Conditionals (If Clauses)
- Rule Title
- Conditionals (If Clauses)
- Category
- Conditionals
- Rule Explanation
Conditionals
Conditional sentences describe a condition and its result. There are four main types, plus mixed conditionals.
Type Condition Result Use Zero If + simple present (V1) simple present (V1) General truths, scientific facts First If + simple present (V1) will + base verb (V1) Real or likely future events Second If + simple past (V2) would + base verb (V1) Unreal or hypothetical present/future situations Third If + past perfect (had + V3) would have + past participle (V3) Unreal or impossible past situations Mixed conditional: Combines elements of the second and third conditionals for mixed time references (e.g., a past condition with a present result).
- Correct Example
- Zero: If you heat water, it boils.
- First: If she studies, she will pass.
- Second: If I had money, I would buy a car.
- Third: If she had studied, she would have passed.
- Incorrect Example
If she will come, I will leave.(Use simple present in the 'if'-clause of the first conditional)If I would have money, I would buy a car.(Use simple past in the 'if'-clause of the second conditional)