Grammar Guide - Conditionals

Conditional sentences are divided into two parts :

• the "if" clause
• the main clause

Examples:

1. I will thumb a lift from him if he goes.
2. If he goes, I will thumb a lift.

There are four types of conditionals :

• The first conditional - talks about possibilities in the future, used when results are habitual or automatic
• The second conditional - talks about unreal situations in the present or the future
• The third conditional - talks about unreal situations in the past, impossible situations
• Zero conditional

The structure of the conditional :

• First conditional -if clause (present simple verb), main clause (future tense - will + base form)
• Second conditional - if clause (past tense verb), main clause (would + base form)
• Third conditional - if clause (past perfect tense), main clause (would have + past participle)

Examples:

• If he arrives late, he will miss the flight.
• If I had a million ringgit, I would travel around the world.
• If he had worked harder, he would have scored straight As in the exam.