Conditionals in English – Zero, First, Second, Third and Mixed

Conditionals are sentences used to express what will happen, could happen, or might have happened, depending on a condition. These sentences are often built with an “if clause” (the condition) and a “main clause” (the result). English has several types of conditionals, and each one uses different verb tenses and expresses a different kind of situation — real, unreal, future, present, or past.

Let’s look at each type of conditional sentence in detail:

Zero Conditional

The zero conditional is used to talk about things that are always true — facts, rules, scientific truths, and habits. It describes situations where the result always happens if the condition is true, like cause and effect.

It uses the present simple tense in both parts of the sentence:

• If + present simple, present simple

This is the most basic conditional and is often used in instructions, manuals, or when describing laws of nature.

Examples:

• If you heat ice, it melts.
• If people eat too much sugar, they gain weight.
• If I don’t sleep, I feel tired the next day.

First Conditional

The first conditional is used for realistic or possible situations in the future. The condition is something that could actually happen, and the result depends on it.

It uses the present simple in the “if clause” and will + base verb in the result clause:

• If + present simple, will + base verb

This type of conditional is often used to express warnings, promises, offers, or plans. It’s helpful when talking about the future where the condition is likely to occur.

Examples:

• If I study, I will pass the exam.
• If you don’t hurry, you will miss the train.
• If it rains, we won’t go to the beach.

Second Conditional

The second conditional describes imaginary or unlikely situations that are not true now or are not likely to happen. These situations are hypothetical, often used for dreams, fantasies, or giving advice.

It uses the past simple in the “if clause” and would + base verb in the result clause:

• If + past simple, would + base verb

Note: We often use “were” instead of “was” for all subjects (e.g., If I were you…) — this is called the subjunctive mood.

Examples:

• If I won a million dollars, I would buy a house.
• If she were taller, she would be a model.
• If I were you, I wouldn’t do that.

Third Conditional

The third conditional talks about things that didn’t happen in the past and imagines what would have happened if the past had been different. It’s often used to express regret or reflect on missed opportunities.

It uses the past perfect in the “if clause” and would have + past participle in the result clause:

• If + past perfect, would have + past participle

This structure is 100% unreal — it refers to an impossible past because we can’t change what already happened.

Examples:

• If I had studied, I would have passed.
• If they had left earlier, they wouldn’t have missed the flight.
• If you had told me, I would have helped.

Mixed Conditionals

Mixed conditionals are used when the condition and the result refer to different time periods. These sentences help express how a past action affects the present or how a present situation could have changed the past.

They’re called “mixed” because they combine grammar structures from different types of conditionals (usually second and third). This makes them slightly more advanced, but also more expressive.

There are two common types:

Type 1: Past → Present

This structure talks about something that didn’t happen in the past, and how that missed event affects the present. It’s often used to express regret or explain the reason for a current situation.

Structure:

If + past perfect, would + base verb

Examples:

• If I had studied, I would be more confident now.
• If she had accepted the job, she would be working in London today.
• If we had left earlier, we would be at the concert already.

Type 2: Present → Past

This form imagines that the present were different, and that this different present would have changed something in the past. It’s commonly used to express blame, hypothetical thinking, or reflection on behavior.

Structure:

If + past simple, would have + past participle

Examples:

• If I were taller, I would have played on the basketball team.
• If she were more organized, she wouldn’t have missed the deadline.
• If he didn’t hate flying, he would have visited us last summer.

Mixed conditionals allow you to express complex ideas and emotional depth, like regret, criticism, or missed chances — situations where the past and present are connected in real life.

Conditional Types in English: Comparison Table

Grammar Quiz – Conditionals in English

1. If it rains, I ___ (stay) home.
a) stayed
b) stay
c) will stay

2. If she had gone to bed earlier, she ___ tired now.
a) wouldn’t be
b) wouldn’t have been
c) won’t be

3. If I ___ wings, I would fly.
a) have
b) had
c) would have

4. If we ___ more practice, we would have won.
a) had had
b) had
c) have

5. If you heat metal, it ___ expand.
a) would
b) expands
c) will

6. If I ___ more confident, I would speak in public more often.
a) am
b) were
c) had

7. If he calls me later, I ___ him the news.
a) told
b) will tell
c) would tell

8. If they ___ earlier, they would be on time now.
a) leave
b) had left
c) would leave

9. If I hadn’t missed the bus, I ___ late.
a) wouldn’t have been
b) wouldn’t be
c) won’t be

10. If the sun shines tomorrow, we ___ a picnic.
a) had
b) would have
c) will have

Quiz Answers

1) will stay (First Conditional)
2) wouldn’t be (Mixed Conditional)
3) had (Second Conditional)
4) had had (Third Conditional)
5) expands (Zero Conditional)
6) were (Second Conditional)
7) will tell (First Conditional)
8) had left (Mixed Conditional)
9) wouldn’t have been (Third Conditional)
10) will have (First Conditional)