Zero Conditional

The zero conditional expresses situations that are always true, such as scientific facts or general truths. In these sentences, both parts of the sentence are in the simple present tense.

Structure: If + simple present, simple present

Examples:

• If you heat ice, it melts.
• Ice melts if you heat it.
• If it rains, the grass gets wet.

Usage: The zero conditional is used to express general truths, facts, or instructions.

Type 1 Conditional

Type 1 conditional is used for real and possible situations in the present or future. The structure is the simple present tense in the ‘if’ clause and the simple future tense in the main clause.

Structure: If + simple present, simple future

Examples:

• If it rains, you will get wet.
• If you hurry, you will catch the bus.

Usage: This type refers to possible conditions and their likely results in the present or future.

Type 2 Conditional

Type 2 conditional is used to express hypothetical or unlikely situations. In this case, the ‘if’ clause uses the simple past tense, and the main clause uses the conditional mood (would + base verb).

Structure: If + simple past, would + base verb

Examples:

• If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world.
• If I were you, I would study harder.

Usage: This structure is used to talk about unreal or hypothetical conditions and their consequences.

Type 3 Conditional

Type 3 conditional expresses an impossible condition in the past and its probable result, which did not happen.

Structure: If + past perfect, would have + past participle

Examples:

• If I had studied, I would have passed the exam.
• If you had called me, I would have helped you.

Usage: This type is used to express a regret or a past hypothetical situation.

Mixed Conditional

Mixed conditionals refer to sentences where the ‘if’ clause and the main clause refer to different times.

Examples:

• If I had studied harder, I would have a better job now.
• If you had told me, I would be with you right now.

Usage: Mixed conditionals are used to describe past conditions with present results or present conditions with past results.