English Exercises

Conditionals in English - Complete Guide

Master all types of conditional sentences with clear explanations, examples, and practice exercises

5

Types

B1-C1

Level

19

Exercises

45min

Study Time

Start PracticingTry Zero Conditional

What are Conditionals?

Conditionals are sentences that express the result of a particular condition. They consist of two parts:

  • The if-clause (condition): States the condition
  • The main clause (result): States what happens if the condition is true

English has several types of conditionals, each used for different situations and time references. The key to mastering conditionals is understanding when to use each type based on:

  • Time reference (past, present, future)
  • Probability (certain, likely, unlikely, impossible)
  • Reality (real or hypothetical)
ImpossibleConditional TypesCertain

Zero Conditional

Facts & Universal Truths

🌍
Probability100%
Structure
If+Present Simple,Present Simple
Example

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

Always true - like scientific facts!

Practice Zero Conditional

First Conditional

Real Future Possibilities

🎯
Probability70%
Structure
If+Present Simple,Will+Infinitive
Example

"If it rains tomorrow, I'll stay at home."

Likely to happen - make plans!

Practice First Conditional

Second Conditional

Hypothetical Present

💭
Probability30%
Structure
If+Past Simple,Would+Infinitive
Example

"If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world."

Unlikely but imaginable!

Practice Second Conditional

Third Conditional

Impossible Past

⏰
Probability0%
Structure
If+Past Perfect,Would Have+Past Participle
Example

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

Can't change the past!

Practice Third Conditional
Past
Third Conditional
Present/Future
Zero/First/Second

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using 'will' in the if-clause

❌ If I will see him, I will tell him.

✅ If I see him, I will tell him.

Mistake 2: Wrong tense combination

❌ If I would have money, I will buy it.

✅ If I had money, I would buy it.

Mistake 3: Using 'was' instead of 'were' in formal second conditional

❌ If I was rich... (informal, technically incorrect)

✅ If I were rich... (formal, correct)

Mistake 4: Comma placement

❌ I will go if, it doesn't rain.

✅ If it doesn't rain, I will go. (comma after if-clause)

✅ I will go if it doesn't rain. (no comma when if-clause is second)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Study Tips

Learning Strategy

  1. 1. Start with Zero Conditional (simplest)
  2. 2. Master First & Second before moving to Third
  3. 3. Practice Mixed Conditionals last
  4. 4. Focus on time references and probability
  5. 5. Create your own examples from real life

Memory Tricks

  • • Zero = 0% doubt (always true)
  • • First = 1st possibility (might happen)
  • • Second = 2nd choice (unlikely)
  • • Third = 3 is in the past (p-a-s-t)
  • • Mixed = mixing times

Ready to Master Conditionals?

Practice with our 390 interactive exercises covering all conditional types

Start PracticingTry Question Formation