There are four types of conditional clauses.
- Zero conditional
- First conditional
- Second conditional
- Third conditional
Zero and first conditional sentences are used to talk about real and possible situations.
Second and third conditional sentences are used to talk about imaginary or improbable situations.
Identify the conditional used in the following sentences.
1. If I don't drink coffee in the afternoon, I feel sleepy.
In the zero conditional, we use the simple present tense in both the clauses.
2. I will tell her if I meet her.
In the first conditional, we use will + infinitive in the main clause and simple present tense in the if-clause.
3. I would have helped 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 you want to play a musical instrument, you have to practice.
In the zero conditional, we use the simple present tense in both the clauses.
5. If I have enough time tomorrow, I will come and see you.
In the first conditional, we use will + infinitive in the main clause and simple present tense in the if-clause.
6. If you eat too much, you get fat.
In the zero conditional, we use the simple present tense in both the clauses.
7. What would you do if you lost your job?
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
8. If you had run a bit faster, you would have won.
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 I were you, I would buy it as soon as possible.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
10. If he had gone to university, he would have got a better job.
In the third conditional, we use a past perfect tense in the if-clause and would have + past participle in the main clause.
11. I will be surprised if he doesn't win.
In the first conditional, we use will + infinitive in the main clause and simple present tense in the if-clause.
12. If anyone complains, we will deal with it promptly.
In the first conditional, we use will + infinitive in the main clause and simple present tense in the if-clause.
Answers
1. If I don’t drink coffee in the afternoon, I feel sleepy. (Zero conditional)
2. I will tell her if I meet her. (First conditional)
3. I would have helped if I had been there. (Third conditional)
4. If you want to play a musical instrument, you have to practice. (Zero conditional)
5. If I have enough time tomorrow, I will come and see you. (First conditional)
6. If you eat too much, you get fat. (Zero conditional)
7. What would you do if you lost your job? (Second conditional)
8. If you had run a bit faster, you would have won. (Third conditional)
9. If I were you, I would buy it as soon as possible. (Second conditional)
10. If he had gone to university, he would have got a better job. (Third conditional)
11. I will be surprised if he doesn’t win. (First conditional)
12. If anyone complains, we will deal with it promptly. (First conditional)
