Memo#2 : The 5 types of conditional sentences in English.

 

Conditional sentences in English

In this second memo, I'm going make a note about conditional structures. I believe conditionals are among the most important grammatical constructs in any language. This applies even to computer languages - for instance, they play a critical role because without conditionals, computers couldn't make decisions in different situations. The same principle holds true for human languages.

1. Zero Conditional

Use: General truths, scientific facts, or habitual results.
Structure:

If + Present Simple, Present Simple  

Examples:

- If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.

- If I don’t drink coffee, I get a headache.

2. First Conditional

Use: Real or likely future situations.
Structure:

If + Present Simple, will + base verb  

Examples:

- If it rains tomorrow, we’ll stay home.

- If you practice daily, you’ll improve quickly.

3. Second Conditional

Use: Unreal, hypothetical, or unlikely present/future situations.
Structure:

If + Past Simple, would + base verb  

Examples:

- If I won the lottery, I’d buy a castle.

- If she were taller, she’d play basketball.

Note: Use "were" (not "was") for all subjects in formal writing ("If I were...").

4. Third Conditional

Use: Unreal past situations (often regrets or criticism).
Structure:

If + Past Perfect, would have + past participle  

Examples:

- If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam. 

- If you’d told me, I would have helped.

5. Mixed Conditional

Use: A past condition affecting the present.
Structure:

If + Past Perfect, would + base verb  

Examples:

- If I had learned Spanish, I would be fluent now.

- If you hadn’t missed the flight, you’d be in Paris today.