Conditionals in English: Guide with Examples and Exercises in PDF
Learn everything about conditional sentences in English. In this post, you will learn about zero, first, second, third and even mixed conditionals!
Table of contents
Conditional sentences are one of those grammatical structures that every English learner needs to master. We use them constantly in our daily lives: to make plans, express desires, talk about regrets or simply speculate about the future. In this article, I am going to explain everything you need to know about conditionals in English, with clear examples and practical exercises.
Whether you are preparing for a Cambridge exam or simply want to improve your level of English, this guide will be extremely useful.
What are conditional sentences in English?
Conditionals are sentences with two clauses; one of them is a condition (usually introduced by «if» or «unless») and the other is a consequence. If the words «if» or «unless» appear at the beginning of a sentence, there is normally a comma separating both clauses. Have a look at this example:
If I go to bed early, I won’t be tired tomorrow.
I won’t be tired tomorrow if I go to bed early. (no comma needed)
In the previous sentence, we have the condition (If I go to bed early) and the consequence (I won’t be tired tomorrow).
As you can see, the order of the clauses can be reversed without any problem. The only difference is that when the «if» clause goes at the beginning, we need a comma to separate it from the main clause. When it goes at the end, no comma is required.
Basic structure of conditionals
The basic structure of a conditional sentence is quite simple:
Condition + Consequence
Or:
Consequence + Condition
What makes conditionals more complex is that there are different types, each with its own verb tenses and specific meanings. But don’t worry, we are going to look at them all in detail.
If vs Unless: differences and use
Before going into the types of conditionals, it is important that you understand the difference between «if» and «unless».
Note how we can use «if» or «unless» almost interchangeably, as long as we make some necessary modifications:
If I go to bed early, I won’t be tired tomorrow.
Unless I go to bed early, I will be tired tomorrow.
As you can see, «unless» normally implies a negative meaning, so one of the clauses must change from negative to positive or vice versa. Usually, we represent the equivalence between «if» and «unless» like this: Unless = If…not.
Here is another example to make it clearer:
I won’t tell anyone if you don’t want me to.
I won’t tell anyone unless you want me to.
Types of conditionals in English
In general, there are 4 basic types of conditional sentences used according to the context or the meaning we want to express. The difference between these sentences is, besides the meaning, the verb tenses we use.
In addition to these four basic types, there are also Mixed Conditionals, which combine elements of different types to express more complex situations.
Let’s look at each type in detail:
Zero Conditional
The zero conditional is the simplest of all and also the easiest to remember.
When is the Zero Conditional used?
We use the zero conditional when we want to talk about something that is general knowledge or a universal truth. These are scientific facts, situations that are always true or things that always happen under certain conditions.
Think of natural laws, habitual routines or facts that do not change.
Zero Conditional structure
The structure we use is: If/Unless + present simple, + present simple.
Yes, you read that correctly. Present simple in both clauses. This makes it very easy to use.
Zero Conditional examples
Let’s look at some practical examples:
🇬🇧 If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
🇪🇸 Si calientas agua a 100°C, hierve.
🇬🇧 The grass doesn’t get wet unless it rains.
🇪🇸 La hierba no se moja a menos que llueva.
🇬🇧 If you don’t water plants, they die.
🇪🇸 Si no riegas las plantas, se mueren.
🇬🇧 Ice melts if you leave it outside the freezer.
🇪🇸 El hielo se derrite si lo dejas fuera del congelador.
Tip: With the zero conditional, you can use «when» instead of «if» without changing the meaning, because we are talking about facts that always happen.
🇬🇧 When you heat ice, it melts.
🇪🇸 Cuando calientas el hielo, se derrite.
First Conditional
The first conditional is probably the one you will use most in your daily life. It is perfect for making plans, predictions and talking about the future.
When is the First Conditional used?
We use the first conditional when we want to talk about something that is possible and probable in the context in which we say it. We refer to real situations in the present or future that have a high probability of occurring.
It is the conditional of realistic predictions, conditioned plans and promises.
First Conditional structure
The structure we use is: If/Unless + present simple, + will + infinitive.
You can also find the present continuous or the present perfect in the «if» clause, as technically they are still present tenses.
First Conditional examples
Let’s look at clear examples:
🇬🇧 If I study hard, I’ll pass the exam.
🇪🇸 Si estudio mucho, aprobaré el examen.
🇬🇧 I won’t tell anyone if you don’t want me to.
🇪🇸 No se lo diré a nadie si no quieres.
🇬🇧 If it rains tomorrow, we’ll cancel the picnic.
🇪🇸 Si llueve mañana, cancelaremos el picnic.
🇬🇧 Unless you hurry up, you’ll miss the bus.
🇪🇸 A menos que te des prisa, perderás el autobús.
🇬🇧 If you have finished your homework, we’ll go to the cinema.
🇪🇸 Si has terminado tus deberes, iremos al cine.
First Conditional variations
For the structure of the first conditional, we must also take the following into account:
1. Use of other modals: In some cases, we can use the modal verb «can» or «may» instead of «will».
🇬🇧 If I study hard, I can pass the exam.
🇪🇸 Si estudio mucho, puedo aprobar el examen.
🇬🇧 If it rains, I may stay at home.
🇪🇸 Si llueve, puede que me quede en casa.
2. Imperative structure: In the consequence clause, we can find an imperative structure. Do not confuse this structure with the zero conditional.
🇬🇧 If you get home early, give me a call.
🇪🇸 Si llegas pronto a casa, llámame.
🇬🇧 If you see John, tell him I’m looking for him.
🇪🇸 Si ves a John, dile que lo estoy buscando.
The first conditional is especially useful when writing formal texts, such as those required in the B2 Writing, where you often need to make suggestions or predictions about future situations.
Second Conditional
The second conditional is for dreams, desires and hypothetical situations. It is perfect for talking about what we would like to happen.
When is the Second Conditional used?
We use the second conditional when we want to talk about something that is possible but unlikely in the context in which we say it. We also call this type of conditional «hypothetical» or «unreal», as it refers to a hypothetical or unreal future.
It is important to understand that we are not talking about impossible things, but things that are unlikely or simply not going to happen in current reality.
Second Conditional structure
The structure we use is: If/Unless + past simple, + would + infinitive.
Although we use the past simple in the «if» clause, we are not talking about the past. This is what confuses many students. We use the past to indicate that the situation is hypothetical, not real.
Second Conditional examples
Let’s look at practical examples:
🇬🇧 If I won the lottery, I’d buy a huge mansion.
🇪🇸 Si ganara la lotería, me compraría una mansión enorme.
🇬🇧 If I went to the US, I would like to visit San Francisco.
🇪🇸 Si fuera a EE.UU., me gustaría visitar San Francisco.
🇬🇧 I would travel more if I had more free time.
🇪🇸 Viajaría más si tuviera más tiempo libre.
🇬🇧 If you didn’t live so far away, I would visit you more often.
🇪🇸 Si no vivieras tan lejos, te visitaría más a menudo.
🇬🇧 Unless you changed your attitude, nobody would want to work with you.
🇪🇸 A menos que cambiaras tu actitud, nadie querría trabajar contigo.
For the structure of the second conditional, we must also take the following into account:
Use of other modals: In some cases, we can use «could», «may» or «might» instead of «would».
🇬🇧 If I won the lottery, I might buy a huge mansion.
🇪🇸 Si ganara la lotería, puede que me comprara una mansión enorme.
🇬🇧 If I had more money, I could quit my job.
🇪🇸 Si tuviera más dinero, podría dejar mi trabajo.
If I were you: the subjunctive in English
There is an important peculiarity of the second conditional that you should know. When we use the verb «to be» in the «if» clause, the correct form for all persons is «were», not «was».
This is especially common when we give advice using the expression «If I were you…»:
🇬🇧 If I were you, I would quit that job.
🇪🇸 Si yo fuera tú / Yo en tu lugar, dejaría ese trabajo.
🇬🇧 If I were younger, I would travel around the world.
🇪🇸 Si fuera más joven, viajaría por todo el mundo.
🇬🇧 If she were here, she would know what to do.
🇪🇸 Si ella estuviera aquí, sabría qué hacer.
This is the subjunctive form in English, equivalent to the subjunctive in Spanish. In informal spoken English, it is common to hear «was» instead of «were» (If I was you…), but in formal and written English, especially in exams like the C1 Writing, you should use «were».
Third Conditional
The third conditional is for regrets and reflections on the past. It is perfect for talking about what could have been different.
When is the Third Conditional used?
We use the third conditional when we want to talk about something that is impossible because it is something we cannot change because it is in the past. Therefore, this is another type of «unreal conditional», because it refers to a hypothetical or unreal past.
We use it to imagine how things would have been if something had happened differently in the past.
Third Conditional structure
The structure we use is: If/Unless + past perfect, + would have + past participle.
This is probably the most complex conditional structure, and many students avoid it. However, it is very useful and common in English, especially at advanced levels.
Third Conditional examples
Let’s look at clear examples:
🇬🇧 If I had studied French, I would have visited France already.
🇪🇸 Si hubiera estudiado francés, ya habría visitado Francia.
🇬🇧 I wouldn’t have done that if you had asked me not to do it.
🇪🇸 No habría hecho eso si me hubieras pedido que no lo hiciera.
🇬🇧 If I had woken up earlier, I would have arrived on time.
🇪🇸 Si me hubiera despertado antes, habría llegado a tiempo.
🇬🇧 If we had left earlier, we wouldn’t have missed the flight.
🇪🇸 Si hubiéramos salido antes, no habríamos perdido el vuelo.
🇬🇧 She would have passed the exam if she had studied harder.
🇪🇸 Ella habría aprobado el examen si hubiera estudiado más.
For the structure of the third conditional, we must also take the following into account:
Use of other modals: In some cases, we can use «could have», «may have» or «might have» in lugar de «would have».
🇬🇧 If I had studied French, I might have visited France already.
🇪🇸 Si hubiera estudiado francés, puede que ya hubiera visitado Francia.
🇬🇧 If you had come to the party, you could have met Sarah.
🇪🇸 Si hubieras venido a la fiesta, podrías haber conocido a Sarah.
📌 Important note: This conditional is not very common at B1 level, but starts to be necessary from B2 level. In advanced exams like the C2 Writing, you are expected to be able to use the third conditional fluently and naturally.
🗣️ Pronunciation tip: In natural conversation, contractions are very common and sounds are linked. For example, «would have» is pronounced /wʊdəv/ and is often contracted to «would’ve». Many native speakers even write «would of» incorrectly because that’s how it sounds. But you already know that the correct form is «would have»!
Mixed Conditionals
Mixed conditionals are more advanced structures that combine elements of different types of conditionals. They are very useful when we want to connect the past with the present or vice versa.
What are mixed conditionals?
Mixed conditionals are sentences that mix the first part of one type of conditional with the second part of another type. This is because regular conditional sentences cannot talk about reality as it is in all cases.
There are two main types of mixed conditionals, and each serves a different purpose.
Type 1: Past → Present (Third + Second)
This type mixes the third conditional with the second. We use it when a past situation that did not occur affects a present or future situation.
The structure is: If + past perfect, + would + infinitive.
For example, we can talk about a past situation that affects a present or future event:
🇬🇧 If I had studied French, I would live in France now.
🇪🇸 Si hubiera estudiado francés, viviría en Francia ahora.
In this case, we are mixing a third-type condition (If I had studied) with a second-type consequence (I would live in France now). The action of studying French did not happen in the past, and as a result, I do not live in France now.
More examples:
🇬🇧 If I hadn’t spent all my money, I would be able to help you now.
🇪🇸 Si no hubiera gastado todo mi dinero, podría ayudarte ahora.
🇬🇧 If she had accepted the job offer, she would be working in London now.
🇪🇸 Si hubiera aceptado la oferta de trabajo, estaría trabajando en Londres ahora.
🇬🇧 If I had listened to your advice, I wouldn’t be in this mess now.
🇪🇸 Si hubiera escuchado tu consejo, no estaría en este lío ahora.
Type 2: Present → Past (Second + Third)
This type mixes the second conditional with the third. We use it when a present or constant situation affected us in some way in the past.
The structure is: If + past simple, + would have + past participle.
🇬🇧 If I liked eating pasta, I would have ordered spaghetti.
🇪🇸 Si me gustara la pasta, habría pedido espaguetis.
In this last sentence, we are mixing a second-type condition (If I liked pasta) with a third-type consequence (I would have ordered spaghetti). I do not like pasta (present situation), and therefore I did not order spaghetti (past action).
More examples:
🇬🇧 If you really wanted to come, you would have found a way.
🇪🇸 Si realmente quisieras venir, habrías encontrado una manera.
🇬🇧 If you weren’t so scared of everything, you would have enjoyed the film.
🇪🇸 Si no tuvieras tanto miedo de todo, habrías disfrutado de la película.
🇬🇧 If I were taller, I could have been a professional basketball player.
🇪🇸 Si fuera más alto, podría haber sido jugador profesional de baloncesto.
Mixed Conditional examples
To make it clearer, here are more examples of both types:
Past → Present:
🇬🇧 If they had got married, they would still be together.
🇪🇸 Si se hubieran casado, todavía estarían juntos.
🇬🇧 If I had taken that job, I would be living in New York now.
🇪🇸 Si hubiera aceptado ese trabajo, estaría viviendo en Nueva York ahora.
Present → Past:
🇬🇧 If I were more confident, I would have asked her out.
🇪🇸 Si fuera más seguro de mí mismo, le habría pedido salir.
🇬🇧 If he didn’t have a fear of flying, he would have visited us last year.
🇪🇸 Si no tuviera miedo a volar, nos habría visitado el año pasado.
There are many types of mixed conditionals, but it is important to know the basic types before moving on to mixed-type sentences. Mixed conditionals are especially important at advanced levels of English.
Summary table of conditionals in English
So you can have a quick reference, here is a table with all the types of conditionals we have seen:
| Type | Use | «If» clause | Main clause | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Conditional | Universal facts and general truths | Present Simple | Present Simple | If you heat water, it boils. |
| First Conditional | Real and probable situations in the future | Present Simple | Will + infinitive | If I study hard, I’ll pass the exam. |
| Second Conditional | Hypothetical and unlikely situations in present/future | Past Simple | Would + infinitive | If I won the lottery, I’d buy a mansion. |
| Third Conditional | Impossible situations in the past | Past Perfect | Would have + past participle | If I had studied, I would have passed. |
| Mixed (Past→Present) | Unreal past affects the present | Past Perfect | Would + infinitive | If I had studied French, I would live in France now. |
| Mixed (Present→Past) | Unreal present affects the past | Past Simple | Would have + past participle | If I liked pasta, I would have ordered it. |
Common errors with conditionals in English
As an English teacher and Cambridge examiner, I have seen the same mistakes time and time again. Let’s review them so you can avoid them.
Mistakes made by Spanish students
Error 1: Using «will» in the «if» clause in the First Conditional
This is probably the most common mistake. Many students translate directly from Spanish and put «will» in both clauses.
❌ Incorrect: If it will rain, we will cancel the picnic.
✅ Correct: If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
Error 2: Using «would» in the «if» clause in the Second Conditional
Similar to the previous one, but with the second conditional. Remember: «would» only goes in the main clause, never in the «if» clause.
❌ Incorrect: If I would be taller, I would play basketball.
✅ Correct: If I were taller, I would play basketball.
Error 3: Forgetting «have» in the Third Conditional
The third conditional requires «would have» + past participle. Many students forget the «have».
❌ Incorrect: If I had known you were coming, I would baked a cake.
✅ Correct: If I had known you were coming, I would have baked a cake.
Error 4: Using «was» instead of «were» in the Second Conditional
As we saw before, the English subjunctive requires «were» for all persons in the second conditional.
❌ Incorrect: If I was you, I wouldn’t do that.
✅ Correct: If I were you, I wouldn’t do that.
Error 5: The American error with «would have» in the «if» clause
This is an error that even many American native speakers make in informal language. However, it is grammatically incorrect and you should avoid it, especially in written and formal English.
❌ Incorrect (but common in the US): If I would have known, I would have told you.
✅ Correct: If I had known, I would have told you.
Although you might hear this structure in American films or series, do not use it yourself. In official exams like Cambridge, it is considered an error.
Confusion between types of conditionals
Another common mistake is confusing which type of conditional to use. Here is a quick guide:
Is it a general truth or scientific fact? → Zero Conditional
Is it possible and likely to happen? → First Conditional
Is it unlikely or hypothetical now? → Second Conditional
Did it already happen and cannot be changed? → Third Conditional
Are you connecting past with present or vice versa? → Mixed Conditional
Alternatives to «if» in conditional sentences
Although «if» is the most common word for introducing conditional sentences, it is not the only option. We are going to see other alternatives that will make your English more varied and sophisticated.
Unless (if… not)
We already saw «unless» at the beginning of the article, but it is worth going a bit deeper. «Unless» means «a menos que» or «si no», and it is equivalent to «if… not».
🇬🇧 I won’t go to the party unless you come with me.
🇪🇸 No iré a la fiesta a menos que vengas conmigo.
🇬🇧 Unless it stops raining, we’ll have to cancel the match.
🇪🇸 A menos que deje de llover, tendremos que cancelar el partido.
🇬🇧 You won’t pass the exam unless you study harder.
🇪🇸 No aprobarás el examen a menos que estudies más.
Tip: Do not use «not» with «unless». It would be a double negative. If you say «unless you don’t study», you are saying «if you don’t not study», which makes no sense.
Provided (that) / As long as
«Provided (that)», «providing (that)», «as long as» and «so long as» mean «siempre que» or «con la condición de que». They express a necessary condition for something to happen.
🇬🇧 I’ll lend you my car provided that you drive carefully.
🇪🇸 Te prestaré mi coche siempre que conduzcas con cuidado.
🇬🇧 You can stay out late as long as you’re home by midnight.
🇪🇸 Puedes quedarte fuera hasta tarde siempre que estés en casa antes de medianoche.
🇬🇧 I’ll help you with your homework providing that you help me clean the house.
🇪🇸 Te ayudaré con los deberes siempre que me ayudes a limpiar la casa.
🇬🇧 We can go to the beach so long as it doesn’t rain.
🇪🇸 Podemos ir a la playa siempre que no llueva.
These expressions are especially useful in formal English and are perfect for advanced levels.
Inversions with «Had», «Should» and «Were»
Now we are going to look at more advanced structures that are typical of high B2, C1 and C2 levels. These are conditional inversions where we omit «if» and invert the order of the subject and the auxiliary verb.
These structures are very formal and you will find them mainly in written English, literature, formal speeches and, of course, in advanced level Cambridge exams.
Inversion with «Had» (equivalent to the Third Conditional):
Instead of using «If + past perfect», we can omit «if» and invert the subject and «had».
🇬🇧 If I had known about the meeting, I would have attended.
🇬🇧 Had I known about the meeting, I would have attended.
🇪🇸 Si hubiera sabido de la reunión, habría asistido.
🇬🇧 If they had told me earlier, I could have helped.
🇬🇧 Had they told me earlier, I could have helped.
🇪🇸 Si me lo hubieran dicho antes, podría haber ayudado.
🇬🇧 If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam.
🇬🇧 Had she studied harder, she would have passed the exam.
🇪🇸 Si hubiera estudiado más, habría aprobado el examen.
Inversion with «Should» (equivalent to the First Conditional):
This inversion is used for possible situations in the future, but with a more formal tone and sometimes suggesting that it is less likely to happen.
🇬🇧 If you should need any help, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
🇬🇧 Should you need any help, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
🇪🇸 Si necesitara ayuda, no dude en contactarme.
🇬🇧 If anyone should ask, tell them I’m in a meeting.
🇬🇧 Should anyone ask, tell them I’m in a meeting.
🇪🇸 Si alguien preguntara, diles que estoy en una reunión.
🇬🇧 If you should change your mind, give me a call.
🇬🇧 Should you change your mind, give me a call.
🇪🇸 Si cambiaras de opinión, llámame.
Inversion with «Were» (equivalent to the Second Conditional):
This is perhaps the best-known conditional inversion, especially with the expression «were I to…»:
🇬🇧 If I were in your position, I would accept the offer.
🇬🇧 Were I in your position, I would accept the offer.
🇪🇸 Si estuviera en tu posición, aceptaría la oferta.
🇬🇧 If he were to apologise, I might forgive him.
🇬🇧 Were he to apologise, I might forgive him.
🇪🇸 Si se disculpara, puede que lo perdonara.
🇬🇧 If the company were to go bankrupt, thousands would lose their jobs.
🇬🇧 Were the company to go bankrupt, thousands would lose their jobs.
🇪🇸 Si la empresa quebrara, miles perderían sus trabajos.
Why use these inversions?
These inverted structures are more formal and sophisticated. You do not need them in everyday conversation, but they are very useful in:
- Formal and academic writing
- Formal letters and professional emails
- Cambridge exams (especially C1 and C2)
- Literature and journalistic texts
- To impress in formal situations
💡 Tip for advanced levels:
If you are preparing for C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, including one or two of these inversions in your Writing can demonstrate a very high level of English. But only use them if you feel comfortable with them; a simple structure used well is better than a complex one with errors.
Conditionals in English exercises (PDF)
And just in case you prefer a version that you can copy, paste, edit, etc., here it is 👇
Exercise 1
Complete the gaps with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
1. I’m exhausted! If I ______________ (know) the meeting would last so long, I ______________ (bring) some coffee with me.
2. You should visit Norway! If you ______________ (go) there in summer, you ______________ (see) the midnight sun.
3. Poor Tim is in trouble again. If he ______________ (listen) to my advice last week, he ______________ (not be) in this mess now.
4. That was such a close call! If the ambulance ______________ (not arrive) so quickly, things ______________ (be) much worse.
5. I can’t believe you’re still working there! If I ______________ (be) you, I ______________ (look) for a new job ages ago.
Exercise 2
Complete the gaps with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
1. What a disaster! If the weather forecast ______________ (be) more accurate, we ______________ (not plan) a picnic for today.
2. You look stressed. If you ______________ (take) regular breaks, you ______________ (feel) much better.
3. I still can’t believe we won! If Sarah ______________ (not score) that goal in the last minute, we ______________ (lose) the match.
4. I wish I could help you move house. If I ______________ (not break) my arm last month, I ______________ (give) you a hand.
5. It’s such a shame about the concert. If the tickets ______________ (not sell out) so quickly, we ______________ (go) together.
Exercise 3
Complete the gaps with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
1. I’m so annoyed with myself! If I ______________ (check) my bank balance before shopping, I ______________ (not overspend) like this.
2. Why don’t you apply for that position? If you ______________ (send) your CV today, you ______________ (have) a good chance of getting an interview.
3. James is really struggling at university. If he ______________ (work) harder in his first year, he ______________ (not find) the final exams so difficult now.
4. What a lucky escape! If that tree ______________ (fall) a few metres to the left, it ______________ (hit) our house.
5. I don’t understand why you’re so worried. If there ______________ (be) a real problem, someone ______________ (contact) us by now.
Exercise 4
Complete the sentences below with the correct form of the words from the box.
provided | had | would | unless | otherwise | long as | given | should | even if | were
1. ______________ the train to be delayed, please wait in the station café and we’ll contact you there.
2. You can borrow my car as ______________ you promise to drive carefully and fill up the tank.
3. ______________ you seen the final report before the meeting, you would have understood why everyone was so concerned.
4. I’m planning to go hiking this weekend ______________ the weather forecast is terrible.
5. If I were in your position, I ______________ accept the job offer without hesitation.
6. You must submit your application by Friday. ______________ you will miss the deadline.
7. ______________ anyone need assistance during the exam, please raise your hand quietly.
8. We can’t start the project ______________ we receive confirmation from head office.
9. ______________ the recent budget cuts, the department has decided to postpone all new hires.
10. The event will go ahead ______________ we have at least twenty participants registered.
Answer Key
Click here to see the answers
Exercise 1
1. had known / ‘d known
2. would have brought / would’ve brought
3. go / went
4. will see / would see / will be able to see / would be able to see / can see / could see / ‘ll see / ‘d see
5. had listened / ‘d listened
6. would not be / wouldn’t be
7. had not arrived / hadn’t arrived
8. would have been / could have been / would’ve been / could’ve been / might have been / might’ve been
9. were
10. would have looked / would’ve looked
Exercise 2
1. had been / ‘d been
2. would not have planned / wouldn’t have planned / would’ve not planned / wouldn’t’ve planned
3. took / take / were to take
4. would feel / ‘d feel / will feel / ‘ll feel
5. had not scored / hadn’t scored / ‘d not scored
6. would have lost / could have lost / would’ve lost / could’ve lost / might have lost / might’ve lost
7. had not broken / hadn’t broken / ‘d not broken
8. would give / could give / ‘d give
9. had not sold out / hadn’t sold out
10. would have gone / could have gone / would’ve gone / could’ve gone
Exercise 3
1. had checked / ‘d checked
2. would not have overspent / wouldn’t have overspent / would’ve not overspent / wouldn’t’ve overspent
3. send / sent / were to send
4. will have / would have / ‘ll have / ‘d have / could have / might have
5. had worked / ‘d worked
6. would not find / wouldn’t find / would not be finding / wouldn’t be finding
7. had fallen / ‘d fallen
8. would have hit / could have hit / might have hit / would’ve hit / could’ve hit / might’ve hit
9. were / was
10. would have contacted / would’ve contacted / ‘d have contacted
Exercise 4
1. were
2. long as
3. had
4. even if
5. would
6. otherwise
7. should
8. unless
9. given
10. provided
Frequently asked questions about conditionals in English
How many types of conditionals are there in English?
In English, there are 4 basic types of conditionals: Zero Conditional, First Conditional, Second Conditional and Third Conditional. Additionally, we also have Mixed Conditionals, which combine elements of different types. So in total, we could say there are 5 main types of conditional structures.
What is the difference between the First and Second Conditional?
The main difference is in the probability. The First Conditional is used for real and probable situations in the future (If it rains, I’ll take an umbrella), while the Second Conditional is used for hypothetical and unlikely situations (If I won the lottery, I’d buy a mansion). In the first case, it is very possible that it will rain; in the second, it is very unlikely to win the lottery.
Can the order of the clauses be changed?
Yes, perfectly. You can say «If I study hard, I’ll pass the exam» or «I’ll pass the exam if I study hard». The only difference is that when the «if» clause goes at the beginning, you need a comma to separate both parts. When it goes at the end, no comma is needed.
Why is ‘were’ used instead of ‘was’ in the Second Conditional?
‘Were’ is used for all persons (I, he, she, it, we, you, they) in the Second Conditional because it is the subjunctive form in English. It is equivalent to the subjunctive in Spanish. Although in informal spoken English it is common to hear «was», in formal and written English, especially in exams, you must use «were».
Can I use ‘when’ instead of ‘if’?
Yes, but only with the Zero Conditional. When we talk about facts that are always true, «if» and «when» are interchangeable (When/If you heat water, it boils). In other conditionals, you cannot replace «if» with «when» because it would change the meaning of the sentence.
Which is the most difficult conditional?
Most students consider the Third Conditional to be the most difficult because it has the most complex structure (If + past perfect, would have + past participle). It requires remembering several things at once and it is easy to forget the «have» in the main clause. Mixed Conditionals are also complicated because you combine structures of different types.
Are conditionals used a lot in English?
Yes, constantly. In everyday conversations we mainly use the Zero Conditional and the First Conditional. The Second Conditional is very common when talking about desires, hypothetical plans or giving advice. The Third Conditional is used less in informal conversation, but it appears when we reflect on the past. In formal written English, all types are important.
At what Cambridge level do conditionals start to be important?
The Zero Conditional and the First Conditional are already important from A2 level (KET). The Second Conditional is key from B1 (PET). The Third Conditional starts to be necessary at B2 (First), and Mixed Conditionals and inversions are especially relevant at C1 (Advanced) and C2 (Proficiency).
Is there a trick to remember which conditional to use?
Yes. Ask yourself:
- Is it always true? → Zero.
- Is it likely to happen? → First.
- Is it unlikely or hypothetical? → Second.
- Did it already happen and cannot be changed? → Third.
- Am I mixing past and present? → Mixed.
Can I use other modal verbs besides ‘will’ and ‘would’?
Absolutely. In the First Conditional you can use «can», «may» or «might» (If you come early, you can help me). In the Second Conditional you can use «could» or «might» (If I had more time, I could travel more). In the Third Conditional you can use «could have» or «might have» (If I had studied, I might have passed). These modals add nuances of possibility or ability.
And with that, we have come to the end of this complete guide to conditionals in English. I hope that these structures are now much clearer to you and you know when to use each type. Remember that the key to mastering conditionals is constant practice. Don’t worry if at first you find it difficult to choose the correct type; it’s completely normal.
Conditionals are a fundamental tool in English, both in conversation and in writing. They will allow you to express your ideas with much more precision and sophistication. And believe me, when you start using them naturally, you will notice a huge jump in your English level.
So now you know… practise, practise and practise. Read texts in English, paying attention to how conditionals are used. Try to create your own sentences. And above all, don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they are part of the learning process. 😉
And until the next article, don’t forget to keep smiling!