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Conditionals
Conditionals: Zero, First, Second, Third
Four patterns for real and unreal conditions.
Explanation
Zero: if plus present simple, then present simple, for general truths. First: if plus present simple, then will, for real future possibilities. Second: if plus past simple, then would, for unreal present situations. Third: if plus past perfect, then would have plus past participle, for unreal past regrets.
Examples
- If you heat ice, it melts.
- If it rains, we will stay in.
- If I had more time, I would learn the cello.
- If she had left earlier, she would have caught the train.
Common mistakes
If it will rain, we will stay in.
If it rains, we will stay in.
The if-clause takes a present tense.
If I would be rich, I would travel.
If I were rich, I would travel.
The second conditional uses the past subjunctive.
If I would have known, I would have come.
If I had known, I would have come.
The third conditional uses the past perfect.