How to form First Conditionals

We form the First Conditional in the following way:

if-clause + main clause

if + Present Simple wil l+ the main verb

If you study hard, you will pass your exams successfully.

If you don’t apologise, you’ll regret it later.

How to use Zero and First Conditionals

Use the First Conditional and the Zero Conditional to talk about real possibilities.

If they don’t come to the party, I will be upset.

We can go on a picnic if the weather is fine.

Don’t use will in the if-clause.

Other conjunctions

Instead of if other conjunctions can be used, e.g. unless, when, as soon as.

Unless means the same as if not. Don’t use a negative structure in the unless-clause.

Unless we do our homework, we can have problems. = If we don’t do our homework, we can have problems.

We use when and as soon as when we are certain that something will happen.

When our partners arrive, I will show them this document.

As soon as our partners arrive, I will show them this document.

We form the Second Conditional in the following way:

if-clause + main clause

if + Past Simple would/could/might etc + the main verb

If she were a successful producer, she would be rich.

If we took care of our environment, the planet might not be polluted so much.

How to use Second Conditionals

Use the Second Conditional to talk about an unreal situation in the present or future.

If they had time, they would do it very well.

Were and was

We can use both of them in the Second Conditional with no change in meaning.

If he were a top executive, he would increase his employees’ salaries.

If he was a top executive, he would increase his employees’ salaries.

If we want to give advice, we often use were.

If I were you, I would agree to help them.

Would is not normally used in the if-clause but if you want to ask somebody to do something you may use it.

I would appreciate very much if you would send me your samples of the product.