Test your understanding of conditional clauses with this grammar exercise.
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate verb form.
1. If I were you, I ............................... him right away.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
2. If I ...................... you, I wouldn't do this.
Was is possible here but were is preferred.
3. If I had known, I ...................................
In the third conditional, we use a past perfect tense in the if-clause and would have + past participle in the main clause.
4. Millions of people will die if they ........................ aid soon.
In the first conditional, we use a simple present tense in the if-clause and will + infinitive in the main clause.
5. ........................ you to lose your job, how would you feel?
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
6. If I had been there, I ................................. have helped.
In the second conditional, we can use could or might instead of would.
7. If he ....................... in time, he would get the job.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
8. If the boss ........................ now, we will be in trouble.
In the first conditional, we use a simple present tense in the if-clause and will + infinitive in the main clause.
9. If I liked it, I ......................... it.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
10. If she is late, we ....................... without her.
In the first conditional, we use a simple present tense in the if-clause and will + infinitive in the main clause.
11. Should you see her, ..............................her to get in touch with me?
Should is often used in the first conditional to suggest that something is unlikely.
12. If he should be late, we ............................. to start without him.
We often suggest that something is unlikely by using should in the if-clause.
Answers
1. If I were you, I would dismiss him right away.
2. If I were you, I wouldn’t do this.
3. If I had known, I would have helped.
4. Millions of people will die if they don’t receive aid soon.
5. Were you to lose your job, how would you feel?
6. If I had been there, I would / could have helped.
7. If he applied in time, he would get the job.
8. If the boss arrives now, we will be in trouble.
9. If I liked it, I would buy it.
10. If she is late, we will leave without her.
11. Should you see her, will you ask her to get in touch with me?
12. If he should be late, we will have to to start without him.
