Conditional Statements

Conditional statements express consequences, desires, or regrets.

• If it rains, the grass gets wet.
• If I win the lottery, I will be rich!
• I would have gone if I had a car.

Notice that each example contains an “if” formula: or if x then y.

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Zero Conditional

For facts or well-known outcomes, use the present simple.

If +simple present → then + simple present

• If she cooks, the children eat.
• If you run, the dog chases you.

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First Conditional

For predictions or plans, add the verb will and the infinitive.

If + simple present → will + infinitive

• If the car breaks down, we will walk to school.
• We will borrow money if the bank opens.

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Second Conditional

If something is uncertain or less likely to happen, use the simple past and swap will for would.

If +simple past → would + infinitive

• If I had a million dollars, I would buy ten cars.
• She would treat them better if they had nicer manners.

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Third Conditional

For things we wish had happened differently, use the past perfect and follow would with have and the past participle.

If + past perfect → would + have + past participle

• If you had tried harder, you would have made the team.
• They would have been happier if the music had not stopped.