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Conditional sentences overview There are four types of conditional sentences. The zero See also:

conditional refers to real situations, but the first, second,
Present simple 1 Past simple 7
and third conditionals all refer to hypothetical situations. Past perfect simple 13 Modal verbs 56

TYPES OF CONDITIONAL
The zero conditional PRESENT SIMPLE The first conditional
is used to talk about is used to talk about PRESENT SIMPLE
situations that will hypothetical situations
always happen. It is that are likely to happen.
used to talk about
general truths.

PRESENT SIMPLE “WILL” + BASE FORM

The second conditional PAST SIMPLE The third conditional PAST PERFECT
is used to talk about is used to talk about
hypothetical situations hypothetical situations
that are very unlikely to that definitely will not
happen, but are usually happen. The result
still possible. is no longer possible
because of the imaginary
cause in the past.
“WOULD” + BASE FORM “WOULD” + “HAVE” + PAST PARTICIPLE

USING COMMAS IN CONDITIONAL SENTENCES COMMON MISTAKES USING OTHER TENSES IN CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

When the action comes before the result, “Will,” “would,” and “would have” should not be used
a comma separates the two clauses of the in the “if” clause when forming conditional sentences.
conditional sentence. However, when the
result comes first, no comma is used.
A comma is used if the action comes first.
“Will” doesn’t go in the “if” clause.

“Would” doesn’t go in the “if” clause.

The result can come at the “If” or “when” can sit between the
beginning of the sentence. action and result, without a comma. “Would have” doesn’t go in the “if” clause.

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