Conditionals (Zero, First, Second)

ივარჯიშე — Conditionals (Zero, First, Second)

Conditionals express situations and their results. Zero Conditional states facts, First Conditional talks about real future possibilities, and Second Conditional describes unreal or unlikely present/future situations.

Rule

Zero Conditional: general truths (if + present, present). First Conditional: real/likely future situations (if + present, will + base verb). Second Conditional: unreal/unlikely situations (if + past simple, would + base verb). Never use 'will' in the if-clause of First Conditional, and never use 'would' in the if-clause of Second Conditional.

Zero: If + present simple, present simple | First: If + present simple, will + base verb | Second: If + past simple, would + base verb

Examples

Zero ConditionalIf you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.

First ConditionalIf it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.

First Conditional (negative)If you don't hurry, you will miss the bus.

Second ConditionalIf I had more money, I would travel around Europe.

Second Conditional (were)If I were you, I would accept that job offer.

Common patternIf she studied harder, she would pass the exam.

Exam Tip

Read the if-clause tense first. Present tense in the if-clause means First Conditional (use 'will'). Past tense in the if-clause means Second Conditional (use 'would'). Never put 'will' or 'would' after 'if'.

Common Errors

!Putting 'will' in the if-clause: 'If I will see him, I will tell him' instead of 'If I see him, I will tell him'.
!Using 'would' in the if-clause of Second Conditional: 'If I would have money, I would buy it' instead of 'If I had money, I would buy it'.
!Mixing conditional types: 'If I had time, I will help you' instead of choosing either 'If I have time, I will help you' (1st) or 'If I had time, I would help you' (2nd).
!Using 'was' instead of 'were' in Second Conditional with I/he/she: 'If I was rich' instead of 'If I were rich' (formal).