The English Language

Conditionals

Listed below are examples, uses and formation of Conditionals followed by some exercises.

 

Examples	Usage
Conditional 0 If I am late, my father takes me to school. She doesn't worry if Julian stays out after school.	Situations that are always true if something happens. NOTE This use is similiar to, and can usually be replaced by, a time clause using 'when' (example: When I am late, my father takes me to school.)
Conditional 1 If it rains, we will stay at home. He will arrive late unless he hurries up. Simon will buy a new car, if he gets his raise.	Often called the "real" conditional because it is used for real - or possible - situations. These situations take place if a certain condition is met. NOTE In the conditional 1 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.'.
Conditional 2 If he studied more, he would pass the exam. I would lower taxes if I were the the Prime Minister. They would buy a new house if they won the lottery.	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. NOTE The verb 'to be', when used in the 2nd conditional, is always conjugated as 'were'.
Conditional 3 If he had known that, he would have decided differently. Joanna would have found a new job if she had stayed in Gorzów.	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.

 

Structure

Conditional 0 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a comma + the present simple in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.   If he comes to town, We have dinner we have dinner if he comes to town.

Conditional 1 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a comma + will + verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.   If he finishes on time, We will go to the cinema we will go to the cinema. if he finishes on time.

Conditional 2 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.   If they won the lottery, They would buy a new house they would buy a new house. if they won the lottery.

Conditional 3 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.   If Hania had won the competition, Life would have changed life would have changed. if Hania had won the competition.

EXERCISES