Conditional Sentences
Conditional Sentences
When "if" is followed by the verb "be", it is grammatically correct to say "if I were", "if he
were", "if she were", and "if it were". However, it is also common to hear these structures with
"was", especially in the "he/she" form.
Type 1 Conditional
A type 1 conditional sentence is used to discuss a probable future result of a condition that is
possible in the present or future. The structure of a type 1 conditional sentence is "If + simple
present, will + base verb".
Here are some examples of type 1 conditional sentences:
Other types of conditional sentences include:
Zero conditional
Used to describe scientific facts, generally known truths, events, and other things that are
always true. For example, "If you jump in a pool, you get wet".
Second conditional
Used to imagine present or future situations that are impossible or unlikely in reality. For
example, "If I were you, I would apply for that job".
Third conditional
For example, "If I had known you were coming, I would have made more food".
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
The structure is: if/when + present simple >> present simple. First conditional. We use the first
conditional when we talk about future situations we believe ...
People also ask
What is a Type 1 conditional sentence?
The type 1 conditional refers to a possible condition and its probable result. These sentences
are based on facts, and they are used to make statements about the real world, and about
particular situations. We often use such sentences to give warnings.
Type 1 Conditional
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
What is an example of a Type 2 conditional sentence?
How do you get conditional type 1?
Type 1 conditional
If clause Main clause
If + simple present simple future
If this thing happens that thing will happen.
If you don't hurry you will miss the train.
If it rains today you will get wet.
Zero conditional: If you jump in a pool, you get wet. First conditional: If you run a mile in the
scorching heat, you will sweat. Second conditional: If I were you, I would apply for that job.
Third conditional: If I had known you were coming, I would have made more food.
If you talk to someone about how you feel, you will feel better.
If you are focused, you will achieve your goal.
If you take some medicines, you will feel better.
If you go out now, you will get wet in the rain.
If you like animated movies, you will like Inside out
Type 2 Conditional
Form
In a type 2 conditional sentence, the tense in the "if" clause is the simple past, and the tense in
the main clause is the present conditional or the present continuous conditional.
As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not fixed. You may have to rearrange
the pronouns and adjust punctuation when you change the order of the clauses, but the meaning
is identical.
Examples
Function
The type 2 conditional refers to an unlikely or hypothetical condition and its probable result.
These sentences are not based on the actual situation. In type 2 conditional sentences, the time is
now or any time and the situation is hypothetical.
Examples
If the weather wasn't so bad, we would go to the park. (But the weather is bad so we can't
go.)
If I was the Queen of England, I would give everyone a chicken. (But I am not the
Queen.)
If you really loved me, you would buy me a diamond ring.
If I knew where she lived, I would go and see her.
It is correct, and very common, to say "if I were" instead of "if I was" (subjunctive mood).
Examples
In type 2 conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of "would" to
express the degree of certainty, permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.
Examples
The third conditional (also called conditional type 3) is a structure used for talking about unreal
situations in the past. This page will explain how the third conditional is formed, and when to use
it.
Like the other conditionals, a third conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an “if” clause
and a main clause:
If the “if” clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the “if” clause comes second, there is
no need for a comma:
main clause subject + would (OR could, OR might) have + past participle
*The past perfect is formed with the auxiliary verb “had”, and the past participle (or third form)
of the verb.
Full form If I had studied harder, I probably would have passed the exam.
Contracted form If I'd studied harder, I probably would've passed the exam.
Using the third conditional
The third conditional is used to talk about things which did not happen in the past. If your
native language does not have a similar construction, you may find this a little strange, but it can
be very useful. It is often used to express criticism or regret:
Example Explanation
If you had driven more carefully, you would not Criticism: You had an accident because you didn't
have had an accident. drive carefully enough.
If you had saved your money, you could have Criticism: You didn't save your money, so now you
bought a computer. can't afford a computer.
If it had snowed, we could have gone skiing. Regret: It didn't snow, so we couldn't go skiing.