Zero, first and second conditionals
If it rains, we'll stay in. If I had time, I'd learn Italian. Zero, first and second conditionals, and unless.
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A conditional sentence has two parts: the if part (the condition) and the main part (the result). The tenses show how real the situation is.
Type | If part | Main part |
|---|---|---|
Zero: always true | if + present simple | present simple |
First: real future | if + present simple | will / won't + verb |
Second: imaginary | if + past simple | would / wouldn't + verb |
Word order and commas
Either part can come first. When the if part comes first, put a comma after it. In questions, will or would goes before the subject.
- If it rains, we'll stay at home.
- We'll stay at home if it rains.
- What will you do if the shop is closed?
- Incorrect: What you would do if you won?
- Correct: What would you do if you won?
Zero conditional: facts and things that always happen
Use the present simple in both parts for science, rules and things that always happen. Here if means almost the same as when.
- If you heat ice, it melts.
- If I drink coffee in the evening, I can't sleep.
- Plants die if they don't get enough water.
First conditional: a real possibility
Use it when the situation is possible and we think it can really happen. After if, use the present, even though the meaning is future.
- If it rains tomorrow, we'll stay at home.
- You'll miss the train if you don't hurry.
- If you see her, tell her to call me.
(The main part can also be an instruction, or use can, may or might.)
- Incorrect: If it will rain, we will stay at home.
- Correct: If it rains, we'll stay at home.Don't use will in the if part.
Unless, when and as soon as
Unless means if ... not. The "no will" rule also works after when, as soon as, before, after and until.
- We won't go out unless the weather gets better.
- I'll call you when I get home.
- Incorrect: I'll call you when I will get home.
- Correct: I'll call you when I get home.
- Incorrect: Unless you don't hurry, you'll be late.
- Correct: Unless you hurry, you'll be late.Unless already means "if not", so don't add another not.
Second conditional: an imaginary situation
Use it when the situation is not true now, or is unlikely in the future. Use the past simple after if, but the meaning is present or future. Would goes only in the main part.
- If I had more time, I'd learn to play the guitar.
- If we lived in the country, we'd get a dog.
(We don't live in the country.)
- What would you do if you lost your passport?
- Incorrect: If I would have more money, I would buy a car.
- Correct: If I had more money, I would buy a car.Would goes in the main part only. The if part takes the past simple.
- Incorrect: If I had a car, I will drive to work.
- Correct: If I had a car, I would drive to work.A past form in the if part needs would in the main part.
If I were you
We often use were for all persons after if, especially to give advice. In everyday speech If I was ... is also common.
- If I were you, I'd take the job.
- If she were here, she'd know what to do.
First or second?
It depends on how real the situation is for you.
- If I win the match, I'll be really happy.
(I think I can win.)
- If I won a lot of money, I wouldn't stop working.
(It's a dream. It probably won't happen.)
Practise this rule
- First and second conditionalsQuizB1Intermediate
- Common mistakes at A2: which sentence is correct?QuizA2Elementary
- Common mistakes at B1: which sentence is correct?QuizB1Intermediate
- Common mistakes at B1: translate from RussianQuizB1Intermediate
- B1 grammar review: are you ready for B2?QuizB1Intermediate
Related rules
Where this rule sits
All A2 rulesConditionals and unreal situations: all rules
Syllabus topics on this page
- A2ElementaryZero and first conditional
- B1Intermediateunless
- B1IntermediateSecond conditional