THIRD CONDITIONAL

Third Conditional

We can use the Third Conditional to talk about 'impossible' conditions, impossible because they are in the past and we cannot change what has happened.

• If I had worked harder at school, I would have got better grades.
• If I had had time, I would have gone to see him. But I didn't have time.
• If we had bought that house, we would have had to rebuild the kitchen.
• If we had caught the earlier train, we would have got there on time but we were late.

Notice that the main clause can contain 'would', 'could' or 'might.

• If I had seen him at the meeting, I would have asked him. (But he wasn't there so I didn't.)
• If I had seen him at the meeting, I could have asked him. ( But he wasn't there so it wasn't possible.)
• If I had seen him at the meeting, I might have asked him. (But I'm not sure. Perhaps if the opportunity had arisen.)
• If I had paid more attention in class, I would have understood the lesson.

Also notice that sometimes the 'if clause' is implied rather than spoken.

• I'd have done it. ("if you had asked me but you didn't.")
• I wouldn't have said that. ("if I'd been there.")
• He wouldn't have let him get away with that. ("if he had tried that with me.")
• exercise 1
  exercise 2
  exercise 3
  exercise 4
  exercise 5
• taken from http://www.englishgrammarsecrets.com/thirdconditional/menu.php

SECOND CONDITIONAL

The Second Conditional is used to talk about 'impossible' situations.

• If we were in London today, we would be able to go to the concert in Hyde Park.
• If I had millions dollars, I'd give a lot to charity.
• If there were no hungry people in this world, it would be a much better place.
• If everyone had clean water to drink, there would be a lot less disease.

Note that after I / he/ she /it we often use the subjunctive form 'were' and not 'was'. (Some people think that 'were' is the only 'correct' form but other people think 'was' is equally 'correct' .)

• If she were happy in her job, she wouldn't be looking for another one.
• If I lived in Japan, I'd have sushi every day.
• If they were to enter our market, we'd have big problems.

Note the form 'If I were you' which is often used to give advice.

• If I were you, I'd look for a new place to live.
• If I were you, I'd go back to school and get more qualifications.

The Second Conditional is also used to talk about 'unlikely' situations.

• If I went to China, I'd visit the Great Wall.
• If I was the President, I'd reduce taxes.
• If you were in my position, you'd understand.

Note that the choice between the first and the second conditional is often a question of the speaker's attitude rather than of facts. Compare these examples. Otto thinks these things are possible, Peter doesn't.

• Otto – If I win the lottery, I'll buy a big house.
• Peter – If I won the lottery, I'd buy a big house.
• Otto – If I get promoted, I'll throw a big party.
• Peter – If I got promoted, I'd throw a big party.
• Otto – If my team win the Cup, I'll buy champagne for everybody.
• Peter – If my team won the Cup, I'd buy champagne for everybody.

Note that the 'If clause' can contain the past simple or the past continuous.

• If I was still working in Brighton, I would commute by train.
• If she were coming, she would be here by now.
• If they were thinking of selling, I would want to buy.

Note that the main clause can contain 'would' 'could' or 'might.

• If I had the chance to do it again, I would do it differently.
• If we met up for lunch, we could go to that new restaurant.
• If I spoke to him directly, I might be able to persuade him.

Also note that sometimes the 'if clause' is implied rather than spoken.

• What would I do without you? ("if you weren't here")
• Where would I get one at this time of night? ("if I wanted one")
• He wouldn't agree. ("if I asked him")

Return to List of Grammar Lessons

exercise 1

exercise 2

exercise 3

exercise 4

exercise 5

exercise 6

taken from http://www.englishgrammarsecrets.com/secondconditional/menu.php

FIRST CONDITIONAL

http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/first-conditional-exercise-1.html

First Conditional Form
Make the first conditional
1) If I  (go) out tonight, I  (go) to the cinema... 2) If you  (get) back late, I  (be) angry... 3) If we  (not/see) each other tomorrow, we  (see)each other next week... 4) If he  (come) , I  (be) surprised... 5) If we  (wait) here, we  (be) late... 6) If we  (go) on holiday this summer, we  (go) to Spain... 7) If the weather  (not/improve) , we  (not/have) a picnic... 8) They  (go) to the party if they  (be) invited... 9) If I  (not/go) to bed early, I  (be) tired tomorrow... 10) If we  (eat) all this cake, we  (feel) sick .

ZERO CONDITIONAL

Zero Conditional

When we talk about things that are generally or always true, we can use:

If/When/Unless plus a present form PLUS present simple or imperative

• If he gets there before me, ask him to wait.
• When you fly budget airline, you have to pay for your drinks and snacks.
• Unless you need more space, a small car is big enough for one person.

Note that we are not talking about a specific event but something which is generally true.

In the condition clause, we can use a variety of present forms. In the result clause, there can only be the present simple or imperative.

• If you visit London, go on the London Eye.
• If unemployment is rising, people tend to stay in their present jobs.
• If you've done that, go and have a coffee.
• When you go on holiday, take plenty of sun cream. It'll be very hot.
• When I'm concentrating, please don't make so much noise.
• When I've finished an article, I always ask Kate to read it through.

Notice that 'unless' means the same as 'if not'.

• Unless he asks you politely, refuse to do any more work on the project.
• Unless prices are rising, it's not a good investment.
• Unless you've been there yourself, you don't really understand how fantastic it is.
• exercise 1

  exercise 2

  exercise 3

  exercise 4