The Ultimate Guide to All 4 English Conditionals

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Looking for a complete explanation of the Zero Conditional? The blog post on Native 1 will teach you everything about the Zero Conditional in English grammar.

ZERO CONDITIONAL

Take your English to the next level with the First Conditional. My blog post covers rarely taught verb tenses and time clauses. Explore more now!

1st CONDITIONAL

2ND CONDITIONAL

1ST VS 2ND CONDITIONAL

1ST CONDITIONAL EXAMPLES

MIXED CONDITIONALS

The English Conditionals are a rather difficult subject for many English learners for a number of reasons. In this post, I will give a big picture approach to understanding the English conditional sentences as well as provide examples, common mistakes, and so much more.

 

 

Keep reading to master this grammatical aspect with my Ultimate Guide to All 4 English Conditionals.

What are English Conditionals

Conditional Sentences are one of seven types of complex sentences in English that describes the dependence of a result on certain conditions. 

 

 

When it comes to teaching these kinds of sentences, I believe it is important to start with sentence structure. You can understand all English conditionals at sentence level. But first, you must learn how the verb tenses in each clause relate to one another to communicate meaning.

What are Complex Sentences

A complex sentence shows the relationship between two clauses as being grammatically unequal. 

 

 

In terms of sentence building, grammatically unequal often means that the two clauses are built around verbs that are in different tenses, but this isn’t always the case (see the zero conditional). 

 

 

In terms of communication, if-clauses are unequal, meaning there is a hierarchy of ideas where one idea (the main or independent clause) takes precedent over the minor idea (the dependent or subordinate clause).

The English Conditionals as Complex Sentence

Conditional sentences are composed of two grammatically unequal clauses: the condition clause and the result clause. 

 

 

The condition clause is always the subordinate clause whereas the result clause is always the main clause.

English Conditionals are one of seven types of complex sentences which have a subordinating conjunction. The image illustrates how the result clause of the conditional is also the main idea and emphasized clause in a conditional sentence.

How many English Conditionals are there?

There are four Conditionals in English which I have listed as follows:

 

  1. Zero Conditional
  2. First Conditional
  3. Second Conditional
  4. Third Conditional

We can additionally find that mixing the time contexts of any of these conditionals can lead to a Mixed Conditional.  

 

Although many teachers consider the mixed conditional the fifth conditional, I see it differently. That’s mostly down to the fact that there is more than one type of mixed conditional.

What Do All 4 English Conditionals Mean

Each English Conditional type (Zero, First, Second, and Third) within a specific time context for both clauses. 

 

 

 

What I mean by this is that the two clauses both occur in either the present, past, or future, and this time context determines which conditional we should use.

 

 

  1. The Zero Conditional relates two actions (clauses) in the present.
  2. The First Conditional relates two actions in the future.
  3. The Second Conditional relates two unreal, hypothetical, or unlikely actions in either the present or the future.
  4. The Third Conditional relates two actions in the past
The image Depicts the full spectrum of what all the English Conditionals mean. The Zero Conditional is for a present condition against a present result; the First Conditional is for a Future Condition against a future result; the second conditional is for a hypothetical present or future condition against a present or future result; and the Third Conditional is for an alternative past condition against an alternative past result.

With this understanding, choosing which conditional should become a lot easier. 

 

If you’re talking generally, you should communicate using the Zero Conditional whereas you use the first conditional to express the relationship between two future actions. Likewise, you can use the Third conditional if you want to relate a past condition and its influence on the result.

 

If you understand where each English Conditional type fits in the big picture, it makes knowing which conditional to use a lot easier.

Inferences are also important to understanding the English conditionals

One way to understand what a conditional means and what time zone the conditional operates in (present, past, or future) is to make inferences from both the condition clause and the result clause.

 

An inference is the conclusion you can draw based on what information you are given. Basically, a person makes a statement, and you need to understand what they said on two levels in real time:

 

  1. I understand what the person is telling me.
  2. I also understand what the person is not telling me.

 

 

In English, each tense, verb structure, and conditional has inferences because of the aspect meaning they convey. Here are some examples of inferences in different tenses and verb structures:

Many verb tenses and structures such as the English Conditionals convey both explicit and implicit meaning. The key to understanding these verb tenses and conditional structures is to draw inferences based on what is said.

Inference Examples in English Tenses

Ex 1: I’m working for an IT firm downtown in the Sky building.

The verb tense is in the Present Continuous as a result of temporary aspect of this situation. There are several inferences that we could make because of the verb’s presentation in the continuous tense:

  1. He hasn’t been working there long enough to consider the job permanent.
  2. He could be considering leaving the job.

Basically, for as many reasons that we put a verb in the present continuous tense, we can make an inference. The idea conveyed through the tense here is temporary or impermanence. That means the work situation could be temporary or not have existed long enough for it to be permanent in the speaker’s mind.

Ex 2: I work for an IT firm downtown in the Sky building.

The verb tense now is in the Present Simple tenses which suggests the permanence aspect. The inference could be that he sees the job as permanent. We can deduce that he has probably been working there for a long time and has no plans to change.

As you can see from the two example sentences, there are inferences you can make in each case. The best technique to teach inferences is the one I’ve just deployed here and that is to use marginal analysis. Basically, you change the sentence marginally (just a little) and measure the change in meaning. 

How to make inferences from English conditionals

Now that you know what an inference is, let’s apply this knowledge to the different conditionals. You make an inference from a clause by stating or asking yourself what the opposite inference is.

The Zero Conditional meaning, as does all of the English Conditionals, depends on the inferences you can draw from the conditional sentence. The image shows you an example of how to make inferences from the Zero Conditional.

Now study the tense of the opposite inference, and you’ll find that it is still in the present tense.


Now, let’s do a bit of marginal analysis on this by changing the sentence ever so slightly.

This image depicts how to make inferences and deduction from First Conditional Sentences. Understanding and making inferences from conditionals and other grammar tenses helps you become more fluent in that language.

While the condition clause is in a present tense (the Present Simple), it’s opposite inference is in the Future Simple:

 

  • The school will possibly ring home.

If we change the time clause from if to when, then we change the inferences from might to will. 

 

  • The school might ring home becomes the school will ring home.

To sum up this point, after each conditional we’ll study some examples and look for the meaning contained within the sentence. This will truly help you understand what each conditional sentence really means.

How to Form All 4 English conditionals (Big Picture)

As I had mentioned before, each conditional is composed of two grammatically unequal clauses, one being the condition clause while the other is the result clause.

 

The condition clause is composed of a Time Clause (also known as a Time Conjunction) and a clause containing a verb in a present or past verb tense depending on which conditional type it is. The result clause generally contains a clause containing a modal verb (or imperative if we’re dealing with the first conditional).

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How to Form the Zero Conditional

You form the Zero Conditional with a time clause plus a verb in a present tense to make up the condition clause. The subordinate result clause is formed with a verb in a present tense.

The image depicts how the Zero Conditional can be formed using different present verb tenses with example sentences.

Which tenses can be used with the Zero Conditional

Take notice that I mentioned the condition clause is formed with a verb in a present tense. Many English learning course books will teach you that the Zero and First Conditionals are formed with the time clause plus the present simple.

 

 

 

The actual verb tense you use in the condition clause of either the Zero or First Conditional really depends a lot on the time and sequence aspect of the verb in that clause. The present tenses (Present Simple, Present Continuous, and Present Perfect Simple) largely differ in terms of timing and sequence of the two verbs in both clauses.

 

 

 

  1. The simple tense conveys the action in general terms, as a fact, or as a present state in relation to the result clause.
  2. The continuous tense expresses the verb as being unfinished while or when the result clause occurs.
  3. The perfect tense relates that the verb in the condition clause occurs first in a sequence and having an effect on the result clause.
 

The time conjunction (time clause) helps you understand this relationship as the conjunction itself actually states the order or relationship. The time conjunction, for example, after subordinates the first action in a two-action sequence. Since the present perfect is also used on the first action in sequence, what you often get is a clause where after is paired with a verb in the present perfect simple tense (see the third example sentence in the image above). 

Examples of the Zero Conditional

Now, I want to show you some examples of the Zero Conditional. After each example, I’ll explain the context, aspect, and inferences to draw conclusions from.

The image depicts three examples of the Zero Conditional with different present tenses in the condition clause.

If you’re interested in making a deeper study of the Zero Conditional, you can find an even more detailed explanation in my Zero Conditional Fully Explained post.

How to Form the First Conditional

The First Conditional is formed with a time clause plus a verb in a present tense to make up the condition clause. The subordinate result clause is formed with a verb in a future tense, future modal, or in the imperative.

As with the Zero Conditional, the condition clause can contain any of the three present tenses depending on the context. As the First Conditional conveys two actions’ relationship in the future, the result clause should be in a future tense such as the Future Simple, Future Continuous, or Future Perfect Simple (or contain a future modal verb like might). 

 

Now, you might be wondering why the both tenses aren’t in a future tense. Most teachers will tell you that’s just how it is; however, I give you a great explanation in my post on the first conditional (post is under construction, please subscribe to my newsletter to get an email when it’s ready).

The image depicts how to form the First Conditional with the Present Tense, Time Clause, and a Future Tense.

What Modals Can be Used in the First Conditional

Modal verbs can convey the likelihood or level of certainty around a future action. Therefore, as an extension of the future tenses, we can replace the modal verb will, which is the base modal for all the future tenses, with any other modal verb of certainty.

The modal verbs you can use to express the likelihood or possibility of a future action’s occurrence are will, might, can, can’t, and won’t. 

The First Conditional can use more than just the Future Simple Will in the result clause. The image depicts the modal verbs of certainty that can take the place of Will in the conditional sentence.

First Conditional Examples

Now let’s examine some examples of the First Conditional to see  the sentences and their inferences.

The image depicts 3 Example Sentences in the First Conditional each with a different verb tense in the condition clause or result.

Common Mistakes of the First Conditional

Although the examples above show you how to use the conditional correctly, many English learners often struggle with saying the conditionals properly. Some common mistakes of the First Conditional include adding the modal auxiliary verb will in the condition clause as well as not recognizing other time conjunctions as following the rules of the conditionals. The following two sub-sections will give you an example of each.

Putting Will After If

Amongst my students here in Poland, this is the biggest mistake I often hear each day. They often say sentences like the following:

The image illustrates one of the most common First Conditional Mistakes.

In English, we don’t put the Future Simple verb tense in the condition clause. *If you would like to know the reason why we use the Present Simple in the Condition clause that doesn’t include “because that’s just how it is,” click on my special explanation in this post here. (post under construction, please subscribe to be notified when the post is ready)

Not understanding that Time Clauses are the same as conditional linking words

Linking words such as after, before, until, by the time, and in case are often overlooked as condition clause links. As a result, English learners will often do one of two things:

 

 

  1. They use the time link as a preposition only.
  2. They add the modal auxiliary “will” to the condition clause because they didn’t recognize that it was actually a condition clause.
 

 

Time conjunctions and prepositions are often the same word, although they are used differently in a sentence.

This isn’t so much of a problem of grammar, but I believe it hinders English learners from achieving fluency. This is because the student is missing out on the chance to build complex sentences. 

I believe that the ability to construct and understand complex sentences is a major part of being fluent in English. You can learn more about this in my Full Guide to the First Conditional.

How to Form the Second Conditional

The Second Conditional is formed with a time clause plus a verb in a past tense (specifically the past simple or past continuous) to make up the condition clause. The subordinate result clause is formed with a verb in the past modal such as would, should, might, or could.

The image depicts a table showing English learners how to form the Second Conditional with the past simple or past continuous verb tenses and the past modal verb structure.

The second conditional comes with a lot of nuance since sometimes it can represent the present, past, and future! If you want to learn the specifics of this conditional type, click on the related article to discover how you can better communicate using this conditional form. (post is under construction, subscribe to be notified when it’s ready)

Examples of the Second Conditional

As I had stated earlier, the Second Conditional can be understood in both the present and future tense (and the past too). Therefore, I’ll demonstrate both contexts with two examples:

The image depicts two examples sentences in the Second Conditional, one with the past simple as the condition clause and the other in the past continuous verb tense.

Common Mistakes of the Second Conditional

The common mistakes of the Second Conditional are actually the same as with the First Conditional. For example, many of my English students are in the habit of saying “If I would” together in the same clause.

The image depicts a common mistake of the second conditional.

This is one of those mistakes that often occurs if the student is translating from their own language. If you find that you do this, you want to find some resources to fix this.

Form the Third Conditional

The Third Conditional is formed with a time clause plus a verb in the past perfect to make up the condition clause. The subordinate result clause is formed with a verb in the Modal Perfect form.

The modal perfect, as used in the third conditional, combines a past modal verb of speculation (would, might, could, couldn’t, or wouldn’t) plus the infinitive perfect (have been).

The image shows English learners how to form the Third Conditional with the past perfect and modal perfect verb structure.

Like the other conditionals, there is quite a bit of nuance when practicing the third conditional, so you will want to check out my more in-depth study of the third conditional here.

Examples of the Third Conditional

The Third Conditional represents an alternative result to an alternative past supposition. Hence, both unreal actions exist in the past. Here are some examples of the Third Conditional for you to study:

The image depicts two examples of the Third Conditional in English.

Common Mistakes of the Third Conditional

Like the second conditional, the most common mistake of the Third Conditional is putting Would in the condition clause. 

Since the Third Conditional’s condition clause is formed with the past perfect, you might also run into a reading misunderstanding of thinking the contracted (‘d) was would instead of had. Just try to remember that there is no Would in the condition clause of the Third Conditional.

The English Conditionals Matrix (Big Picture Graphic)

As I explain in my post on The Best Way to Learn the Conditionals, you want to learn them all at once. The English Conditionals Matrix that you can see below, depicts the Zero, First, Second, and Third Conditionals all together so that you can compare them in the following ways:

  • How they are formed
  • What tenses are used
  • What each conditional type means
The image depicts a table that shows the full matrix of the English Conditionals. It gives examples of the time clauses and verb tenses that can be used in each case.

What is a Mixed Conditional

Some English blogs and the teachers who wrote them write that there are 5 conditionals with the mixed conditional actually being the fifth type although I disagree on this. The Mixed Conditional cannot qualify as a conditional type because there are more ways to mix conditionals than one, meaning there’s no one type of Mixed Conditional. If the conditional types are defined by the time context (past to past, present to present, or future to future), the Mixed Conditional occurs when the condition and result clauses occur in different time contexts. Those contexts can include:

The image depicts a table that shows how the Mixed Conditionals are constructed from English Conditional and results at different times. For example an alternative past's condition against a present result.

The Most Common Mixed Conditional Structure

The most common Mixed Conditional structure involves the past to present, and this can play out in one of two ways.

  1. The condition clause is of the past (Third Conditional Clause) while the result clause is of the present (Second Conditional Result)
  2. The condition clause is of the hypothetical/unreal present (Second Conditional Condition) while the result is of the alternative past (Third Conditional Result)

 

These two combined forms make up the two ways to form a Mixed Third/Second-Conditional.

The Hidden Mixed Conditional

I was doing an exercise on the conditionals with a student when I discovered that the book’s example sentence on the First Conditional was actually a Mixed Conditional. This form of Mixed Conditional involves a present situation or state’s influence on the future result.

Here’s that sentence that I spotted as the hidden Mixed Conditional and why I say that it is hiding in plain sight:

At first glance, this sentence looks like it is in the First Conditional. In truth, though, it is a Mixed Conditional because it combines a present state’s effect on the future predicted outcome.

Learn The 3 Main Conditionals with my Online Course

There you have it, the most complete guide on the Internet that teaches you all 4 conditionals! If you’ve read and studied this whole post, I have to say “congratulations!” on completing this written mini-course. So, where to next for you?

I can recommend my full course on the main three conditionals: the First Conditional(a deep dive), the Second Conditional, and the Third Conditional. The course can be done online and will provide you a visual experience while learning this important aspect of English grammar. Along the way, you will get lots of practice. By the time you have finished the course, you will have learned how to use the three main conditionals in English.

This image describes the features of my video course - Business English Grammar for Business: How to use Conditionals
Click here to learn more about the course!

Over to You

So, what are your thoughts, questions, or difficulties with the conditionals. Please leave me a comment to the post or feel free to send an email to the linked contact form here, and I will answer if possible.

Jon

Jon Williams is a graduate of UCLA with a degree in Economics. While doing his undergraduate studies at UCLA, he also tutored microeconomics for other students in the AAP program. After graduation, he went on to become a financial advisor where he learned financial sales and management training. In 2003, he decided to take a gap year, going to teach English in Poland which eventually stretched into 3 years. Upon returning to Los Angeles in 2006, he worked in West Los Angeles for an investment management firm where he spent another 4 years in a financial and investment environment. Ultimately, though, his love for teaching led him to move back to Poland where he founded his business Native 1 English Learning. Now he operates a private teaching practice, posts articles and lessons on his blog, creates online courses, and publishes YouTube video English lessons.

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