What are Conditionals in English Grammar?

Conditionals in English Grammar: Have you ever stumbled upon a sentence that starts with ‘if’ or ‘unless’? Well, if you have then you have come across a conditional sentence. Interestingly, these sentences can be found anywhere — in books, conversations that we have daily or speeches. But there’s more to it. Conditional sentences can be divided into four types that you will read about in this blog. Keep reading this blog to learn all about conditionals in English grammar, their types and finally a quiz to test yourself. 

What are Conditionals in English Grammar?

Conditionals are grammatical structures that express different possibilities and their outcomes. They are used to describe situations that might happen, could have happened, or are unlikely to happen. 

“A sentence that begins with if or unless and expresses a condition” is the definition of a conditional sentence as given by the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary. While, Collins Dictionary says that “If something is required for a situation or agreement to occur, it will only occur or continue if this thing occurs.”

Also Read: If Clause: Know Conditionals Meaning, Types & Usage

Types of Conditionals in English Grammar with Examples

In the English language, conditional sentences can be divided into four types of categories, these include:

• Zero Conditional Sentences
• First Conditional Sentences
• Second Conditional Sentences
• Third Conditional Sentences

Let us take a look at all these conditionals in detail.

Zero Conditional Sentences

A zero conditional sentence refers to one which talks about facts and general truth. It also talks about situations where a particular thing or action results in another. In this type of sentence, both independent and dependent clauses are written in the simple present tense. This is mainly due to the fact the result is predicted. 

To get a better understanding we have compiled a few sentences:

• If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.
• If you break the law, you get punished.
• If you want to start the car, turn the key.

First Conditional Sentences

In the case of first conditional sentences, a situation is expressed where the result is most likely to happen. However, there is no guaranteed outcome. 

Take a look at some of the example sentences on how you can write:

• If it rains tomorrow, we’ll stay at home.
• If you lose your wallet, you can call the police.
• If you don’t eat breakfast, you’ll be hungry later

Second Conditional Sentences

These are the types of sentences that are based on hypothetical situations or rather unrealistic events which are unlikely to ever happen. In these types of sentences, the tenses used are simple past tense for the ‘if’ clause along with the modal auxiliary along with a main verb in the independent clause.  

Look at the below-mentioned sentences which will help you understand:

• If I had a million dollars, I would buy a yacht.
• If you studied harder, you would get better grades.
• If it rained tomorrow, we would have to cancel the picnic.

Third Conditional Sentences

Third conditional sentences are used to express hypothetical situations in the past that didn’t happen. They often involve a past perfect tense in the “if” clause and a “would have” or “could have” construction in the main clause.

Check out all the example sentences to get a better understanding of the same:

• If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.
• If we had taken a taxi, we wouldn’t have missed the train.
• If I hadn’t been sick, I would have gone on the trip.

Also Read: 4 Types of Conditional Clause Examples in English You Should Know

Additional Notes on Conditionals in English Grammar

Take a look at a few more aspects of the conditionals that you must know that will help you write in English much more easily:

• Conditionals can be categorised into two categories: real and unreal. You can think of this as meaning possible or impossible. Since zero and first conditionals deal with things that are either true in general or may become true in the future, they are feasible. Because they are hypothetical or deal with previous occurrences that are beyond our control, second, third, and mixed conditionals are not feasible.

• Real Conditionals: Zero and First 
• Unreal Conditionals: Second, Third, and Mixed

• The condition clause in the second conditional uses the simple past. In more formal circumstances, it is customary to use ‘were’ when the verb “be” is being employed. Informally speaking, however, was is more typical.

• Formal: If I were you, I would drink more water.
• Informal: If I was you, I wouldn’t stay out so late.

Also Read: Past Unreal Conditional Examples: Definition, Structure, Rules, Exercises [PDF Available] 

Quiz on Conditionals in English Grammar

Now that you have gained all the information on conditional sentences, it’s time to test your knowledge. Check out this quiz which we have prepared for you to test yourself. You can also check your answers mentioned at the end.

Question 1:

Which conditional is used to express general truths or habits?

A. Zero Conditional

B. First Conditional

C. Second Conditional

D. Third Conditional

Question 2:

What is the structure of the First Conditional?

A. If + present simple, will/can/may + base form

B. If + past simple, would/could/might + base form

C. If + past perfect, would/could/might + have + past participle

D. If + present perfect, will/can/may + have + past participle

Question 3:

Which conditional is used to express unlikely or impossible situations in the present or future?

A. Zero Conditional

B. First Conditional

C. Second Conditional

D. Third Conditional

Question 4:

Which conditional is used to express hypothetical situations in the past that didn’t happen?

A. Zero Conditional

B. First Conditional

C. Second Conditional

D. Third Conditional

Question 5:

What is the structure of the Third Conditional?

A. If + present simple, will/can/may + base form

B. If + past simple, would/could/might + base form

C. If + past perfect, would/could/might + have + past participle

D. If + present perfect, will/can/may + have + past participle

Check Your Answers:

1. A
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. C

Check related blogs on Learn English

Future Unreal Conditional Examples: All Forms & Exercise	Usage of “If Clause” With the Help of Examples
English Language Grammar Cheatsheet	Rules in Grammar to Improve Your English
Five Elements of English Grammar with Examples	Top 14 Punctuation Marks in English Grammar
Nominative Case in English Grammar	Evolution of English Grammar Rules
What are Clauses	Rules of Articles in English Grammar
What Are Proverbs In English Grammar?	Grammar Translation Method of Teaching English

FAQs

This was all about the “Conditionals in English Grammar.” Hope you understand the concept and know how to proceed. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs.