Conditional Sentences

Learn how to talk about conditions and their results using zero, first, and second conditionals.

What is a conditional sentence?

A conditional sentence has two parts: the if-clause (the condition) and the main clause (the result). They can go in either order — when the if-clause comes first, use a comma.

If-clause + , + main clause — or — Main clause + if-clause (no comma)

Zero Conditional

facts, general truths, scientific laws

If + present simple, present simple

If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.

Plants die if they don't get water.

First Conditional

real, possible future situations

If + present simple, will + infinitive

If it rains, we will stay inside.

I will call you if I am late.

Second Conditional

imaginary, unlikely, or hypothetical situations

If + past simple, would + infinitive

If I had more time, I would travel more.

She would move abroad if she could.

Summary table

Type	If-clause	Main clause	Use
Zero	present simple	present simple	facts and general truths
First	present simple	will + infinitive	real / possible future
Second	past simple	would + infinitive	imaginary / hypothetical

📌 Important: Never use will or would in the if-clause.
✗ If it will rain … | ✗ If I would have …
✓ If it rains … | ✓ If I had …

First vs Second — what is the difference?

1stIf I find a good job, I will move to London. (possible — I might find one)

2ndIf I found a good job, I would move to London. (imaginary — I don't think I will)

2ndIf I were a doctor, I would work in Africa. (I am not a doctor — impossible now)

💡 Tip: In second conditional, were is used for all persons in formal writing: If I were you, I would apologise. In everyday speech, was is also common: If I was you …

Exercise 1: Sentence Transformation

Rewrite each sentence using the connector given. Do not change the meaning.

Exercise 2: Error Identification

Each sentence contains one error. Click the wrong word, then select the reason why it is wrong.

Exercise 3: Error Correction

Each sentence has one wrong word. Click on it.

Exercise 4: Gap Fill

Choose the correct verb form to complete the conditional sentence.

Exercise 5: Matching

Match each if-clause on the left with the correct result clause on the right.

Exercise 6: Sentence Sort

Drag each sentence into the correct category: Zero, First, or Second conditional.

Exercise 7: Paragraph Gap Fill

Read each paragraph and choose the connector that best fits the meaning and flow of the whole text.

Your Scores

Complete the exercises to see your results here.