01/08/2026
Conditional Sentences โ Short Note
Conditional sentences are used to talk about possible situations and their results. They usually describe cause and effect and often begin with the word โif.โ Conditional sentences help us talk about facts, real future possibilities, unreal situations, and past regrets.
There are four main types of conditional sentences in English:
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1. Zero Conditional
The Zero Conditional is used to talk about general truths, facts, and things that always happen when a condition is met.
Structure:
If + Present Simple, Present Simple
Examples:
โข If you heat ice, it melts.
โข If it rains, the ground gets wet.
โข If you donโt eat, you feel hungry.
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2. First Conditional
The First Conditional is used to talk about real and possible situations in the future and their likely results.
Structure:
If + Present Simple, will + V1
Examples:
โข If it rains, we will stay at home.
โข If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
โข If she calls me, I will answer.
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3. Second Conditional
The Second Conditional is used to talk about unreal or unlikely situations in the present or future. These situations are imaginary or not true now.
Structure:
If + Past Simple, would + V1
Examples:
โข If I had money, I would buy a car.
โข If I were you, I would tell the truth.
โข If she lived here, she would visit us often.
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4. Third Conditional
The Third Conditional is used to talk about imaginary situations in the past and their results. It often expresses regret or criticism about the past.
Structure:
If + Past Perfect, would have + V3
Examples:
โข If she had studied, she would have passed the exam.
โข If we had left earlier, we would have arrived on time.
โข If he had listened, he wouldnโt have made that mistake.
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Summary
Conditional sentences help us talk about facts, real possibilities, unreal situations, and past regrets. Using the correct conditional makes your English more clear, logical, and natural.
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