Everything you need to use conditionals correctly: the formula, when to use it, signal words, common mistakes and exercises with answers.
Conditional sentences state the result that follows from a given condition. Type 0 - facts and general rules: If + S + V (present), S + V (present); Type 1 - possible now or in the future: If + S + V (present), S + will + V; Type 2 - contrary to fact (present): If + S + V (past), S + would + V; Type 3 - contrary to fact (past): If + S + had + V3, S + would have + V3. Signal words: if, unless (= if not), provided that, as long as, in case, even if.
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Type 0 - facts and general rules | If + S + V (present), S + V (present) Used when the condition is always true, as with facts and science | If you heat water to 100°C, it boils. 'if' can be replaced by 'when' here |
| Type 1 - possible now or in the future | If + S + V (present), S + will + V A condition that really could happen | If it rains, I will stay home. The if clause takes the present simple, never 'will' |
| Type 2 - contrary to fact (present) | If + S + V (past), S + would + V A supposition contrary to present fact. With 'be', use 'were' for every person | If I were rich, I would travel the world. If I were, not 'If I was', in formal style |
| Type 3 - contrary to fact (past) | If + S + had + V3, S + would have + V3 A supposition contrary to what actually happened in the past | If I had studied, I would have passed the exam. Used for regret about the past - 'if only...' |
Describes a law of nature or something that is always true
A condition that really could happen now or in the future
Supposes something contrary to present fact
Regret about something that did not happen in the past
| Word | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|
| if | If you study hard, you will pass. | The most basic conditional linking word |
| unless | Unless you hurry, you'll be late. | unless = if not, so never put 'not' after it |
| provided that | I'll go provided that you come too. | More formal than 'if' |
| as long as | You can stay as long as you're quiet. | Less formal than 'provided that' |
| even if | I'll go even if it rains. | Stresses that the result holds even if the condition is met |
Fill in the blank, then open the answer to check it.
Options: rained · rains · will rain · would rain
rains. Type 1: the IF clause takes the present simple, never 'will'.
Options: am · was · were · would be
were. Type 2: 'were' is used for every person, as in 'If I were you'.
Options: had studied · has studied · studied · would study
had studied. Type 3: the IF clause takes the past perfect (had + past participle).
Options: put · puts · will put · would put
put. Type 0: both clauses take the present simple, for a general truth.
Options: finish · finished · will finish · would finish
finish. Type 1: the IF clause takes the present simple.
Options: had · have · will have · would have
had. Type 2: the IF clause takes the past simple, for something untrue.
Options: helped · will help · would have helped · would help
would have helped. Type 3: the main clause takes 'would have' + past participle.
Options: came · comes · will come · would come
comes. Type 1: the IF clause takes the present simple, with -s in the third person.
Options: aren't · hadn't been · weren't · won't be
weren't. Type 2: the IF clause takes the past simple, and the negative of 'were' is 'weren't'.
Options: has been · is · were · will be
were. Type 2: the IF clause takes the past, with 'were' for every person.
Options: had known · knew · knows · will know
knew. Type 2: the IF clause takes the past simple.
Options: had · had had · have · will have
had. Type 2: a supposition untrue in the present, so the past simple is used.
Quizzes, spaced repetition (SRS), listening and games · Free · No sign-up
Open the app →