There are four types of conditional clauses. Can you identify them? Test your understanding of conditional clauses with this interactive grammar exercise.
1. If I don't drink tea in the morning, I feel sick.
In the zero conditional, we use a simple present tense in both clauses.
2. I will talk to her if I meet her.
In the first conditional, we use a simple present tense in the if-clause and will + infinitive in the main clause.
3. I would have helped him if I had been there.
In the third conditional, we use a past perfect tense in the if-clause and would have + past participle in the main clause.
4. If I were you I would get that car serviced.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
5. I wouldn't be surprised if she got married soon.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
6. If he arrives soon, we will go the movies.
In the first conditional, we use a simple present tense in the if-clause and will + infinitive in the main clause.
7. If I had the time, I would bake a cake.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
8. I would have handled the situation differently, if I had been in your place.
In the third conditional, we use a past perfect tense in the if-clause and would have + past participle in the main clause.
9. If you had tried harder, you would have succeeded.
In the third conditional, we use a past perfect tense in the if-clause and would have + past participle in the main clause.
10. If the team fails, the coach will be held accountable.
In the first conditional, we use a simple present tense in the if-clause and will + infinitive in the main clause.
11. If you had asked me, I would have told you.
12. If you had studied at a good college, you might have received a better job offer.
Answers
1. If I don’t drink tea in the morning, I feel sick. (Zero conditional)
2. I will talk to her if I meet her. (First conditional)
3. I would have helped him if I had been there. (Third conditional)
4. If I were you I would get that car serviced. (Second conditional)
5. I wouldn’t be surprised if she got married soon. (Second conditional)
6. If he arrives soon, we will go the movies. (First conditional)
7. If I had the time, I would bake a cake. (Second conditional)
8. I would have handled the situation differently, if I had been in your place. (Third conditional)
9. If you had tried harder, you would have succeeded. (Third conditional)
10. If the team fails, the coach will be held accountable. (First conditional)
11. If you had asked me, I would have told you. (Third conditional)
12. If you had studied at a good college, you might have received a better job offer. (Third conditional)
