teachers. In other words, it isn't a zero, first, second or third conditional.
It is possible to use 'If you'd like to do this' as a very polite way of saying 'Do this', but it's a bit strange to use it in the way it is used in the sentence you mention. I'm not sure I'd say that it is incorrect, but I would recommend something like 'If you decide to accept the job offer, I'll be delighted' (it's redundant to say 'to hire you').
Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Kirk
LearnEnglish team
Thank you Mr. Kirk Moore for your comprehensive answer. It really helped me to understand more about using conditionals.
Hi. I was wondering if there is any case of using "If I were _, I would have__" or is it always "If I were _, I would __"
Hello tasnim234,
Yes, it is possible to make a sentence like this. When the condition in the if-clause is something general, meaning something that is always true, and the result is something true in the past then it is possible for example:
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello , I hope you are doing well.
I ‘am very confused , I am learning conditionals , and I found that some articles and vedios said that imperative can be used in conditional zero others said it can be used in conditional first !
So the sentence :if she rings the doorbell,tell her to go away. Wich type of conditional is this ? And please can you explain why ?
Thank you in advanced , I really appreciate your help 🙏
Hello masmitich,
Please remember that what we sometimes call 'zero', 'first', 'second' and 'third' conditionals are not really rules but merely common patterns that it is useful to be familiar with. The key is understanding the meaning that is being expressed.
So-called 'zero' conditionals describe general real situations that are true in general. They do not describe single events but rather typical situations. For example:
This is a general statement. It doesn't tell you about any particular instance of being late, but rather my boss's typical response when it happens.
So-called 'first' conditionals describe specific real situations that are true in the present or future. We use this form when we are talking about a particular example of an action. For example:
The imperative gives an instruction, telling a person what to do. You can give general instructions or ones for specific situations. How you want to call these does not really matter, which is one reason why getting stuck in 'zero', 'first' etc is not a good idea. It's a useful way to think about conditionals at the start, but they are only examples rather than rules.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello,
If I won't be a teacher I will make dresses. (talking about future)
is this sentence grammatically correct? Can we say If I will... / I f I won't...
Thank you!