Conditional clauses express a condition – something that must happen first so that something else can happen.
Test your understanding of conditional clauses with this grammar exercise.
1. If you had invited her, she ...................................... with us.
When the verb in the if-clause is in the past perfect tense, we use would / could have + past participle in the main clause.
2. If I .......................... the opportunity, I would have gone to university.
In the third conditional, we need a past participle in the if-clause.
3. If I ............................. her number, I would call her.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
4. If you take this medication, you ................................. well.
In the first conditional, we use a simple present tense in the if-clause and will + infinitive in the main clause.
5. If you had sold your home then, you .............................. rich now.
In the third conditional, we use a past perfect tense in the if-clause and would have + past participle in the main clause.
6. If you ate your breakfast, you ................................ not be hungry now.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
7. If you ............................ me, we both would have been happy.
In the third conditional, we use a past perfect tense in the if-clause and would have + past participle in the main clause.
8. If you spoke a foreign language, you ............................... a better job.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
9. I could marry her if I ............................ to.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
10. If your computer ........................... you will lose unsaved work.
In the first conditional, we use a simple present tense in the if-clause and will + infinitive in the main clause.
11. If I am late, my father .......................... me to school.
In the zero conditional, we use a simple present tense in both clauses.
12. If you behaved more politely, they .............................. help you.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would/ could/ might + infinitive in the main clause.
Answers
1. If you had invited her, she could have gone with us.
2. If I had had the opportunity, I would have gone to university.
3. If I knew her number, I would call her.
4. If you take this medication, you will get well.
5. If you had sold your home then, you would have been rich now.
6. If you ate your breakfast, you would not be hungry now.
7. If you had married me, we both would have been happy.
8. If you spoke a foreign language, you could get a better job.
9. I could marry her if I wanted to.
10. If your computer crashes you will lose unsaved work.
11. If I am late, my father takes me to school.
12. If you behaved more politely, they might help you.
