essay conditional sentences

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use

Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use

Published on March 14, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan . Revised on September 11, 2023.

A conditional sentence refers to a hypothetical situation and its possible consequence.

Conditional sentences always contain a subordinate clause that expresses a condition (e.g., “If it snows tomorrow”) and a main clause indicating the outcome of this condition (e.g., “school will be canceled ”).

There are four main types of conditionals in English, each of which expresses a specific level of likelihood or possibility.

Table of contents

How to use conditional sentences, zero conditional sentences, first conditional sentences, second conditional sentences, third conditional sentences, mixed conditional, common mistake: adding “would” to the “if” clause, other interesting language articles, frequently asked questions.

Conditional sentences are used to describe a hypothetical scenario and the possible consequences of this scenario. All conditional sentences contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause that describes an unreal condition (e.g., “If you train more”)
• A main clause that indicates the result of this hypothetical scenario (e.g., “you will become a better swimmer”)

The subordinate clause of a conditional sentence usually begins with the conjunction “if.”

This is often paired with a “then” at the start of the second clause (e.g., “ if you want to go, then you should go”). However, including “then” is optional.

When the subordinate clause is used at the start of a sentence, it’s always followed by a comma . If the main clause comes first, no comma is needed (and “then” should not be included).

• If you ate healthier food, then you would have more energy.
• You would have more energy if you ate healthier food.

If you switch the order of conditional clauses, you may also need to switch the order of the nouns and pronouns in the sentence.

• If Tom had called earlier, he might have gotten an appointment.
• Tom might have gotten an appointment if he had called earlier.

Check for common mistakes

Use the best grammar checker available to check for common mistakes in your text.

Fix mistakes for free

The zero conditional is used to indicate general truths, scientific facts, or habits. In zero conditional sentences, both the main clause and the conditional clause are normally in the present simple tense .

Zero conditional sentences can also use “when” instead of “if,” because they refer to general truths rather than specific scenarios.

Zero conditionals can also be used to make a command or request or to give advice or instructions. In these instances, the conditional clause is in the present simple tense and the main clause is in the imperative mood .

First conditional sentences refer to a possible action in the present and its realistic future consequence. Sentences using the first conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the present simple tense  (e.g., “if you eat”)
• A main clause formed using a modal verb (usually “will,” “may,” “can,” or “might”) along with the infinitive form of the main verb  (e.g., “run”)

If you don’t practice guitar, then you won’t improve .

Second conditionals are used to refer to an improbable or impossible past or present condition and its unlikely or unrealistic future consequence. Sentences that use the second conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the past subjunctive form (e.g., “looked”)
• A main clause using a modal verb (usually “would,” “could,” or “might”) along with the infinitive form of the main verb (e.g., “sing”)

If Bill talked less, he could finish more tasks.

Third conditional sentences are used to refer to an unreal past situation and its past result. Sentences that use the third conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the past perfect tense (e.g., “if I had worked”)
• A main clause using a modal verb (usually “would,” “could,” or “might”) along with the auxiliary verb “have” and the past participle of the main verb

If Sander had studied more, then he might have gotten a better grade.

Mixed conditional sentences use a combination of the second and third conditionals. The first type of mixed conditional is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its ongoing consequence. Sentences that use the first type of mixed conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause containing a verb in the past perfect tense (as in a third conditional)
• A main clause with a modal verb (usually “would”) and the infinitive form of the main verb (as in a second conditional)

The second type of mixed conditional sentence is used to describe an unreal past condition and its past consequence. It’s formed using:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the past subjunctive form (as in a second conditional)
• A main clause containing a modal verb (usually “would”) along with the auxiliary verb “have” and the past participle of the main verb (as in a third conditional)

When using conditional sentences, people sometimes add the modal verb “would” to the subordinate clause. While “would” is often used in the main clause of second, third, or mixed conditional sentences, it’s wrong to add “would” to the subordinate clause.

Instead, subordinate clauses in the second conditional always use the past subjunctive form , while subordinate clauses in the third conditional always use the past perfect form .

• If you would drive to work, you would arrive earlier.
• If you drove to work, you would arrive earlier.
• If he would have asked first, I might have agreed.
• If he had asked first, I might have agreed.

If you want to know more about commonly confused words, definitions, common mistakes, and differences between US and UK spellings, make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

Nouns & pronouns

• Common nouns
• Proper nouns
• Indefinite pronouns
• Personal pronouns
• Uncountable and countable nouns
• Verb tenses
• Modal verbs
• Auxiliary verbs
• Subjunctive mood
• Imperative mood
• Interjections
• Determiners
• Prepositions

A conditional sentence is a sentence that describes the possible consequences of a hypothetical situation.

Conditional sentences contain a subordinate clause that describes a hypothetical situation (usually starting with the conjunction “if”) and a main clause that describes its possible results (e.g., “If I were you, I’d buy a new phone”).

A conditional clause is one of two clauses in a conditional sentence .

Conditional clauses are subordinate clauses that refer to a hypothetical situation (usually starting with the conjunction “if”). They are used along with a main clause that describes the possible consequences of the hypothetical situation (e.g., “If you’re late again, you will be fired”).

Sources in this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Ryan, E. (2023, September 11). Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use. Scribbr. Retrieved September 3, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/verbs/conditional-sentences/

Aarts, B. (2011). Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.

Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Garner, B. A. (2016). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Is this article helpful?

Eoghan Ryan

Other students also liked, imperative mood | definition, examples & use, the subjunctive mood | definition & examples, what is a modal verb | definition & examples, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

Follow These Rules To Write Conditional Sentences Correctly

by Alice Sudlow | 18 comments

Of all the nuances of grammar in the English language, this is my greatest pet peeve. No, it’s not “its vs. it’s.” It’s not “there, their, and they’re.” It’s not even the Oxford comma.

Let’s talk conditional sentences.

What Is a Conditional Sentence?

A conditional sentence is a sentence that describes a hypothetical situation, like an action or event, and the result of that situation.

Confused? Here’s an easy way to think about it: a conditional sentence can usually use the words “if” and “then.” Here’s an example:

If a zombie apocalypse occurs, then I want to survive.

Real vs. Unreal Conditional Sentences

There are two major types of conditional sentences, and you use them based on how likely the hypothetical situation is to occur.

Real conditional sentences deal with factors that are certain.

If I go to the hardware store today, then I will get a crowbar.

It’s very possible that I’ll actually go to the hardware store today, and when I'm there, I will definitely get a crowbar. So this is a real conditional sentence.

On the other hand, unreal conditional sentences deal with imaginary situations, things that aren’t likely to happen.

If their chainsaws were not so expensive, then I would get one of those, too.

The problem is that chainsaws are expensive, so I definitely won’t get one. Since finding a low-priced chainsaw at that hardware store is an imaginary situation, this conditional sentence is unreal .

Formulas for Writing Conditional Sentences

Writing a conditional sentence is like following a formula. Try these common ones out for size:

The Present Real Conditional: If [present situation], then [present result]

If I buy hefty tools, I put them in my zombie preparedness kit.

Note : you can often omit the “then” from conditional sentences. Most of the examples in this post work with or without the “then.” Most writers will omit the “then” in almost all their conditional sentences for simplicity sake.

The Present Unreal Conditional: If [simple past situation], then [conditional result].

If I bought a chainsaw, then I would put it in my zombie preparedness kit, too.

The Past Real Conditional: If [simple past situation], then [simple past result].

Before I created my zombie preparedness kit, I avoided watching zombie movies because if I watched them, then I got really scared.

The Future Real Conditional: If [present], then [future].

If one day we face a zombie apocalypse, I will be ready.

Reversing “If and Then” Order

All formulas for conditional sentences hold true if you reverse the if/then clauses:

I would buy a chainsaw if I could afford it.

Or even if you remove the words “if” and “then” altogether:

Had I a chainsaw, I would feel more prepared.

You Can Use “When” in Conditional Sentences, Too

Using “when” instead of “if” will change the meaning of these sentences, but they’re still conditional sentences either way. For example:

When  I buy hefty tools, I put them in my zombie preparedness kit.

When Things Go Wrong With Conditional Sentences

Have you ever heard someone say, “If I would have”?

If I would have known the chainsaws were on sale last week, then I would have purchased one.

This is so wrong.

I hear it all the time, but there’s a major problem here. Remember all those formulas we talked about? Here’s the one we need now:

The Past Unreal Conditional: “If [past perfect situation], then [conditional past result].”

Or to put it more simply, “If I had [past participle], then I would have [past participle].”

“Would have purchased” is the conditional past tense of the verb “to purchase.” It fits perfectly after “then.” But “would have known” is the conditional past, too, so it doesn’t fit. The past perfect of “to know” is “had known.” So the correct sentence is:

If I had known the chainsaws were on sale last week, then I would have purchased one.

Bonus! More Misused Conditional Sentences

Here’s one more instance where people commonly (but mistakenly) use the conditional past tense:

I wish I would have known about the sale at the hardware store!

Like the if-clauses above, “I wish” must be followed by the past perfect. So if you realize you missed out on a great opportunity to beef up your zombie preparedness kit and you regret not snagging a deal on that chainsaw last week, you would say,

I wish I had known about the sale at the hardware store!

This is the correct version.

And with that, you know all you need to if you never want to misuse conditional sentences again! If I were standing next to you, then I'd give you a high five! (See what I did there?)

 How about you? Do you enjoy using conditional sentences in writing? Let us know in the comments section .

Write a scene about a regretful character. Maybe she did something she shouldn’t have done. Maybe he didn’t do something he should have done. If something had happened, then what would have happened? What does this person wish they’d done differently?

Write about your character’s if/then or “I wish” mistake for fifteen minutes, then post your practice in the comments. And if you post, remember to give feedback to your fellow writers.

Bonus: Today, find a real-life if/then or “I wish” mistake. Listen to the conversations around you, pay attention to the lyrics of songs on the radio, and double-check the newspaper, books on your shelf, and cereal boxes. When you find an instance where the conditional past is misused, share it in the comments.

Alice Sudlow

Alice Sudlow is the Editor-in-Chief of The Write Practice and a Story Grid certified developmental editor. Her specialty is in crafting transformative character arcs in young adult novels. She also has a keen eye for comma splices, misplaced hyphens, and well-turned sentences, and is known for her eagle-eyed copywriter skills. Get her free guide to how to edit your novel at alicesudlow.com .

18 Comments

Another is ‘may’ vs. ‘might’ – I keep hearing people talk about things that could have happened but didn’t and saying they ‘may have’ happened. The only time it’s correct to say something may have happened is when we don’t know whether it happened or not – they mean that it might have happened, as in ‘if the Nazis had invented the atomic bomb first, they might have won World War II.’

That’s a good one! It trips a lot of people up.

This, Jim, is one that I always have to think about. The conditional sentences don’t really cause me any problems. How about conditional sentences and the subjunctive? I too often hear ‘If I was…’ When it should be ‘If I were…’ It grates!

If I were you, I would have written this brilliant post. Since I am not, I just deleted my astute response. I am considering writing a story from my idea box about a former friend who hurt me in high school. If I were Andi, would I care about crushing another ‘s feeling? Roy Clark in his masterful “The Glamour of Grammar” warns us to avoid “hypergrammar.” He suggests we sound like “prigs ” if we were to use “It is I.” What is your response?

I hear where you’re coming from. When sentences get complex or unwieldy, enforcing correct grammar can make them sound strange and unnatural. I love grammar, and I find it hard to bend the rules even when they start to do more harm than good. But I do have a couple of exceptions:

– I don’t mind ending a sentence with a preposition. That rule is based on French grammar, in which it’s actually impossible to end a sentence with a preposition. I don’t think it enhances clarity to say, “About what are you thinking?” rather than, “What are you thinking about?”

– If you’re writing dialogue, the key is to capture the way that your characters would actually talk. That gives you a decent amount of freedom in what you can do to bend grammar rules. The novel as a whole would need to adhere more closely to correct grammar, but even there, the voice and tone should fit the characters and setting. A story about teenagers in the 23rd century on Mars will probably sound different from a historical political drama, and perhaps grammar (even dated or made-up grammar) will play a part in that.

Bottom line: I agree that it’s good to avoid “hypergrammar.” But loving grammar as I do, I find that a difficult line to walk.

I’m glad you’re confident with conditional sentences! I see “if I would have” so often that I felt it bore explaining. You’re right, though, that the subjunctive gets very tricky for a lot of people. I hear it used incorrectly so frequently that sometimes I have to double-check my own usage. Good idea for a follow-up post!

Awesome. Thank you. And, what a coincidence! My oldest son has problems using those words, in the 1st paragraph, in a sentence. I was going over them with him just yesterday. (Due to his behavior, he has to write a lot of essays)

I’m so glad you found this helpful! Good luck to your son — with both essays and behavior! 🙂

Awwww, thanks.☺

This is an excellent start for me ~ Sorry my 15 minute response will be kept for expansion. IF I didn’t have this plan, THEN I would certainly have shared it.

Great use of a conditional sentence! I’m glad your practice turned into a promising piece!

Shadow watched the girl sleep on the couch. Her chest rose and fell, her breaths coming softly.

The face of the man who’d tried to rape her rose up in his mind in sharp focus. Shadow’s jaw clenched. He’d had his chance to strangle the man—yet he’d restrained himself because the girl had been there, because she had asked him not to.

The look in her eyes as Shadow had gripped the man’s throat…it had chilled Shadow. Because it had reflected who he was inside. Someone capable of killing.

But if he had taken the man’s life, it would not have been without cause.

The girl stirred on the couch. She opened her eyes, revealing soft, bottle-green. “You okay?” she asked.

He laid a hand on her shoulder. “I was just about to leave for work. Rouge is coming by to spend the night.” His mouth tugged in a half-smile. “She likes scary movies, so I’m sure she’s bringing one.”

“Sounds fun,” the girl said, returning his smile.

He squeezed her shoulder and headed for the front door. Just as he’d opened it, the girl said behind him, “Shadow?”

He turned back.

“You did the right thing.”

The thought of a man holding this girl down and forcing himself on her—on a little girl—made his blood simmer.

Allowing that man to live, to let his heart beat one more instant, had been the right thing to do?

Shadow could not disagree more.

Any suggestions/feedback are welcome. Thanks for reading!

If I have to wait to read the rest of this story, then I will be sad. Nice start to something really good.

Aww thank you!! : ) I appreciate that!

This is a great start! I like the slow way you reveal details, not disclosing the young age of the little girl until near the end. I also found the way you showed Shadow’s inner turmoil to be very effective. Internal reflections are nicely mixed with external actions, so neither one feels too long.

And of course, excellent use of a conditional sentence in the fourth paragraph!

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! : )

Thanks for the reminder!

Guys, is anyone using the typo bounty app? I read about it in a grammar forum. I’d love some feedback!

Thanks, Jai

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

Join over 450,000 readers who are saying YES to practice. You’ll also get a free copy of our eBook 14 Prompts :

Popular Resources

Best Resources for Writers Book Writing Tips & Guides Creativity & Inspiration Tips Writing Prompts Grammar & Vocab Resources Best Book Writing Software ProWritingAid Review Writing Teacher Resources Publisher Rocket Review Scrivener Review Gifts for Writers

Books By Our Writers

You've got it! Just us where to send your guide.

Enter your email to get our free 10-step guide to becoming a writer.

You've got it! Just us where to send your book.

Enter your first name and email to get our free book, 14 Prompts.

Want to Get Published?

Enter your email to get our free interactive checklist to writing and publishing a book.

“If-then”: Using Conditional Sentences in Academic Writing

Conditional sentences are statements of an “if-then” or “unless-then” situation (although “then” is not used), or a probability. These sentences present situations and their possible outcomes. Conditional sentences are often used to discuss the results of the research studies or are part of a research hypothesis statement.

Conditional sentences are perfectly acceptable and, in many cases, necessary to state and test a condition and its outcome. Most authors of the scientific papers will use these sentences in their abstracts to discuss the reasons to conduct their study. So, it is important to frame them correctly.

One way of writing conditional sentences correctly is using Trinka – world’s first AI-powered grammar checker and language enhancement tool custom designed for academic writing. Its smart features help you in incorporating all the requirements of academic writing such as formal tone, consistency, style guide preferences and much more! Moreover, Trinka corrects advance grammar errors unique to technical writing which includes conditional sentences, too.

Types of Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences are constructed using two clauses—the if (or unless ) clause and the main clause. There are five types of conditional sentences. It is important to understand each because each conveys a different meaning . Some conditional sentences refer to the general truths and others to hypothetical situations.

• Zero conditional sentences refer to the general truth about a situation. These sentences state that one condition always results in the same outcome. For example:

If I don’t turn on my air conditioner, my house is hot.

Note that the both clauses are in the present tense.

• First conditional sentences present a situation in which a future outcome is not ensured. For example:

If you eat your broccoli, you will feel great.

Note that the present tense is used in the if clause and the future tense in the main clause.

• Second conditional sentences express if clauses and results that are extremely unlikely, such as those we “wish for.” For example:

If I had control over the food sources, I would end world hunger.

Note the use of the simple past tense in the if clause and the verb (i.e., would, could, should) in the main clause.

• Third conditional sentences are a bit different. They suggest that the result would be different had the past been different. For example:

If you had told me you were hungry, I would have bought food for you.

Note that the conditions did not happen. The past perfect tense (had + past participle form of the verb) is used in the if clause and the verb (would) plus “have” plus the past participle of the verb was used in the main clause.

• Mixed type conditional sentences refer to something in the past but continuing into the present; however, the past condition and the results are not real. For example,

If I had learned to ride sooner, I would be a top rodeo star by now.

Note that the past perfect verb is used in the if clause and the present conditional verb is used in the main clause.

Punctuating these conditional sentences is simple. Use a comma to separate the if clause from the main clause when the if clause comes first. Again, Trinka can help you in the punctuating the sentences correctly, within minutes!

Some Exceptions to the Rules

For example, in the following sentence, we use the simple future verb in the if clause:

If turmeric will ease my arthritis pain, I will take some every day.

Note that the action in the if clause hasn’t happened yet, but will happen after the action in the main clause is taken.

The use of were to in the if clause is another exception. This phrase is used to emphasize the importance of the result of something that might happen. For example:

If she were to fall on that arm again, she would have to have surgery.

The action in the main clause is emphasized by were to in the if clause.

Importance to Researchers

In your research, you are most likely going to either perform your own experiments or use the results of others’ experiments to conduct a meta-analysis. Whichever the case, you will need to report your findings and assessments . In doing so, there will be situations in which the results of your study or even future studies are based on certain conditions. Your conclusions are based on evidence, data, or theory. You might present your conclusions as likelihoods that something has already happened, is currently happening, or will happen at some point. This is where conditional sentence is a great help.

Writing conditional sentences might appear to be a difficult thing to do, but with practice and good understanding of the above mentioned rules, you can perfect it. Alternatively, you can check out Trinka ! Its robust AI facilitates you in integrating all the conventions and language requirements of academic writing. Along with, conditional sentences Trinka can also assist you in logic, syntax, technical spellings and much more!

i found answer to my question whuch i hve been searching relly hard. it was a great experice.

Rate this article Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Enago Academy's Most Popular Articles

• Language & Grammar
• Reporting Research

How to Avoid Run-on Sentences in Academic Writing

When writing a paper, are you more focused on ideas or writing style? For most…

How to Improve Your Academic Writing Using Language Corpora

No matter how brilliant a researcher you are, you must be able to write about…

• Global Spanish Webinars
• Old Webinars

Cómo Dominar el Arte de Escribir Manuscritos en Inglés

Consejos de corrección Errores comunes de manuscritos Aplicación de la gramática inglesa Consejos sobre redacción…

• Global Japanese Webinars
• Webinar Mobile App

英語での論文執筆をマスターする

英語でのライティングスキルの重要性 論文英語の組み立て 日本人によくある英語の間違い 論文執筆の基本

• Infographic

Top 10 Tips to Increase Academic Vocabulary for Researchers

Improving academic vocabulary is an important skill for all researchers.  Academic vocabulary refers to the words…

Avoid These Common Grammatical Errors in Your Paper

How Coherence in Writing Facilitates Manuscript Acceptance

Sign-up to read more

Subscribe for free to get unrestricted access to all our resources on research writing and academic publishing including:

• 2000+ blog articles
• 50+ Webinars
• 10+ Expert podcasts
• 50+ Infographics
• 10+ Checklists
• Research Guides

We hate spam too. We promise to protect your privacy and never spam you.

Have a thesis expert improve your writing

Check your thesis for plagiarism in 10 minutes, generate your apa citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use

Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use

Published on 14 March 2023 by Eoghan Ryan . Revised on 11 September 2023.

A conditional sentence refers to a hypothetical situation and its possible consequence.

Conditional sentences always contain a subordinate clause that expresses a condition (e.g., ‘If it snows tomorrow’) and a main clause indicating the outcome of this condition (e.g., ‘school will be cancelled ‘).

There are four main types of conditionals in English, each of which expresses a specific level of likelihood or possibility.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Be assured that you'll submit flawless writing. Upload your document to correct all your mistakes.

Table of contents

How to use conditional sentences, zero conditional sentences, first conditional sentences, second conditional sentences, third conditional sentences, mixed conditional, common mistake: adding ‘would’ to the ‘if’ clause, other interesting language articles, frequently asked questions.

Conditional sentences are used to describe a hypothetical scenario and the possible consequences of this scenario. All conditional sentences contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause that describes an unreal condition (e.g., ‘If you train more’)
• A main clause that indicates the result of this hypothetical scenario (e.g., ‘you will become a better swimmer’)

The subordinate clause of a conditional sentence usually begins with the conjunction ‘if’.

This is often paired with a ‘then’ at the start of the second clause (e.g., ‘ if you want to go, then you should go’). However, including ‘then’ is optional.

When the subordinate clause is used at the start of a sentence, it’s always followed by a comma . If the main clause comes first, no comma is needed (and ‘then’ should not be included).

• If you ate healthier food, then you would have more energy.
• You would have more energy if you ate healthier food.

If you switch the order of conditional clauses, you may also need to switch the order of the nouns and pronouns in the sentence.

• If Tom had called earlier, he might have got an appointment.
• Tom might have got an appointment if he had called earlier.

The only proofreading tool specialized in correcting academic writing

The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts and by native English editors. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students.

Correct my document today

The zero conditional is used to indicate general truths, scientific facts, or habits. In zero conditional sentences, both the main clause and the conditional clause are normally in the present simple tense .

Zero conditional sentences can also use ‘when’ instead of ‘if’, because they refer to general truths rather than specific scenarios.

Zero conditionals can also be used to make a command or request or to give advice or instructions. In these instances, the conditional clause is in the present simple tense and the main clause is in the imperative mood .

First conditional sentences refer to a possible action in the present and its realistic future consequence. Sentences using the first conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the present simple tense  (e.g., ‘if you eat’)
• A main clause formed using a modal verb (usually ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘can’, or ‘might’) along with the infinitive form of the main verb  (e.g., ‘run’)

If you don’t practise guitar, then you won’t improve .

Second conditionals are used to refer to an improbable or impossible past or present condition and its unlikely or unrealistic future consequence. Sentences that use the second conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the past subjunctive form (e.g., ‘looked’)
• A main clause using a modal verb (usually ‘would’, ‘could’, or ‘might’) along with the infinitive form of the main verb (e.g., ‘sing’)

If Bill talked less, he could finish more tasks.

Third conditional sentences are used to refer to an unreal past situation and its past result. Sentences that use the third conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the past perfect tense (e.g., ‘if I had worked’)
• A main clause using a modal verb (usually ‘would’, ‘could’, or ‘might’) along with the auxiliary verb ‘have’ and the past participle of the main verb

If Sander had studied more, then he might have got  a better grade.

Mixed conditional sentences use a combination of the second and third conditionals. The first type of mixed conditional is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its ongoing consequence. Sentences that use the first type of mixed conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause containing a verb in the past perfect tense (as in a third conditional)
• A main clause with a modal verb (usually ‘would’) and the infinitive form of the main verb (as in a second conditional)

The second type of mixed conditional sentence is used to describe an unreal past condition and its past consequence. It’s formed using:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the past subjunctive form (as in a second conditional)
• A main clause containing a modal verb (usually ‘would’) along with the auxiliary verb ‘have’ and the past participle of the main verb (as in a third conditional)

When using conditional sentences, people sometimes add the modal verb ‘would’ to the subordinate clause. While ‘would’ is often used in the main clause of second, third, or mixed conditional sentences, it’s wrong to add ‘would’ to the subordinate clause.

Instead, subordinate clauses in the second conditional always use the past subjunctive form , while subordinate clauses in the third conditional always use the past perfect form .

• If you would drive to work, you would arrive earlier.
• If you drove to work, you would arrive earlier.
• If he would have asked first, I might have agreed.
• If he had asked first, I might have agreed.

If you want to know more about commonly confused words, definitions, common mistakes, and differences between US and UK spellings, make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

Nouns & pronouns

• Common nouns
• Proper nouns
• Collective nouns
• Personal pronouns
• Uncountable and countable nouns
• Verb tenses
• Phrasal verbs
• Sentence structure
• Active vs passive voice
• Subject-verb agreement
• Interjections
• Determiners
• Prepositions

A conditional sentence is a sentence that describes the possible consequences of a hypothetical situation.

Conditional sentences contain a subordinate clause that describes a hypothetical situation (usually starting with the conjunction “if”) and a main clause that describes its possible results (e.g., “If I were you, I’d buy a new phone”).

A conditional clause is one of two clauses in a conditional sentence .

Conditional clauses are subordinate clauses that refer to a hypothetical situation (usually starting with the conjunction “if”). They are used along with a main clause that describes the possible consequences of the hypothetical situation (e.g., “If you’re late again, you will be fired”).

Sources for this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Ryan, E. (2023, September 11). Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use. Scribbr. Retrieved 3 September 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/verb/conditional-sentence/

Aarts, B. (2011). Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.

Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Garner, B. A. (2016). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Is this article helpful?

Eoghan Ryan

Other students also liked, imperative mood | definition, examples & use, the subjunctive mood | definition & examples, what is a modal verb | definition & examples.

“If-then”: Using Conditional Sentences in Academic Writing

Conditional sentences are statements of an “if-then” or “unless” situation. These sentences express situations and their probable results. Conditional sentences are frequently used to discuss the outcomes of research studies or are part of a hypothesis statement.

Conditional sentences are essential for stating and testing conditions and their results. Most authors of scientific papers use such statements, particularly in the Introduction and Discussion sections.

Essentially, the verb tenses used in the if-clause and the result clause must adhere to the type of conditional sentences being expressed. To ensure your conditional sentences are contextually correct, you can use Trinka , an AI-powered writing assistant. It is the world’s first language enhancement tool that is custom-built for academic and technical writing, and has several exclusive features to help you write clear and concise conditional sentences.

Table of Contents

Types of Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences contain two clauses—the  condition  clause ( if or  unless ) and the  main  clause. There are five kinds of conditional sentences, each conveying a different meaning. Some conditional sentences refer to the common truths and others to hypothetical situations.

• Zero conditional sentences  refer to a common truth or factual relationships. These sentences assert that one condition always results in the same outcome. For instance:

If you put ice cubes in a glass of water, they melt .

Note that both clauses are in the  present tense .

• First conditional sentences  present a possible situation and its probable result. The degree of certainty is lower compared to the zero conditional. For instance:

If you eat green vegetables, you  will  feel amazing.

Note that the  present tense  is used in the  if -clause and the  future  tense in the main clause.

• Second conditional sentences  express unreal conditions and their probable results—speculation, for example.

If I  had  control over food production, I  would  end world hunger.

Note the use of the  simple past tense  in the  if -clause and the modal verb (i.e., would, could, should) in the main clause.

• Third conditional sentences  are slightly different. They propose that the outcome would be different had the past been different. This kind of conditional expresses a situation that is contrary to fact. For instance:

If you  had  told me, I  would have  brought dinner for you.

Note that the condition and the result did not occur. The  past perfect tense  (had + past participle form of the verb) is used in the  if -clause, and the verb (would) plus “have” plus the past participle of the verb is used in the main clause.

• Mixed type conditional sentences  refer to a situation in the past and its probable result in the present. For instance,

If I  had learned  to ride earlier, I  would be  a big rodeo star by now.

Note that  the past perfect verb  is used in the  if -clause, and the present conditional verb is used in the main clause.

Punctuating conditional sentences is easy. Use a comma to separate the  if -clause from the main clause when the  if -clause comes first.

A Few Exceptions to the Rules

In the sentence given below, we use the simple future verb in the  if -clause:

If Vitamin D  eases  my arthritis pain, I  will take  some supplements every day.

Note that the action in the  if -clause hasn’t taken place yet, but will occur after the action in the main clause is taken.

The use of “ were + infinitive verb ” (e.g., were to fall) in the  if -clause is another exception. This phrase is used to highlight the significance of the outcome of something that  might  occur. For instance:

If she  were to  fall on her shoulder again, she  would have to  have surgery.

The action in the if -clause (were to fall) displays the subjunctive mood, i.e., a grammatical feature in English for expressing wishes, proposals, suggestions, or imagined situations.

Significance to Researchers

In your research, you are likely to either perform your independent experiments or use the outcomes of others’ experiments to conduct a meta-analysis. In either case, you will be required to report your evaluation and conclusions. In doing so, there will be situations in which the outcomes of your study or even future studies are based on specific conditions. Your findings are based on evidence, data, or theory. You might present your conclusions as likelihoods that something has already occurred, is presently happening, or will take place at some point. This is where a conditional sentence plays a critical role.

The verb tenses used in the if-clause and the result clause must adhere to the type of conditional being expressed. Here’s where Trinka , an AI-driven writing assistant, can help. It is the world’s first language enhancement tool that is custom-built for academic and technical writing, and has several exclusive features to make your manuscript ready for the global audience.

Go beyond grammar & spelling

• Write with Trinka

How to Write a Research Proposal? – Guide with Examples

How to Write Any Type of Letter?

Do Citations Really Matter? How to Identify High-quality Academic Sources

Tips for IELTS Preparation: Why You Should Use Trinka AI to Help Your Writing

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe to stay updated with us!

Join thousands of subscribers to get regular updates on industry trends and our blog posts.

Conditional Sentences In English (Real and Unreal Conditionals – If Clauses)

Table of contents, introduction:, conditional sentences in english, what are conditional sentences, conditional sentence type 0: general truths and scientific facts, conditional sentence type 1: real and possible situations.

The structure is as follows:

Conditional Sentence Type 2: Unreal and Improbable Situations

Form: If + Simple Past, + Would + Base Verb

Conditional Sentence Type 3: Hypothetical Results to Past Situations

Real vs. unreal conditionals: understanding the difference, 12 more examples of conditional sentences.

Things to Remember:

Conditionals

Perfect english grammar.

What are conditionals in English grammar? Sometimes we call them 'if clauses'. They describe the result of something that might happen (in the present or future) or might have happened but didn't (in the past) . They are made using different English verb tenses.

• The Zero Conditional: (if + present simple, ... present simple) If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils. Click here to learn more.
• The First Conditional: (if + present simple, ... will + infinitive) If it rains tomorrow, we'll go to the cinema. Click here to learn more.
• The Second Conditional: (if + past simple, ... would + infinitive) If I had a lot of money, I would travel around the world. Click here to learn more.
• The Third Conditional (if + past perfect, ... would + have + past participle) If I had gone to bed early, I would have caught the train. Click here to learn more.

(Notice we can put 'if' at the beginning, or in the middle. It doesn't change the meaning. When 'if' is at the beginning of the sentence, we put a comma at the end of the 'if' clause. We don't use a comma when 'if' is in the middle of the sentence.)

Click here for conditional exercises

• Present Real Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Past Real Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Future Real Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Mixed Real Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Present Unreal Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Past Unreal Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Future Unreal Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Mixed Unreal Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)

Hello! I'm Seonaid! I'm here to help you understand grammar and speak correct, fluent English.

Read more about our learning method

What Are Conditional Sentences? A Closer Look at a Common Writing Technique

Most English writers use conditional sentences in their writing without even knowing it. Learn “what are conditional sentences?” and how to use them properly. 

If you have ever written a statement with a dependent clause starting with the word “if,” then you have likely written a conditional sentence. 

Conditional sentences provide a foundation for making hypothetical situations or presenting conditions for action. They are similar to an if/then statement but without the word “then.”

These sentences use two clauses and different verb tenses to give a particular meaning, and understanding them will make your writing stronger or help with inferring the right information from sentences when you read this sentence type.

Grammarly is one of our top grammar checkers. Find out why in this Grammarly review .

What Are Conditional Sentences?

The breakdown of a conditional sentence, zero conditional sentences, first conditional sentences, second conditional sentences, third conditional sentences, mixed conditional sentences, categorizing conditional sentences, exceptions to the conditional sentences rules, conditional sentences and punctuation, the need for conditional sentences in essay writing, 1. using a comma incorrectly, 2. using the wrong tense, how to use conditional sentences in your next essay.

A conditional sentence is a sentence that has a conditional statement, usually in the form of “if,” followed by a result. It has two parts: the if-clause and the main clause. These two parts have a direct correlation to each other.

To better understand this structure, take a moment to consider the two parts of a conditional sentence.

The first part is the if clause. This dependent clause often comes at the front of a conditional sentence, but it can come at the end as well.

The second part is the main clause. This independent clause states the result of the condition. If the action in the if-clause occurs, then the action in the main clause will or will likely occur.

4 Types of Conditional Sentences

There are four types of conditional sentences you could use in English writing. They are different in the amount of probability they indicate that the situation will or will not occur. These types range from a sentence that indicates something is going to occur to something completely farfetched. The four types of conditional sentences are:

• Zero conditional sentences
• First conditional sentences
• Second conditional sentences
• Third conditional sentences

Understanding each of these requires looking more closely at them, along with examples of them, to get a feel for how they are used.

Zero conditional sentences state general truths about a situation or scenario. These situations always occur together or always cause another action to happen. They have no or few exceptions.

These sentences follow this format:

• If + simple present, simple present.

Here is an example:

• If you eat more calories than you burn through exercise, you gain weight.

The zero conditional uses the simple present tense of the verb, and no other tense is acceptable. It also uses “if” or “when” as the conditional clause opener. You can use these two words interchangeably in this type of conditional sentence.

Here are additional examples:

• If the weather looks like rain, I take an umbrella with me.
• If I wake up early, I take time to read before starting my day.

The purpose of a first conditional sentence is to describe possible scenarios. First conditional sentences state an outcome that is likely to happen. However, the outcome is not guaranteed.

These sentences follow this pattern:

• If + simple present, will + base verb.
• If you exercise to burn additional calories and don’t change your eating habits, you will lose weight.

It is incorrect to use the future tense in the if-clause, as in:

• If you will exercise to burn additional calories and don’t change your eating habits, you will lose weight. (incorrect verb tense)

Here are some additional examples:

• If it rains, I will need to wait before I leave.
• If the weather holds, we will play another inning.

Sometimes in English grammar, we want to state something unlikely to happen. For instance, you likely will not win the lottery, but you might enjoy thinking about what you would do if you did. Second conditional sentences work in these hypothetical scenarios.

• If + simple past, modal + base verb.
• If I won the lottery, I would buy a mansion on a beach.

 A common mistake is to use the present tense in the conditional clause, as in:

• If I win the lottery, I would buy a mansion on a beach. (incorrect verb tense)
• If she were my sister, I would have a built-in best friend.
• If I found an unexpected inheritance, I would build a new house from the ground up.

The third conditional sentence is for things that did not happen in the past due to the if clause. This sentence structure often indicates a sense of regret.

• If + past perfect, modal + present perfect.

Here is the third conditional in a sentence:

• If I had known there was a traffic jam, I would have left 10 minutes early.

A common mistake with this type of conditional is using the modal auxiliary in the conditional clause, as in:

• If I would have known there was a traffic jam, I would have left 10 minutes early.
• If it had rained earlier this week, the plants wouldn’t have wilted.
• If I had finished my degree, I would have become a dentist.

Mixed conditional sentences are not considered one of the four types because these mix the second and third conditionals into one statement. It can follow one of two patterns:

• If + past perfect, modal + base.
• If + simple past, would/could present perfect.

These sentences present an unreal condition that occurred in the past or will occur in the future and connect that condition with an imaginary potential result. Here are some examples:

• If I had finished my degree, I would be a teacher now.
• If it had rained earlier this week, the plants would be alive.
• If you were kinder, you would have made more friends.
• If you worked harder, you would have gotten a promotion last year.

In addition to the four main types of conditionals, these sentences can be labeled “real” or “unreal” based on whether or not their meaning is possible. In zero and first conditionals, the meaning is always possible, so these are real.

However, second, third, and mixed conditionals typically are hypothetical situations or are about past events that the writer can’t change. This makes them impossible, which means they are “unreal.” The typical reason to make an unreal conditional sentence is not to state what will happen but rather to make a point.

In English grammar, exceptions are common, and conditional sentences fall into this category.

First, you can use the simple future tense in the if-clause in one instance. If the action in the if-clause will take place after the action that occurs in the main clause, the simple future tense is appropriate. Here is an example:

• If it will calm you down, I will tell you how to stay safe in a thunderstorm.
• If it will help with the discomfort, I will wear my leg brace when I go hiking.

Because the actions of calming the listener down or easing the discomfort only happen if the actions of telling about safety or wearing the leg brace occur, then future perfect tense applies.

Second, if the conditional sentence uses “were to” in the if-clause, it indicates that the main conditional clause is a particularly bad scenario. This changes the verb tense and also adds emphasis to the sentence. Here are some examples:

• If she were to call in sick, she would get laid off.
• If the dog were to bite the neighbor, he would have to be taken to the shelter.

When you write a conditional sentence, you may find punctuation to be a challenge. However, the rule is very simple. All you need to do is add a comma after the if clause if the if clause comes before the main clause. Since this is the usual structure, you add the comma between the two clauses to punctuate it well.

Understanding conditional sentences and how to use the right verb tenses to convey these meanings is vital to essay writing in school. First, using conditional sentences correctly gives your essay correct grammar. Correctness and precision are vital in academic writing.

Also, when you use the appropriate sentence structure, you create essays with greater clarity. Your reader will understand the meaning of the sentence and whether or not the conditional you set up could or will happen.

Conditional sentences also help with grading essays in school. Teachers will be able to understand your meaning clearly, and this understanding helps them grade the essay appropriately.  

Common Problems with Conditional Sentences

All English speakers will make some common mistakes with conditional sentences, and you should know how to watch for these in your writing and speaking.

If the if-clause proceeds the main clause, it gets a comma. However, if it comes after the main clause, it does not. Here is an example:

• You will be late if you don’t leave soon.

In this sentence, you would not place a comma between “late” and “if.” However, if you reversed the order, you would:

• If you don’t leave soon, you will be late.

Only use the comma if the if clause comes first.

Another common mistake is mixing up the tenses and thus showing the wrong meaning in the sentence. Depending on the meaning you wish to convey, you need to use the right verb tense. Here are some examples and their corrections:

• If you sleep, you will dream.

This sounds right, but it is a zero conditional sentence. Thus, it should have the simple present tense in the main clause. Here is the corrected version:

• If you sleep, you dream.

Here is a first conditional sentence example:

• If you will help other people, you will have everything you need in life.

In this example, the if clause should have the simple present tense, reading as follows:

• If you help other people, you will have everything you need in life.

This sentence is a poor example of the second conditional sentence:

• If you become a mother, you would understand unconditional love.

The second conditional should have simple past tense in the if clause, like this:

• If you became a mother, you would understand unconditional love.

Finally, for the third conditional sentence, some writers will insert “would have” into the if clause, like this:

• If you would have gone to bed early, you would have gotten enough sleep.

Instead, this should use the past perfect tense in the if-clause, like this:

• If you had gone to bed early, you would have gotten enough sleep.

When writing conditional sentences, you can’t always rely on your speaking abilities. Take time to learn the proper verb tenses , so you can use them correctly when writing these sentences.

Using conditional sentences correctly will make your next essay clearer and stronger. To do so, first, decide the meaning of your if/then statement. Do you intend to convey something certain, something that is unlikely to happen, or something impossible?

Once you know the meaning, you can choose the correct format. Choose the right verb tense and structure based on the information here, and write the sentence correctly.

When proofreading your academic paper or essay, look for if-clauses. If you have them, make sure the structure fits the intended meaning based on the four types of conditional sentences. This practice will give you clear, correct writing for your papers. Finally, check the list of common errors to make sure you are not making any of these in your writing. These errors often sound correct, but they do not convey the right meaning. Eliminate them to make your writing grammatically correct and clear to your readers.

If you still need help, our guide to grammar and syntax explains more.

How To Use Conditional Sentences in Academic Writing

How important is English grammar when it comes to academic writing? Well, if you’re writing in English, it’s of utmost importance. Quite frankly, researchers and students should have a thorough understanding of certain intricacies of grammar. For instance, take conditional sentences. This category of grammar is of great utility in academic writing. Hence, it’s important to learn and understand how to use this aspect of English grammar.

Example: If you want to succeed, you need to work hard. 

In this case, the dependent clause is if you want to succeed . The main clause is you need to work hard .

Types of conditional sentences

There are many ways to classify conditional statements. A common method is to classify them based on the probability of the result, which gives the following types of sentences:

• Zero conditional
• First conditional
• Second conditional
• Third conditional
• Mixed conditional

Things to keep in mind

Punctuation is one of the main areas where people tend to commit errors while using conditional sentences. If the conditional clause comes first, then a comma should be used to separate it from the main clause. However, if the conditional clause comes after the main clause, then there is no need to use a comma.

Example: If I see her, I will let her know.  

(Conditional clause comes before the main clause.)

I will let her know if I see her. (Conditional clause comes after the main clause.)

Conditional sentences have specific rules regarding tense as well. The table below illustrates this.

TENSE / OTHER RULES

Read WordsRU’s reviews. Our clients have given us 4.93/5 stars.

Get a  free sample edit  to get the  WordsRU  advantage.

Related Posts

Who benefits from a sample edit offered by an editing company, when the coronavirus increased the vocabulary of the whole world, how to track your personal and academic expenses while going to college, about the author.

• 4 Conditionals In English And When To Use Them

• Posted on 19/05/2021
• Categories: Blog
• Tags: Conditionals , Grammar , Resources to learn English

Conditionals? Is that something you use after shampooing your hair? Not quite. You may have heard your English teacher talk about conditionals. Who knows, you may have even learnt a couple:

• If it rains, you will get wet!
• If you don’t study, you won’t pass the exam.

But just when you think you’ve mastered them all, another one pops up that seems harder than the last.

Well, the good news is there are four main conditionals. All of which we’re going to teach you today. So that by the end of this blog post you’ll not only recognise them but also feel comfortable to use them in a variety of situations. We’ll also share some fun videos with you!

So, if you’re ready to begin, let’s get the ball rolling . (That’s the first conditional by the way).

The conditionals

Conditionals are also known as if clauses , we use them to say that one thing depends on something else. They can be used to talk about something that always happens, might happen or might have happened as a result of another state, action or event.

Check out these four conditionals and how to use them in a sentence.

As you can see, the sentences are divided into two parts:

If clause (condition), + main clause (result)

These are separated by a comma, but they also function in the following order without one and mean exactly the same thing:

Main clause (result) + if clause (condition)

Confused? Let’s take things back to basics.

1. Zero conditional

The zero conditional is used to talk about things that are certain, or always true. It is a real condition that has an inevitable result. Think about how scientific facts are written or general truths.

Structure & Examples

The message here is that if something happens there will always be a guaranteed consequence. If you stand out in the rain, you’ll get wet. If you eat too much, you’ll put on weight. If you touch a fire…well, then you’re asking for it .

‘When’ instead of ‘if’

We can also use the word when instead of if and the meaning stays the same.

Activity One

Got it? Good. Now try out this fun quiz from Get Grammarous to practise the zero conditional!

2. First conditional

Finished the quiz? Now, back to work! Let’s move on to the first conditional. We use this to talk about things in the future that are likely to happen or have a real possibility of happening.

The structure of the first conditional is: If + present tense,…will/won’t + infinitive

Other connectors: when, as soon as, in case, etc.

We can use the following connectors instead of if :

When, as soon as, in case, unless, as long as, after . However, each of these connectors changes the meaning of the sentence slightly .

Modal verbs or imperatives

We can use modal verbs instead of will/won’t :

May, might, shall, should, could or an imperative in the main clause. This changes the meaning, or the likelihood of the result.

Activity Two

Want to try out your skills with the first conditional? Try this Grammar Gameshow from BBC Learn English .

3. Second conditional

So you’re halfway through learning the conditionals. Well done you! The thing is, this is where things get a bit more difficult.

Whereas the zero and first conditionals describe a real or possible situation, the second and third are imaginary or hypothetical situations. Let’s start with the second conditional:

The structure of the second conditional is: If + past simple,… would/wouldn’t + infinitive

As you can see, in the if clause we use the past simple, and in the main clause we use the conditional would . We can also use the word could to mean a hypothetical possibility.

The second conditional refers to the present or the future, and is used to talk about anything unlikely to happen. Imagine meeting Lionel Messi, or finding a million dollars on the floor. These things might not have happened to you, but you sure can dream!

Were’ instead of ‘was’

When there is the verb to be in the if clause , we can change it from was to were . This is because we are talking about hypothetical situations, so we’re changing the mood of the verb from indicative to subjunctive. Both options are correct, but were is often preferred.

Activity Three

Lots of songs contain the second conditional! Here are some great examples for you to sing along with:

4. Third conditional

Last but not least, we have the third conditional. We use this structure to talk about an imagined past. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, here’s where you can change the past. Well, at least speculate how things could have been different.

The structure of the third conditional is: If + past perfect,…would/wouldn’t + have + past participle .

As you can see, we often use the third conditional to talk about regrets , and it is based on an unreal situation that cannot be changed.

Past participles

The third conditional is a little tricky, as there’s a lot to remember. So make sure you know your past participles inside out first . Here’s a list of past participles for you to revise.

Activity Four

Watch this story about a surprise birthday party from The British Council to see third conditional in use:

Bonus conditional: mixed conditional

And just when you thought the fun was about to end, we have another surprise conditional for you…the mixed conditional. Don’t worry you’ve already learned the basis of the structure. It’s just about em> meshing two conditionals together. The most common is to mix the third and the second to create a present result of a past conditional. For example:

These sentences express that if something had been different in the past, something would be different now in the present.

So that’s the end of our round up of the main conditionals! If you’re in the mood for some more grammar, why not sign up for one of our General English classes ? Or check out these blog posts below:

• 4 Present tenses and how to use them
• 4 Past tenses and when to use them
• 4 Future tenses and how to use them

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Pop up (pv): to appear suddenly.

Get the ball rolling (exp): to make a start or set an activity in motion.

Inevitable (adj): certain or unavoidable.

Asking for it (exp): behaving in a way that is going to get them into trouble.

Slightly (adv): a little.

Skills (n): abilities.

Unlikely (adj): not probable.

Regret (n): to feel sorry about a situation in the past, especially a mistake in the past.

Know something inside out (exp): to be really familiar with something, especially because you have learned about it or you have a lot of experience.

Mesh (v): to fit or work together.

pv = phrasal verb

exp = expression

adj = adjective

adv = adverb

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Email (required)

Passing Cambridge C1 Advanced Part 5: Reading and Use of English

• By: oxfordadmin
• Posted on 05/05/2021

How To Write A B2 First Formal Email/Letter

• Posted on 01/06/2021

Related Post

Passing Cambridge C2 Proficien

Are you studying for the ? Like many students, perhaps you find Reading and Use of English Part 4 daunting. Is it an... Read More

10 Summer Idioms From Around T

Summer’s finally here so it’s time to relax and catch some rays. You can forget about studying and taking tests unti... Read More

In, On and At: Dealing with Tr

Does this situation sound familiar? You’re writing a message to a friend in English arranging to meet. As you start to... Read More

A Guide to English for Tech Pr

If you work in the tech industry, chances are you’re learning English to advance your career. After all, it’s the mo... Read More

What Is The Schwa Sound (And W

If you’ve never heard of the schwa before, you might think it’s an unusual piece of pronunciation. It’s actually t... Read More

A Guide to English Accents Aro

Countries can have extremely different English accents despite sharing the same language. Just take the word ‘water’... Read More

Many sections of the Cambridge Proficiency are multiple-choice, so Part 2 of the Reading and Use of English can seem cha... Read More

Exploring the Impact of AI in

Gone are the days of learning from phrasebooks and filling in worksheets for homework. Now students have access to a wid... Read More

Everything You Need To Know Ab

Although you learn plural nouns early on, they can be challenging. There are many rules and exceptions to remember plus ... Read More

The Importance of English For

No matter where you live, you’ve probably experienced record-breaking temperatures and severe weather. You may have se... Read More

Discovering Barcelona Through

We all know that Barcelona is a fantastic city to live in. You only need to spend the afternoon wandering around one of ... Read More

8 New Words To Improve Your Vo

The arrival of a new year presents an ideal opportunity to work on your language goals. Whether you’re preparing for a... Read More

Learning English through Chris

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! If you resisted the urge to sing that line instead of saying it, then, we... Read More

24 Christmas Phrases for Joyfu

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to get ready for the festive period than by learning some typical Chr... Read More

3 Easy Ways To Use Music To Im

Are you ready to embark on your latest journey towards mastering the English language? We all know that music is there f... Read More

Grammar Guide – Understandin

Do you sometimes feel a bit lost when deciding which tense to use? Are you a little unsure of the differences between th... Read More

Halloween Humour: Jokes, Puns

We all need a break from time to time. Sometimes we’re up to our eyeballs in projects at work, and we just need a mome... Read More

English for Business: 7 Ways L

If you’re interested in getting a promotion at work, earning a higher salary or landing your dream job, then working o... Read More

A Beginner’s Guide to Ch

Understanding the need for exams   An official exam is a fantastic way to demonstrate your English. Why? Firstly,... Read More

English Tongue Twisters to Imp

One of the most fun ways to practise and improve your pronunciation is with tongue twisters. That’s because they’re ... Read More

25 years of Oxford House – O

We all know that fantastic feeling we have after completing an academic year: nine months of English classes, often twic... Read More

Guide to the Cambridge C2 Prof

Are you working towards the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam? Have you been having sleepless nights thinking about wh... Read More

9 Tips For Communicating With

When travelling to or living in an English-speaking country, getting to know the local people can greatly enhance your e... Read More

Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing exam? If those pre-exam jitters have started to appear,... Read More

English Vocabulary For Getting

Are you feeling bored of the way your hair looks? Perhaps it’s time for a new you. All you need to do is make an appoi... Read More

5 Spelling Rules For Comparati

Messi or Ronaldo? Pizza or sushi? Going to the cinema or bingeing on a series at home? A beach holiday or a walking trip... Read More

Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing exam? If so, you may be feeling a little nervous and co... Read More

IELTS Grammar: Conditional sentences.

How to use zero, 1st, 2nd and 3rd conditionals (if sentences).

There are four kinds of conditional sentences. The zero conditional describes real or specific situations, while unreal Conditionals describe unreal, imaginary situations or hopes for the future. With unreal conditionals there is a difference in the likelihood of them happening, however, they don’t refer to the past. The 3rd conditional is for past regret, how something could be different or a past hypothetical situation.

Conditional sentences are very useful structures in IELTS as they are seen by the examiner as complex sentences and are often included in a natural conversation. This comes in very handy in the IELTS speaking section when talking about your daily life, talking about possibilities and expressing regret or a hypothetical past.

Zero Conditional

This is used to talk about what you normally do in real-life situations or a specific situation.

• The structure is: If + Present verb + Present verb (notice we can also use adverbs of frequency such as ‘usually, often, tend to, sometimes’ )
• If I go to a friend’s house for dinner, I sometimes take a bottle of wine.
• If I have time off, I usually go to the beach.
• I f I go to bed late, I wake up feeling tired.
• I read books if there is nothing on TV.
• If I study too much, I tend to get a headache
• If I wake up early, I often go for a run then check my emails.

Both “if” and “when” are used in the zero Conditional. Using “if” suggests that something happens less frequently . Using “when” suggests that something happens regularly.

Compare: When I have a day off, I usually go to the cinema. (I tend to have days off)

If I have a day off, I usually go to the cinema. (I don’t get many days off)

1st Conditional and 2nd Conditional

The 1st Conditional is used to talk about imaginary situations but the possibility is stronger .

• The structure is: If + Present verb + Will

The 2nd Conditional is used to talk about imaginary situations but the possibility is weaker.

• The structure is: If + Past verb + Would / Could

1. If I win the lottery, I will buy a new car. (I do the lottery quite often and I expect to win one day )

2. if i won the lottery, i would buy a new car. (i do not expect to win).

In the first sentence above use the 1st conditional to express the stronger possibility and the second sentence expresses the weaker possibility. More examples below.

• If I owned a car, I would drive to work. (I don’t own a car)
• He would buy a car if he had more money. (He doesn’t have much money)
• I would go to Hawaii if I had a vacation. (I don’t have any vacation this year)
• If I got a Band 8 in IELTS, I could move to Canada. (I don’t expect to get a high score yet)

Punctuation note: Use a comma after the if-clause when the if-clause comes before the main clause. Compare the sentences below.

• I would move to London if I got a high paying job.
• If I got a high paying job , I would move to London.

So in a conversation if you are asked a question with a conditional, reply with a conditional sentence:

John: What would you do if you won the lottery? Bob: If I won the lottery I would buy a house in London.

Anne: Where would you live if you could move to Europe? Betty: I reckon I would live in Madrid, it’s a great city.

John: If you could change your job, what would you like to do? Bob: I would like to be a Chef If I had the chance because I love cooking.

3rd Conditional

These are used when talking about how the present moment would be different if things had happened differently in the past. It is also useful when you talk about regrets or wishing something could be different.

• The structure is: If + had + past participle + would have / could have + past participle
• If I had known you were in hospital, I would have paid you a visit. (I didn’t know you were in hospital)
• If I had only backed up my PC , I wouldn’t have lost all my data. (I didn’t back up the PC and I lost my data)
• I could have lent you some money if you had told me you were broke. ( I didn’t know you were broke)
• I would have taken an umbrella if I had known it was going to rain. ( I didn’t know it was going to rain)
• If I had known it was your sandwich, I wouldn’t have eaten it. (I had no idea it was his sandwich)
• If I had studied medicine at college, I could have been a Doctor by now. (I didn’t study medicine)

Common mistake:

Wrong: If you would have given me your email, I would have been able to contact you quicker.

Right: if you had given me your email, i would have been able to contact you quicker., using ‘wish’ for emphasis:.

This is commonly used to add emphasis that you have a regret about something. It can replace the word ‘if’ .

• I wish I’d know you were in hospital, I would have come to visit you.
• I wish I hadn’t bought that car, it’s always breaking down.
• I wish I knew his email address, I would be able to let him know I’m visiting London.

Using ‘were to’ in an If sentence.

‘were to’ can be put into conditional sentences if you feel the outcome might be terrible or if it is something you don’t really want to think about.

• If there were to be an economic crash, many people would lose their savings.
• If he were to commit another crime, the police would send him to jail.
• If we were to have been driving on ice, we wouldn’t have been able to stop in time.
• If a large meteorite were to hit the Earth, I don’t think we would survive.

Are these sentences right or wrong? (4 of them are wrong)

• James was heading for the airport and caught the bus just in time. If he would have missed the bus, he would have missed his flight.
• Unfortunately, I didn’t have your email while I was on holiday. If I’d your email address, I would’ve sent you a message.
• I wish I hadn’t told him about the situation with John, now he just keeps gossiping to everyone about it.
• If I could change my profession, I would like to be a farmer as I love being outdoors and working.
• I wish I could bring my camera, this scenery is incredible.
• If I go to bed late, I can’t really sleep well.
• If we take the 11.14 am train, we will arrive much earlier than we expected.
• If you gave that cat too much food, he will vomit.
• James was heading for the airport and caught the bus just in time. If he had missed the bus, he would have missed his flight.
• Unfortunately, I didn’t have your email while I was on holiday. If I’d had your email address, I would’ve sent you a message.
• I wish I hadn’t told him about the situation with John, now he just keeps gossiping to everyone about it. (correct)
• If I could change my profession, I would like to be a farmer as I love being outdoors and working. (correct)
• I wish I had brought my camera, this scenery is incredible.
• If I go to bed late, I can’t really sleep well. (correct)
• If we take the 11.14am train, we will arrive much earlier than we expected. (correct)
• If you give that cat too much food, he will vomit.

Any Questions? Leave a comment below.

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Second Conditional Sentences With Examples

Published by

Olivia Drake

On this page:

The second conditional is a type of conditional sentence that is used to talk about hypothetical or unreal situations in the present or future. It is called the second conditional because it refers to the second possible outcome or consequence of a hypothetical situation. The structure of a second conditional sentence is:

If +  past simple , would + base form verb

Let’s take a look at some examples to understand this better:

Example 1: If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world. This sentence expresses a hypothetical or unreal situation in the present. It means that if the speaker had a million dollars, they would travel the world. However, since they don’t have a million dollars, they are not able to travel the world.

Example 2: If I were you, I would take a break. This sentence expresses a hypothetical or unreal situation in the present. It means that if the speaker were in the listener’s position, they would take a break. However, since the speaker is not in the listener’s position, they are not able to take a break.

Example 3: If it rained tomorrow, we would stay indoors. This sentence expresses a hypothetical or unreal situation in the future. It means that if it rained tomorrow, the speakers would stay indoors. However, since they do not know if it will rain or not, they may or may not stay indoors.

Example 4: If I had studied harder, I would have passed the test. This sentence expresses a hypothetical or unreal situation in the past. It means that if the speaker had studied harder, they would have passed the test. However, since they did not study harder, they did not pass the test.

Example 5: If I knew how to play the guitar, I would start a band. This sentence expresses a hypothetical or unreal situation in the present. It means that if the speaker knew how to play the guitar, they would start a band. However, since they do not know how to play the guitar, they cannot start a band.

The second conditional is used to talk about hypothetical or unreal situations in the present or future. It is formed by using the  past simple tense  in the if-clause and “would” in the main clause. We can see that the second conditional is often used in hypothetical situations, wishes, regrets, and suggestions.

Click here for an exercise about making the Second Conditional.

ARE YOU READY FOR A QUIZ?

Second Conditional Sentences Examples

• If I had more money, I would travel the world. (I don’t have enough money now, but in the hypothetical situation where I do, I’d travel the world.)
• If she spoke Spanish, she would understand this song. (She doesn’t speak Spanish now, but if she did, she’d understand the song.)
• If they practiced more, they would be the best team in the league. (They don’t practice enough now, but if they did, they could be the best.)
• If you didn’t eat so much junk food, you would feel healthier. (You eat a lot of junk food now, but if you didn’t, you’d likely feel healthier.)
• If he knew the truth, he would be very upset. (He doesn’t know the truth now, but if he did, he’d be upset.)
• If we lived closer to the beach, we would go surfing every weekend. (We don’t live near the beach now, but if we did, we’d surf regularly.)
• If she had a smartphone, she would be on social media all the time. (She doesn’t have a smartphone now, but if she did, she’d likely be very active on social media.)
• If it rained tomorrow, we could stay in and watch movies. (It’s not raining tomorrow as far as we know, but if it did, we’d watch movies.)
• If I were you, I would take the job offer. (I’m not in your situation, but if I were, I’d take the job.)
• If they had a garden, they would grow their own vegetables. (They don’t have a garden now, but if they did, they’d grow vegetables.)
• If I owned a car, I would drive to work every day. (I don’t own a car now, but if I did, I’d drive to work.)
• If you studied harder, you would get better grades. (You don’t study hard now, but if you did, you’d likely get better grades.)
• If she liked spicy food, she would order the curry. (She doesn’t like spicy food now, but if she did, she’d order the curry.)
• If we had a dog, we would go for walks in the park more often. (We don’t have a dog now, but if we did, we’d walk in the park more.)
• If he played the guitar, he would join the school band. (He doesn’t play the guitar now, but if he did, he’d join the band.)
• If you watched that movie, you would understand the reference. (You haven’t watched that movie, but if you did, you’d get the reference.)
• If they knew how to dance, they would join the dance competition. (They don’t know how to dance now, but if they did, they’d join the competition.)
• If I had more free time, I would read more books. (I don’t have much free time now, but if I did, I’d read more.)
• If she wore glasses, she would see the board clearly. (She doesn’t wear glasses now, but if she did, she’d see better.)
• If you had an umbrella, you wouldn’t get wet in the rain. (You don’t have an umbrella now, but if you did, you wouldn’t get wet.)

Second Conditional Questions Examples

• 1. If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? (You haven’t won the lottery, but I’m asking about the hypothetical situation where you do.)
• Would you travel the world if you had the time? (You don’t have the time now, but I’m wondering if that’s the only thing stopping you from traveling.)
• If you could live in any country, where would you choose? (You’re not necessarily moving, but I’m asking about your hypothetical preference.)
• Would he join the team if they asked him? (They haven’t asked him, but I’m curious if an invitation is all he needs to join.)
• If you knew how to cook, would you make dinner more often? (You don’t know how to cook now, but I’m wondering if that’s the reason you don’t make dinner.)
• Would she take the job if they offered a higher salary? (They haven’t offered a higher salary, but I’m asking if money is the main factor in her decision.)
• If we had a bigger house, would you want more pets? (We don’t have a bigger house now, but I’m curious if space is the only thing preventing us from having more pets.)
• Would you go skydiving if you weren’t afraid of heights? (You’re afraid of heights now, but I’m wondering if overcoming that fear would make you try skydiving.)
• If they sold your favorite food here, would you come more often? (They don’t sell your favorite food, but I’m asking if that’s the reason you don’t visit frequently.)
• Would you study art if you had the chance? (You don’t have the chance now, but I’m curious if opportunity is the only thing holding you back.)

Here you can read more about questions in Second Conditional and find more examples.

Second Conditional Negative Sentences Examples

• If I didn’t have to work, I wouldn’t be so stressed.
• If I didn’t know how to swim, I wouldn’t go near the deep end of the pool.
• If she didn’t have a gluten intolerance, she would enjoy eating pizza.
• If they didn’t have a spare key, they wouldn’t be able to get into the house.
• If you didn’t study for the exam, you wouldn’t pass.
• If it didn’t rain so much, we wouldn’t need an umbrella all the time.
• If he didn’t have a fear of heights, he would climb that mountain.
• If we didn’t have any allergies, we could eat anything we wanted.
• If the car didn’t have a flat tire, we’d be on the road by now.
• If you didn’t forget your phone at home, you wouldn’t feel so disconnected.

Here you can read more about negative sentences in Second Conditional and find more examples.

If you’ve read this far, it’s likely you found value in our content. We gauge the quality of our articles in various ways, and one significant metric is the number of times it’s shared. If you appreciated this piece, let us know by spreading the word.  Tweet this  or  share this post on Facebook !

Related Articles:

• Third Conditional Sentences With Examples
• First Conditional Sentences With Examples
• Difference Between First and Second Conditionals with Examples
• Difference Between Second and Third Conditionals with Examples
• What are Conditionals?

If you've read this far, you likely found value in our content. We measure the quality of our articles in various ways, and one significant metric is the number of shares. If you appreciated this piece, please spread the word.

Leave a reply cancel reply, i’m olivia.

Welcome to my virtual classroom! Join me on a journey of language and learning, where we explore the wonders of English together. Let’s discover the joy of words and education!

Let’s connect

• [email protected]

Join the fun!

Stay updated with our latest tutorials and ideas by joining our newsletter.

Type your email…

Recent posts

Modal verbs in conditional sentences with examples, questions in future perfect continuous tense with examples, questions in future perfect tense with examples, questions in future continuous tense with examples, questions in future indefinite (simple) tense with examples, questions in past perfect continuous tense with examples, discover more from fluent english grammar.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

50 Soal Conditional Sentences Dan Kunci Jawaban

Materi conditional sentences yang telah dipelajari tidak akan benar-benar dipahami tanpa latihan soal. Berikut adalah beberapa contoh latihan soal conditional sentences agar mempermudah kalian dalam memahami apa itu kalimat bersyarat atau conditional sentences.

Baca Juga : 60 Soal Conditional Sentences Dan Kunci Jawaban Part 2

Soal Pilihan Ganda

1. If I … (finish) my assignment tonight, I will go to Mall with my friends. a. finish b. finishes c. would finish d. had finished

Jawabannya : A (finish)

2. If you cook vegetables for long time, they … (lose) their nutrients. a. lose b. loses c. had lose d. would lose

Jawabannya : A (lose)

3. I would never lend to you if I … (know) before. a. know b. knows c. knew d. had known

Jawabannya : C (knew)

4. If we … (wake up) earlier, we would have reached school. a. wake up b. woke up c. woken up d. had woken up

Jawabannya : D (had woken up)

5. Dinda would buy tens luxury houses if she … (win) the lottery. a. win b. wins c. won d. had won

Jawabannya : C (won)

6. If the Sun rises on the west, the world … (end) a. end b. ends c. ended d. will end

Jawabannya : B (ends)

7. They … (bring) the cake if the baker had finished it. a. brought b. had brought c. would brought d. would have brought

Jawabannya : D (would have brought)

8. Ramadhan will be so silent if Corona … (not;leave) soon. a. not leave b. don’t leave c. doesn’t leave d. had left

Jawabannya : C (doesn’t leave)

9. If today is your birthday, I … (give) you present. a. give b. gives c. will give d. would give

Jawabannya : C (will give)

10. Nothing is going to change my love for you if you always … (love) me too. a. love b. loves c. loving d. will love

Jawabannya : A (love)

11 . If Rafli gets score more than 90, his mom … (buy) PS 4 for him. a. buy b. buys c. will buy d. would buy

Jawabannya : C (will buy)

12. Dinda would erase all policies she hated if she … (be) a president. a. was b. being c. to be d. were

Jawabannya : D (were)

13. If my brother … (study) hard, he would have passed the exam well. a. studies b. had study c. had studied d. have studied

Jawabannya : C (had studied)

14. Indonesian people would be safe from corona if they … (keep) healthy environment. a. keep b. kept c. keeping d. had kept

Jawabannya : B (kept)

15. You will never earn money if you just … (stay) at home doing nothing. a. stay b. stays c. stayed d. staying

Jawabannya : A (stay)

16. 2020 graders would do UNBK if corona … (go) away. a. goes b. went c. gone d. had gone

Jawabannya : B (went)

17. If my brother and I finish the homework this evening, we … (watch) TV tonight. a. can watch b. could watch c. can be watched d. could be watched

Jawabannya : A (can watch)

18. They … (win) the match if the had trained harder. a. won b. had won c. would won d. would have won

Jawabannya : D (would have won)

19. If I were rich, I … (collect) many branded bags. a. collected b. would collect c. had collected d. would collected

Jawabannya : B (would collect)

20. The cock crows if morning … (come). a. come b. comes c. came d. had come

Jawabannya : B (comes)

Soal Isian Singkat (Tipe Zero & First Conditional)

1 . Avatar will make peace the 4 worlds if Avatar … (master) 4 elements.

2. If you eat, you … (feel) full.

3. There will be no mercy if you always … (do) this again.

4. Will you marry me if I … (have) much money?

5. My laptop … (work) well if the battery is full charge.

6. If you close your eyes, you … (not; see) anything.

7. If we have good character, everyone … (like) us.

8. Shinta will not wear her dress if the tailor … (not;finish) it.

9. You (earn) money if you don’t have job.

10. It … (light) if you turn the light on.

Jawaban: 1. masters 2. feel 3. do 4. have 5. will work 6. can not 7. will like 8. doesn’t finish 9. will not earn / won’t earn 10. lights

Soal Isian Singkat (Tipe Second Conditional)

1. If you were a president, this country … (shatter).

2. Tiara would date you if you … (get) much inheritance.

3. Desy … (buy) many expensive sport cars if she won the lottery.

4. If Corona didn’t exist, the world … (keep) in peace.

5. If Dono … (have) a girlfriend, he would be vain.

6. My father would leave my mother if she … (cheat) from him.

7. The world war IV would happen if some countries … (fight) each other.

8. If we ate all the pizza last night, we … (get) stomacache.

9. I would lend you some money if I … (have) it.

10. Bill … (slap) Liza if she hung out with other guy.

Jawaban: 1. would shatter 2. got 3. would buy 4. would keep 5. had 6. cheated 7. fought 8. would get 9. had 10. would slap

Soal Isian Singkat (Tipe Third Conditional)

1. If they had trained hard before, they … (win) the match.

2. Kelly would have cooked the soup if she … (not;sleep) in the living room.

3. If we … (publish) this, we would have been popular.

4. If my laptop had had high-end features, I … (download) all the big size game.

5. Beny would have joined that team if he … (pass) the test well.

6. If Dinda … (bring) an umbrella, she wouldn’t have got wet.

7. Your boyfriend … (reject) your calls if you had replied his text message fast.

8. Would you have given her apologies if she … (ask) forgiveness?

9. If Doni had seen the doctor, he … (feel) better now.

10. If we had passed this season, we … (go) for holiday.

Jawaban: 1. would have won 2. hadn’t slept 3. had published 4. would have downloaded 5. had passed 6. had brought 7. would have rejected 8. had asked 9. would have felt 10. would have gone

Kunci Jawaban Brain Crazy Level 1 – 146 Terbaru

Kunci Jawaban Kidding Me Level 1 – 182 Terbaru

19 Contoh Kata dan Kalimat Homonim & Penjelasannya

Contoh Kata dan Kalimat Homonim, Homofon dan Homograf

17 Contoh Soal Labels Bahasa Inggris Dan Kunci Jawaban

Rumus Fungsi IF di Excel, Contoh Dan Cara Menggunakan IF Excel

terima kasih, sangat membantu

THANK YOU SO MUCH, ITS VERY HELPFUL…

Anda harus masuk untuk berkomentar.

• Tips & Trick
• Subscribers

Welcome, Login to your account.

Recover your password.

A password will be e-mailed to you.

100+ Examples of Second Conditional Sentences

Examples of second conditional sentences.

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you won the lottery, or wished you could speak another language fluently? These flights of fancy, where we explore unlikely or impossible scenarios, are perfectly expressed using second conditional sentences . So, tighten your imagination belts, language adventurers, as we dive into this grammar realm with clear rules and fantastical examples!

What are Second Conditional Sentences?

Imagine a sentence that paints a picture of a hypothetical situation that’s unlikely or impossible in the present. That’s the magic of second conditional sentences ! They transport us to worlds of “what ifs” and “maybes,” allowing us to express wishes, regrets, and imagined alternatives.

• Past Simple in “If” Clause:  The clause describing the impossible or unlikely condition uses the  past simple tense . This emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the situation.
• “Would” in Main Clause:  The clause outlining the imagined outcome uses the modal verb  “would” + base verb . This highlights the unrealized or improbable result.
• Flexible Structure:  Like the other conditionals, you can switch the order of the clauses without changing the meaning. “If I had wings, I would fly” or “I would fly if I had wings” work equally well.

Examples to Fuel Your Imagination:

• Unfulfilled Wishes:  “If I knew French, I would move to Paris.” (Expresses a desire that’s currently impossible.)
• Hypothetical Regrets:  “If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.” (Imagines a different outcome based on a past action.)
• Improbable Scenarios:  “If animals could talk, it would be chaos!” (Ponders a humorous, unlikely situation.)
• Giving Advice:  “If I were you, I would take a break.” (Suggests an alternate action based on an imagined situation.)
• Expressing Courtesy:  “I would love to help, if I could.” (Offers polite assistance in a hypothetical scenario.)

Here are 100+ examples of second conditional sentences:

• If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world.
• If she studied harder, she would get better grades.
• If he were taller, he could reach the top shelf.
• If it weren’t raining, we would go for a walk.
• If they won the lottery, they would buy a new house.
• If I were you, I would apply for the job.
• If she had more time, she would volunteer at the shelter.
• If he had remembered his umbrella, he wouldn’t be getting wet.
• If it were sunny, we could have a picnic.
• If they had invited me, I would have gone to the party.
• If I were fluent in Spanish, I would travel to South America.
• If she had listened to the weather forecast, she wouldn’t have forgotten her jacket.
• If he were more confident, he would ask her out.
• If it weren’t so expensive, we would eat out more often.
• If they had practiced more, they would have won the competition.
• If I had a bigger car, I would give you a ride.
• If she were here, she would help us with the project.
• If he had taken the earlier train, he would have arrived on time.
• If it weren’t for your help, I would be lost.
• If they had started earlier, they would have finished by now.
• If I were a bird, I would fly everywhere.
• If she had known about the party, she would have come.
• If he were a better cook, he would make dinner more often.
• If it weren’t so cold, we could go camping.
• If they had called ahead, they wouldn’t be waiting for a table.
• If I had more energy, I would go for a run.
• If she were more patient, she wouldn’t get frustrated so easily.
• If he had saved his money, he could buy a car.
• If it weren’t so late, we would go to the movie.
• If they had listened to the instructions, they wouldn’t be lost.
• If I were taller, I could reach the top shelf.
• If she had taken the train, she wouldn’t be stuck in traffic.
• If he were a better driver, he wouldn’t have crashed the car.
• If it weren’t for the noise, we could sleep better.
• If they had arrived earlier, they would have found better seats.
• If I had more time, I would learn how to play guitar.
• If she were more organized, she wouldn’t forget appointments.
• If he had studied harder, he would have passed the exam.
• If it weren’t raining, we could have a picnic.
• If they had listened to the warning, they wouldn’t be in trouble.
• If I were a superhero, I would save the world.
• If she had known about the sale, she would have bought more.
• If he were a better listener, he wouldn’t misunderstand.
• If it weren’t for the traffic, we would have arrived on time.
• If they had brought their swimsuits, they could go swimming.
• If I had more money, I would buy a new car.
• If she were more outgoing, she would make more friends.
• If he had checked the weather forecast, he wouldn’t have forgotten his umbrella.
• If it weren’t so hot, we could go for a hike.
• If they had listened to my advice, they wouldn’t be in trouble.
• If I were more patient, I wouldn’t get so frustrated.
• If she had finished her homework, she could go out with friends.
• If he were a better cook, he would invite us over for dinner.
• If it weren’t so cold, we could go skiing.
• If they had read the instructions, they wouldn’t be struggling.
• If I had more time, I would volunteer at the shelter.
• If he had taken the earlier train, he wouldn’t be late.
• If they had started earlier, they would be finished by now.
• If I were a bird, I would fly south for the winter.
• If it weren’t so late, we could catch the last bus.
• If I had more time, I would learn how to play the piano.
• If I had more money, I would buy a new house.

These examples demonstrate how second conditional sentences express hypothetical situations and their probable outcomes.

Happy daydreaming!

Download the Word of the day

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Download the Word coach App on your Android phone

Word Coach - IELTS and GRE Vocabulary Builder & word coach Quiz (10 Words a Day) application helps, you and your friends to improve English Vocabulary and help you become the smartest among your group.

Conditional Sentences Exercises with Answers

Conditional sentences are one of the important parts of English grammar. If you know about conditional sentences then you can easily construct conditional sentences in your communication. In the article below I cover conditional sentences exercises with answers, test the knowledge of your conditional sentences by writing the sentences below on a paper. Then, you can check the correct answers in the bottom of the page.

A) Decide which of the sentences below is conditional type1, 2 & 3 is:

• If I were rich, I would travel around the world. It is type __________.
• She wouldn’t have missed the train if she had woken up earlier. It is type __________.
• I’ll call you if I come back early. It is type __________.

B) Put the verbs in the correct tense (conditional 1):

• If I (finish) __________________early, I will call you.
• I (catch) ________________the 9:00 train if I hurry up.
• She will know the answer, if she (try) ____________________________ to understand.

C) Put the verbs in brackets in the correct tense (conditional 2):

• If I (be)_____________________a star, I would help the needy.
• He (buy)___________________a house if he had a job.
• She (be)____________________happy, if she married him.

D) Put the verbs in brackets in the correct tense (conditional 3):

• If he (be)____________________careful, he would not have had that terrible accident.
• I (pass) ______________________the exam if I had worked hard.
• Her father would not have died, if he (go) ___________________________to the doctor.
• If the USA government (spend) _____________________________________ all the money given.
• We wouldn`t have been able to make conditional statements if Jalali (teach) ________________________ us the practical grammar.

The 5 Types of Conditional Sentences

E) match the clauses below..

1- If we didn`t have the American teacher at ESL, _______________ 2- My teacher wouldn’t have been angry with me______________ 3- If I have lots of money in the future, _______________ 4- If the Pakistan government paved all the roads and streets in Quetta, ___________ 5- If Jalal hadn`t learned English from expert professors in San Antonio, Texas, __________ 6- If our neighbors do not interfere our internal affairs, _______________ 7- If Taliban and the Afghan government get together, 8- She wouldn`t have been given the current position in the company___________ 9- If we hadn`t been taught by Jalal and Mrs. Jalal, _____________ 10- If you study hard and be punctual, _______________

a- you can learn perfect English. b- we wouldn`t have been able to know this much English. c- I will make a shelter for orphans and disabled people. d- the air wouldn`t be this much polluted in here. e- we wouldn`t be able to learn the correct pronunciation of English words. f- if I had come to my class on time. g- he wouldn’t have been able to write all the books and chapters for ESL. h- we can definitely improve our country. i- if she had been lazy and talentless. j- Afghanistan will become one of the strongest countries in the world.

• would have passed
•  > e
•  > d
•  > h
•  > j
•  > i

You can read more about the following topics:

• Mixed Conditionals in English
• 10 Types of Research Papers Students Must Know About
• Education and Grammar: How to Excel in Homework
• Most Used English Sentences And Phrases in Daily Life

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Related posts

Three degrees of adjectives exercises with answers, simple past tense definition and examples, how to use be going to, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.