Conditionals

Conditional Sentences

Type 1: Open (Present or Future) Conditional

Used to express real possibilities in the present or future.

Structure:

If + present simple, will/shall + base form of verb

Examples:

If he works hard, he will succeed.

He will succeed if he works hard. (Main clause can come first.)

Type 2: Unreal Present or Future Conditional

Used to talk about hypothetical or unreal situations in the present or future.

Structure:

If + past simple, would + base form of verb

Examples:

If I had a lot of money, I would buy a car.

If you invited me, I would be happy.

Notes:

We often use were instead of was after “if”:

If I were rich, I would help you.

Inversion (formal/literary style) is possible by omitting “if”:

Were I rich, I would help you.

Type 3: Unreal Past Conditional

Used to talk about hypothetical situations in the past, often expressing regret or criticism.

Structure:

If + past perfect, would/might/could + have + past participle

Examples:

If you had studied hard, you would have passed the exam.

If he had taken the exam, he might have passed it.

Inversion:

Had you studied hard, you would have passed the exam. (Omit “if” for formal style.)

Type 4: Zero Conditional

Used to express general truths, scientific facts, or situations that are always true.

Structure:

If + present simple, present simple

Examples:

If it rains, the insects come out.

If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.