Conditional Sentences

5 types of if-clauses — real, unreal, past & mixed

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Most important rule: NEVER use "would" in the if-clause. ✗ If I would have time → ✓ If I had time

0️⃣

Zero Conditional — Always True Facts

If / When + Simple Present, Simple Present.
For universal truths, scientific facts, and things that always happen as a result.

DailyIf you heat water to 100°C, it boils.

DailyWhen it rains, the roads get slippery.

DailyIf I skip breakfast, I feel dizzy by 11 AM.

DailyWhen you press this button, the light turns on.

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You can use when instead of if — because the result is guaranteed, not conditional.

1️⃣

First Conditional — Real & Likely Future

If + Simple Present, will + base verb.
For real, possible situations in the future. The speaker believes this could actually happen.

DailyIf it rains, I will take an umbrella.

DailyIf you don't hurry, we will miss the bus.

DailyIf she calls me, I will tell her the news.

DailyIf I get the job, I will celebrate with you.

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You can also use can, may, might, should instead of will: "If you study, you might pass."

2️⃣

Second Conditional — Imaginary Present / Unlikely

If + Simple Past, would + base verb.
For hypothetical / unreal present or future situations. Things the speaker imagines but are not true now. Use were (not was) in formal writing.

DailyIf I had more time, I would learn guitar.

DailyIf I were you, I would apologise to her.

DailyWhat would you do if you lost your phone?

DailyIf she lived closer, we would meet more often.

✓If I were rich, I would travel the world.

✗If I would be rich… (never "would" in if-clause)

3️⃣

Third Conditional — Imaginary Past & Regret

If + Past Perfect (had + V3), would have + V3.
For unreal past situations — things that did NOT happen. Often expresses regret or blame.

DailyIf I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.

DailyIf she had left earlier, she wouldn't have missed the bus.

DailyI would have called you if I had known you were there.

DailyIf we had booked earlier, the tickets would have been cheaper.

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Contractions are common in speech: "I'd have called" = "I would have called". "She wouldn't have missed" = "she would not have missed".

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Mixed Conditional — Past + Present

If + Past Perfect, would + base verb. (past condition → present result)
or If + Simple Past, would have + V3. (present condition → past result)

DailyIf I had slept well, I would feel energetic now. (past→present)

DailyIf I were braver, I would have applied for that job. (present→past)

📋 Quick Summary

Type	If Clause	Main Clause	Meaning
Zero	Simple Present	Simple Present	Always true
First	Simple Present	will + base	Possible future
Second	Simple Past	would + base	Unreal present
Third	Past Perfect	would have + V3	Unreal past / regret
Mixed	Past Perfect	would + base	Past cause → present result

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