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Conditional forms are used to imagine events in certain conditions. They use statements beginning with “IF”

• Zero Conditional • 1st Conditional• 2nd Conditional• 3rd Conditional

ZERO CONDITIONALSomething that is always true if something happens.

Examples:

• If I am late for work, I call my boss to let her know.

• She doesn’t care if it is expensive; She wants to buy the new iPhone 6.

• If they go to the cinema, they get popcorn.

* Zero Condition is formed by the use of the present simple in the ‘if’ clause followed by a comma and the present simple in the ‘result’ clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

1ST CONDITIONAL

Often called the "real" conditional because it is used for real - or possible - situations. These situations take place if a certain condition is met.

The 1st conditional is formed by the use of the present simple in the ‘if’ clause followed by a comma and the ‘will’ verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

* NOTEIn the 1st conditional, we often use ‘unless’ which means 'if ... not'. In other words, '...unless he hurries up.' could also be written, '...if he doesn't hurry up.'.Examples:

• If the weather is bad, we will cancel our trip.

• She will move apartments unless her landlord keeps the same rental fee.

• John will by a new motorbike, if he gets a raise this year.

2ND CONDITIONAL

Often called the "unreal" conditional because it is used for unreal - impossible or improbable - situations. This conditional provides an imaginary result for a given situation.

* NOTEThe verb 'to be', when used in the 2nd conditional, is always conjugated as 'were'.

The 2nd conditional is formed by the use of the past simple in the if clause followed by a comma would verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

Examples:

• If the staff made a new work policy, they would have a 4-day work week.

• I would travel around the world if I won the lottery.

• I would time travel if I were able to pick a superpower.

3RD CONDITIONAL

Often referred to as the "past" conditional because it concerns only past situations with hypothetical results. Used to express a hypothetical result to a past given situation.

The 3rd conditional is formed by the use of the past perfect in the if clause followed by a comma would have past participle in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

Examples:

• If he had known how difficult medical school was, he would have studied business instead.

• Jane would have married John if she had stayed in New York.

• If I had missed my flight, I wouldn’t have arrived to the conference until the next day.

PRACTICE QUIZ!

My brother is only 1.70 meters. If he ______ 1.9 meters, he would be a great basketball player.

a) wasb) isc) were

My brother is only 1.70 meters. If he ______ 1.9 meters, he would be a great basketball player.

a) wasb) isc) were

* "were,” is used to express a present unreal condition. 2nd conditional

Emily graduated from college last spring. If she ____________, I think her parents would have been disappointed.

a) was not graduatedb) is graduatingc) had not graduated

Emily graduated from college last spring. If she ____________, I think her parents would have been disappointed.

a) was not graduatedb) is graduatingc) had not graduated

I am extremely afraid of heights. If I ___________ that mountain, I would never get down.

a) climbb) climbedc) both

I am extremely afraid of heights. If I ___________ that mountain, I would never get down.

a) climbb) climbedc) both

Tom is a very student. If he ________ to work hard, he is going to be a great success.

a) continuesb) continuedc) will continue

Tom is a very student. If he ________ to work hard, he is going to be a great success.

a) continuesb) continuedc) will continue

This is a perfect spring day. If it __________, I would’ve stayed home and studied.

a) rainsb) will rainc) had rained

This is a perfect spring day. If it __________, I would’ve stayed home and studied.

a) rainsb) will rainc) had rained

If I _______ enough money, I go to the cinema.

a) haveb) hadc) will have

If I _______ enough money, I go to the cinema.

a) haveb) hadc) will have

What would you do if it _________ on your wedding day?

a) had rainedb) rainsc) rained

What would you do if it _________ on your wedding day?

a) had rainedb) rainsc) rained

He would _________ her for the promotion if she had just asked.

a) have considerb) have consideredc) consider

He would _________ her for the promotion if she had just asked.

a) have considerb) have consideredc) consider