Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences are statements discussing known factors or hypothetical

situations and their consequences. Complete conditional sentences contain a
conditional clause (often referred to as the if-clause) and the consequence.
There are four types of conditional sentences. First at all consider these three
clarifications.
- It’s important to use the correct structure for each of these different
conditional sentences because they express varying meanings.
- Pay attention to verb tense when using different conditional modes.
- Use a comma after the if-clause when the if-clause precedes the main
clause.

Examples. -
If a certain condition is true, then a particular result happens.
I would travel around the world if I won the lottery.
When water reaches 100 degrees, it boils.
Zero Conditional:
Este condicional se utiliza para hablar de cosas que son generalmente ciertas o que
son hechos científicos.
Este condicional lo formaremos de la siguiente manera:
If clause/Conditional clause – present simple
Result clause – present simple

Ejemplo: If I eat, I am happy / I am happy if I eat

Español: “Si como estoy feliz”.
First Conditional:
Este condicional se utiliza para hablar de una posible situación a ocurrir en el futuro
si algo pasa en el presente.
Este condicional lo formaremos de la siguiente manera:
If clause/Conditional clause – present simple
Result clause – Future simple

Ejemplo: If he comes, I will be angry / I will be angry if he comes

Español: “Si el viene, estaré molesto”.
Second Conditional:
Este condicional se utiliza para hablar de situaciones hipotéticas o situaciones
improbables. Básicamente se utiliza para hablar de deseos.
Este condicional lo formaremos de la siguiente manera:
If clause/Conditional clause – past simple
Result clause – would + verb

Ejemplo: If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world / I would travel
around the world If I won the lottery
Español: “Si ganara la lotería, viajaría alrededor del mundo”.
Third Conditional:
Este condicional se utiliza para hablar de cosas de las cuales ya sucedieron,
imaginándonos un pasado diferente al hecho ocurrido.
Este condicional lo formaremos de la siguiente manera:
If clause/Conditional clause – past perfect
Result clause – would have + past participle
Ejemplo: If I hadn’t lost the ticket, I would have entered to the concert / I
would have entered to the concert If I hadn’t lost the ticket.
Español: “Si no hubiera perdido mi boleto habría entrado al concierto.
 Cuadro de Resumen

Conditionals If Clause (condition) Main Clause (result)

O conditional
Used for present
Real/factual situations
1st conditional
Used for future
Real/factual situations
2nd conditional
Used for present or future
Unreal/imaginary situations
3rd conditional
Used for past unreal
Imaginary situations
Present simple Present simple
If I study hard, I always pass my exams
Present simple Future simple
If I study hard I will pass my exams
Past simple Would + base verb
If I studied hard I would pass my exams
Past perfect Would have + past participle of
If I had studied base verb
I would have passed my exams