Conditionals
There are four common conditional forms. The zero and first conditionals are also called ‘real’ conditionals. The second and third conditionals are also called ‘unreal’ conditionals.
Zero Conditional
The zero conditional is an if/then statement that is used to express a scientific fact or something that is generally true.
Form: If + subject +present simple verb, subject + present simple verb.
Or
Subject + present simple verb + if + subject + present simple verb.
Examples:
If you put sugar in your tea, it becomes sweet.
The trip takes 35 minutes if you take the express train.
First Conditional
The first conditional is an if/then statement that expresses the consequence of a probable or possible situation in the future.
Form: If + subject + present simple verb, subject + will + verb
Or
Subject + will + verb + if + subject + present simple verb
Examples:
If you call before 11 p.m., I will pick you up from the station.
I’ll burst if I eat any more food!
Second Conditional
The second conditional is an if/then statement that expresses the consequence of a hypothetical, imaginary, impossible, or improbable situation in the future.
Form: If + subject + simple past verb, subject + would + verb
Or
Subject + would+ verb + if + subject + simple past verb
Examples:
If I had a million dollars, I would buy a mansion in Florida.
I would wear a coat if I were you. (It’s really cold outside.)
Third Conditional
The third conditional is an if/then statement that expresses what would have happened if events in the past were different. It is often used to express regret about actions in the past the speaker would like to change.
Form: If + subject + past perfect, subject + would + have + past participle
Or
Subject + would + have + past participle + if + subject +past perfect
Examples:
If I had known about the divorce, I wouldn’t have asked him about his wife.
(I didn’t know about the divorce and I asked him about this wife. I regret that I asked him and would change the past if possible.)
Sally would have bought a new car if she had received a raise at her job. (Sally didn’t buy the new car but would have under different circumstances in the past.)