Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use

A conditional sentence refers to a hypothetical situation and its possible consequence.

Conditional sentences always contain a subordinate clause that expresses a condition (e.g., “If it

snows tomorrow”) and a main clause indicating the outcome of this condition (e.g., “school will

be canceled”).

There are four main types of conditionals in English, each of which expresses a specific level of

likelihood or possibility.

How to use conditional sentences

Conditional sentences are used to describe a hypothetical scenario and the possible consequences

of this scenario. All conditional sentences contain two clauses:

● A subordinate clause that describes an unreal condition (e.g., “If you train more”)

● A main clause that indicates the result of this hypothetical scenario (e.g., “you will

become a better swimmer”)

The subordinate clause of a conditional sentence usually begins with the conjunction “if.”
 This is often paired with a “then” at the start of the second clause (e.g., “if you want to go, then

you should go”). However, including “then” is optional.

When the subordinate clause is used at the start of a sentence, it’s always followed by a comma.

If the main clause comes first, no comma is needed (and “then” should not be included).

Examples: How to form conditional sentences

If you ate healthier food, then you would have more energy.

You would have more energy if you ate healthier food.

If you switch the order of conditional clauses, you may also need to switch the order of the nouns

and pronouns in the sentence.

Examples: Conditional clause order

If Tom had called earlier, he might have gotten an appointment.

Tom might have gotten an appointment if he had called earlier.

Note While most conditional sentences use the conjunction “if,” expressions such as “provided
that,” “so long as,” or “whether or not” can also be used to express a condition (e.g., “So long as
you fill the tank back up, you can borrow the car”).

Zero conditional sentences

The zero conditional is used to indicate general truths, scientific facts, or habits. In zero

conditional sentences, both the main clause and the conditional clause are normally in the present

simple tense.

Zero conditional sentences can also use “when” instead of “if,” because they refer to general

truths rather than specific scenarios.

Example: Zero conditional sentences

If you don’t eat, you become hungry.

When you melt ice, it turns to water.

Zero conditionals can also be used to make a command or request or to give advice or

instructions. In these instances, the conditional clause is in the present simple tense and the main clause

is in the imperative mood.

Examples: Zero conditionals in the imperative mood

If you get lost, call me.

If you want to speak to a sales representative, dial “1.”

Note While zero conditionals are most commonly formed using the present simple tense, other
tenses can also be used to express logical implications. These sentences also count as zero
conditionals (e.g., “If he was there on Thursday evening, it has major implications for our
investigation”).

First conditional sentences

First conditional sentences refer to a possible action in the present and its realistic future

consequence. Sentences using the first conditional contain two clauses:

● A subordinate clause with a verb in the present simple tense (e.g., “if you eat”)

● A main clause formed using a modal verb (usually “will,” “may,” “can,” or “might”)

along with the infinitive form of the main verb (e.g., “run”)

Examples: First conditional sentences

If Laura sleeps any longer, she will miss the bus.

If you don’t practice guitar, then you won’t improve.

I can drive Nick to the airport if he needs a lift.

Tip: In first conditional sentences, “unless” can be used instead of “if” to create a negative
conditional statement (e.g., “You won’t improve unless you practice guitar”).

Second conditional sentences

Second conditionals are used to refer to an improbable or impossible past or present condition
 and its unlikely or unrealistic future consequence. Sentences that use the second conditional
contain two clauses:

● A subordinate clause with a verb in the past subjunctive form (e.g., “looked”)

● A main clause using a modal verb (usually “would,” “could,” or “might”) along with the

infinitive form of the main verb (e.g., “sing”)

Examples: Second conditional sentences

If I were rich, then I would drive a different car every day.

If Bill talked less, he could finish more tasks.

Everyone would be unhappy if the flight were delayed.

NoteThe past subjunctive form of the verb “be” is “were,” regardless of the subject (e.g. “If I
were you, I’d call in sick”). All other verbs in the past subjunctive are identical to their past
simple forms.

Third conditional sentences

Third conditional sentences are used to refer to an unreal past situation and its past result.

Sentences that use the third conditional contain two clauses:

● A subordinate clause with a verb in the past perfect tense (e.g., “if I had worked”)

● A main clause using a modal verb (usually “would,” “could,” or “might”) along with the

auxiliary verb “have” and the past participle of the main verb

Examples: Third conditional sentences

If you hadn’t burned the pie, it would have tasted delicious.

If Sander had studied more, then he might have gotten a better grade.

I would have labeled the files more clearly if I had known they were important.

Mixed conditional
 Mixed conditional sentences use a combination of the second and third conditionals. The first

type of mixed conditional is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its ongoing

consequence. Sentences that use the first type of mixed conditional contain two clauses:

● A subordinate clause containing a verb in the past perfect tense (as in a third conditional)

● A main clause with a modal verb (usually “would”) and the infinitive form of the main

verb (as in a second conditional)

Examples: Type 1 mixed conditional sentences

If you had eaten your dinner, you wouldn’t be hungry.

You would know there was a meeting if you had read the email.

The second type of mixed conditional sentence is used to describe an unreal past condition and

its past consequence. It’s formed using:

● A subordinate clause with a verb in the past subjunctive form (as in a second conditional)

● A main clause containing a modal verb (usually “would”) along with the auxiliary verb

“have” and the past participle of the main verb (as in a third conditional)

Examples: Type 2 mixed conditional sentences

If you paid attention in school, you would have learned more.

I would have invited you if I knew you were [Link] mistake: Adding “would” to the “if”

clause

When using conditional sentences, people sometimes add the modal verb “would” to the

subordinate clause. While “would” is often used in the main clause of second, third, or mixed

conditional sentences, it’s wrong to add “would” to the subordinate clause. Instead, subordinate

clauses in the second conditional always use the past subjunctive form, while subordinate clauses

in the third conditional always use the past perfect form.

Examples: Modal verbs and conditionals
First Conditional Exercise

Put the verb into the correct first conditional form.

1. If I __________________ (go) out tonight, I __________________ (go) to the cinema.
2. If you __________________ (get) back late, I __________________ (be) angry.
3. If we __________________ (not / see) each other tomorrow, we __________________ (see)
each other next week.
4. If he __________________ (come), I __________________ (be) surprised.
5. If we __________________ (wait) here, we __________________ (be) late.
6. If we __________________ (go) on holiday this summer, we __________________ (go) to
Spain.
7. If the weather __________________ (not / improve), we __________________ (not / have) a
picnic.
8. If I __________________ (not / go) to bed early, I __________________ (be) tired tomorrow.
9. If we __________________ (eat) all this cake, we __________________ (feel) sick.
[Link] you __________________ (not / want) to go out, I __________________ (cook) dinner at
home.
11.I __________________ (come) early if you __________________ (want).
[Link] __________________ (go) to the party if they __________________ (be) invited.
[Link] __________________ (stay) in London if she __________________ (get) a job.
[Link] __________________ (not / get) a better job if he __________________ (not / pass) that
exam.
15.I __________________ (buy) a new dress if I __________________ (have) enough money.
[Link] __________________ (cook) dinner if you __________________ (go) to the
supermarket.
[Link] __________________ (go) on holiday if they __________________ (have) time.
[Link] __________________ (be) late if we __________________ (not / hurry).
[Link] __________________ (take) a taxi if it __________________ (rain).
20.I __________________ (not / go) if you __________________ (not / come) with me.
Second Conditional Exercise

Put the verb into the correct tense to make the second conditional.
1. If I _________________ (be) you, I _________________ (get) a new job.
2. If he _________________ (be) younger, he _________________ (travel) more.
3. If we _________________ (not / be) friends, I _________________ (be) angry with you.
4. If I _________________ (have) enough money, I _________________ (buy) a big house.
5. If she _________________ (not / be) always so late, she _________________ (be) promoted.
6. If we _________________ (win) the lottery, we _________________ (travel) the world.
7. If you _________________ (have) a better job, we _________________ (be) able to buy a
new car
8. If I _________________ (speak) perfect English, I _________________ (have) a good job.
9. If we _________________ (live) in Mexico, I _________________ (speak) Spanish.
10. If she _________________ (pass) the exam, she _________________ (be) able to enter
university.
11. She _________________ (be) happier if she _________________ (have) more friends.
12. We _________________ (buy) a house if we _________________ (decide) to stay here.
13. They _________________ (have) more money if they _________________ (not / buy) so
many clothes
14. We _________________ (come) to dinner if we _________________ (have) time.
15. She _________________ (call) him if she _________________ (know) his number.
16. They _________________ (go) to Spain on holiday if they _______________ (like) hot
weather.
17. She _________________ (pass) the exam if she _________________ (study) more.
18. I _________________ (marry) someone famous if I _________________ (be) a movie star.
19. We never _________________ (be) late again if we _________________ (buy) a new car.
20. You _________________ (lose) weight if you _________________ (eat) less.

Third Conditionals
Put in the correct third conditional verb form.
1. If you ______________ (not / be) late, we ______________ (not / miss) the bus.
2. If she ______________ (study), she ______________ (pass) the exam.
3. If we ______________ (arrive) earlier, we ______________ (see) John.
4. If they ______________ (go) to bed early, they ______________ (not / wake) up late.
5. If he ______________ (become) a musician, he ______________ (record) a CD.
6. If she ______________ (go) to art school, she ______________ (become) a painter.
7. If I ______________ (be) born in a different country, I ______________ (learn) to speak a
different language.
8. If she ______________ (go) to university, she ______________ (study) French.
9. If we ______________ (not / go) to the party, we ______________ (not / meet) them.
10. If he ______________ (take) the job, he ______________ (not / go) travelling.
11. He ______________ (be) happier if he ______________ (stay) at home.
12. She ______________ (pass) the exam if she ______________ (study) harder.
13. We ______________ (not / get) married if we ______________ (not / go) to the same
university.
14. They ______________ (be) late if they ______________ (not / take) a taxi.
15. She ______________ (not / meet) him if she ______________ (not / come) to London.
16. He ______________ (take) a taxi if he ______________ (have) enough money.
17. I ______________ (call) you if I ______________ (not / forget) my phone.
18. We ______________ (come) if we ______________ (be) invited.
19. She ______________ (not / do) it if she ______________ (know) you were ill.
20. He ______________ (be) on time if he ______________ (leave) earlier.
Zero Conditional Exercise

Make sentences with the zero conditional.

For example:
(not / rain / the flowers / die)
If it doesn't rain, the flowers die.

1. (I / wake up late / I / be late for work)

_______________________________________________________________

2. (my husband / cook / he / burn the food)

_______________________________________________________________

3. (Julie / not wear a hat / she / get sunstroke)

_______________________________________________________________

4. (children / not eat well / they / not be healthy)

_______________________________________________________________

5. (you / mix water and electricity / you / get a shock)

_______________________________________________________________

6. (people / eat / too many sweets / they / get fat)

_______________________________________________________________

7. (you / smoke / you / get yellow fingers)

_______________________________________________________________

8. (children / play outside / they / not get overweight)

_______________________________________________________________

9. (you / heat ice / it / melt)

_______________________________________________________________

10. (I / speak to John / he / get annoyed)

_______________________________________________________________

11. (I / feel good the next day / I / go to bed early)

_______________________________________________________________

12. (lots of people / come / Jenny / have a party)

_______________________________________________________________

13. (she / buy expensive clothes / she / go shopping)

_______________________________________________________________

14. (my daughter / pass her exams / she / work hard)

_______________________________________________________________

15. (David / be sick / he / drink milk)

_______________________________________________________________

16. (the river / freeze / it / be very cold)

_______________________________________________________________

17. (I / like to visit the museums / I / be in a new city)

_______________________________________________________________

18. (I / cycle to work / the weather / be fine)

_______________________________________________________________

19. (my flatmate / clean it really well / she / clean the house)
_______________________________________________________________

20. (everybody / be grumpy / it / rain a lot)

_______________________________________________________________
Conditional Exercise (First / Second / Third Conditionals)
Complete the sentence with a verb in the correct form.

1. (First conditional) If we __________________ (not / work) harder, we

__________________ (not pass) the exam.

2. (Third conditional) If the students __________________ (not be) late for the exam, they
__________________ (pass).

3. (Third conditional) If the weather __________________ (not be) so cold, we

__________________ (go) to the beach.

4. (Second conditional) If she __________________ (have) her laptop with her, she
__________________ (email) me.

5. (First conditional) If she __________________ (not go) to the meeting, I

__________________ (not go) either.

6. (Third conditional) If the baby __________________ (sleep) better last night, I

__________________ (not be) so tired.

7. (First conditional) If the teacher __________________ (give) us lots of homework this

weekend, I __________________ (not be) happy.

8. (Second conditional) If Lucy __________________ (have) enough time, she

__________________ (travel) more.

9. (First conditional) If the children __________________ (not eat) soon, they

__________________ (be) grumpy.

10. (First conditional) If I __________________ (not go) to bed soon, I

__________________ (be) tired in the morning.

11. (Second conditional) If I __________________ (want) a new car, I

__________________ (buy) one.

12. (Second conditional) If José __________________ (not speak) good French, he

__________________ (not move) to Paris.

13. (First conditional) If John __________________ (drink) too much coffee, he

__________________ (get) ill.
14. (Third conditional) If we __________________ (tidy) our flat, we
__________________ (not lose) our keys.

15. (Third conditional) If Luke __________________ (not send) flowers to his mother, she
__________________ (not be) happy.

16. (Second conditional) If the children __________________ (be) in bed, I

__________________ (be able to) have a bath.

17. (Second conditional) If you __________________ (not be) so stubborn, we

__________________ (not have) so many arguments!

18. (Third conditional) If Julie __________________ (not go) to Sweden, she

__________________ (go) to Germany.

19. (First conditional) If she __________________ (go) to the library, she

__________________ (study) more.

20. (Third conditional) If we __________________ (not have) an argument, we

__________________ (not be) late.

21. (Second conditional) If you __________________ (arrive) early, it

__________________ (be) less stressful.

22. (Third conditional) If I __________________ (not go) to the party, I

__________________ (not meet) Amanda.

23. (Second conditional) If Julie __________________ (like) chocolate, I

__________________ (give) her some.

24. (Second conditional) If Luke __________________ (live) in the UK, I

__________________ (see) him more often.

25. (Third conditional) If the children __________________ (not eat) all that chocolate, they
__________________ (feel) sick.

26. (First conditional) If they __________________ (not / arrive) soon, we

__________________ (be) late.
27. (Third conditional) If she __________________ (study) Mandarin, she
__________________ (go) to Beijing.
28. (Second conditional) If we __________________ (not be) so tired, we
__________________ (go) out.

29. (First conditional) If you __________________ (buy) the present, I

__________________ (wrap) it up.

30. (First conditional) If Lucy __________________ (not quit) her job soon, she
__________________ (go) crazy.
Conditionals Exercise
Finish the sentences with a clause in the correct conditional.

1. If it is sunny tomorrow, _______________________________________________

2. If you sit in the sun too long, ___________________________________________
3. If I were you, _______________________________________________________
4. If I were the Prime Minister, ___________________________________________
5. If she had studied harder, ______________________________________________
6. If I won the lottery, __________________________________________________
7. If I hadn't gone to bed so late, __________________________________________
8. If I hadn't come to London, ____________________________________________
9. If you mix water and electricity, ________________________________________
10. If she hadn't stayed at home, ___________________________________________
11. If I go out tonight,____________________________________________________
12. If I were on holiday today, _____________________________________________
13. If I had listened to my mother, __________________________________________
14. If I hadn't eaten so much, ______________________________________________
15. If it rains later, ______________________________________________________
16. If I were British, _____________________________________________________
17. If I were the opposite sex, _____________________________________________
18. If I have enough money, _______________________________________________
19. If you don't wear a coat in the winter, ____________________________________
20. If I weren't studying English, ___________________________________________
Answers: First Conditional Exercise

('ll = will, won't = will not)

1. If I go out tonight, I'll go to the cinema.
2. If you get back late, I'll be angry.
3. If we don't see each other tomorrow, we'll see each other next week.
4. If he comes, I'll be surprised.
5. If we wait here, we'll be late.
6. If we go on holiday this summer, we'll go to Spain.
7. If the weather doesn't improve, we won't have a picnic.
8. If I don't go to bed early, I'll be tired tomorrow.
9. If we eat all this cake, we'll feel sick.
10. If you don't want to go out, I'll cook dinner at home.
11. I'll come early if you want.
12. They'll go to the party if they are invited.
13. She'll stay in London if she gets a job.
14. He won't get a better job if he doesn't pass that exam.
15. I'll buy a new dress if I have enough money.
16. She'll cook dinner if you go to the supermarket.
17. They'll go on holiday if they have time.
18. We'll be late if we don't hurry.
19. She'll take a taxi if it rains.
20. I won't go if you don't come with me.

Answers: Second Conditional Exercise

(remember: you can write would or 'd):
1. If I were you, I would get a new job.
2. If he were younger, he would travel more.
3. If we weren't friends, I would be angry with you.
4. If I had enough money, I would buy a big house.
5. If she weren't always so late, she would be promoted.
6. If we won the lottery, we would travel the world.
7. If you had a better job, we would be able to buy a new car
8. If I spoke perfect English, I would have a good job.
9. If we lived in Mexico, I would speak Spanish.
10. If she passed the exam, she would be able to enter university.
11. She would be happier if she had more friends.
12. We would buy a house if we decided to stay here.
13. They would have more money if they didn't buy so many clothes
14. We would come to dinner if we had time.
15. She would call him if she knew his number.
16. They would go to Spain on holiday if they liked hot weather.
17. She would pass the exam if she studied more.
18. I would marry someone famous if I were a movie star.
19. We would never be late again if we bought a new car.
20. You would lose weight if you ate less.

Answers: Third Conditionals

(Remember you can use had or 'd AND would or 'd)
1. If you hadn't been late, we wouldn't have missed the bus.
2. If she had studied, she would have passed the exam.
3. If we had arrived earlier, we would have seen John.
4. If they had gone to bed early, they wouldn't have woken up late.
5. If he had become a musician, he would have recorded a CD.
6. If she had gone to art school, she would have become a painter.
7. If I had been born in a different country, I would have learnt to speak a different language.
8. If she had gone to university, she would have studied French.
9. If we hadn't gone to the party, we wouldn't have met them.
10. If he had taken the job, he wouldn't have gone travelling.
11. He would have been happier if he had stayed at home.
12. She would have passed the exam if she had studied harder.
13. We wouldn't have got married if we hadn't gone to the same university.
14. They would have been late if they hadn't taken a taxi.
15. She wouldn't have met him if she hadn't come to London.
16. He would have taken a taxi if he had had enough money.
17. I would have called you if I hadn't forgotten my phone.
18. We would have come if we had been invited.
19. She wouldn't have done it if she had known you were ill.
20. He would have been on time if he had left earlier.

Answers: Zero Conditional Exercise

1. If I wake up late, I'm late for work.
2. If my husband cooks, he burns the food.
3. If Julie doesn't wear a hat, she gets sunstroke.
4. If children don't eat well, they aren't healthy.
5. If you mix water and electricity, you get a shock.
6. If people eat too many sweets, they get fat.
7. If you smoke, you get yellow fingers.
8. If children play outside, they don't get overweight.
9. If you heat ice, it melts.
10. If I speak to John, he gets annoyed.
11. I feel good the next day if I go to bed early.
12. Lots of people come if Jenny has a party.
13. She buys expensive clothes if she goes shopping.
14. My daughter passes her exams if she works hard.
15. David is sick if he drinks milk.
16. The river freezes if it's very cold.
17. I like to visit the museums if I am in a new city.
18. I cycle to work if the weather is fine.
19. My flatmate cleans really well if she cleans the house.
20. Everybody is grumpy if it rains a lot.

Answers: Conditional Exercise (First / Second / Third Conditionals)

1. (First conditional) If we don't work harder, we won't pass the exam.
2. (Third conditional) If the students hadn't been late for the exam, they would have passed.
3. (Third conditional) If the weather hadn't been so cold, we would have gone to the beach.
4. (Second conditional) If she had her laptop with her, she would email me.
5. (First conditional) If she doesn't go to the meeting, I won't go either.
6. (Third conditional) If the baby had slept better last night, I wouldn't have been so tired.
7. (First conditional) If the teacher gives us lots of homework this weekend, I won't be happy.
8. (Second conditional) If Lucy had enough time, she would travel more.
9. (First conditional) If the children don't eat soon, they'll be grumpy.
10. (First conditional) If I don't go to bed soon, I'll be tired in the morning.
11. (Second conditional) If I wanted a new car, I would buy one.
12. (Second conditional) If José didn't speak good French, he wouldn't move to Paris.
13. (First conditional) If John drinks too much coffee, he'll get ill.
14. (Third conditional) If we had tidied our flat, we wouldn't have lost our keys.
15. (Third conditional) If Luke hadn't sent flowers to his mother, she wouldn't have been happy.
16. (Second conditional) If the children were in bed, I would be able to have a bath.
17. (Second conditional) If you weren't so stubborn, we wouldn't have so many arguments!
18. (Third conditional) If Julie hadn't gone to Sweden, she would have gone to Germany.
19. (First conditional) If she goes to the library, she'll study more.
20. (Third conditional) If we hadn't had an argument, we wouldn't have been late.
21. (Second conditional) If you arrived early, it would be less stressful.
22. (Third conditional) If I hadn't gone to the party, I wouldn't have met Amanda.
23. (Second conditional) If Julie liked chocolate, I would give her some.
24. (Second conditional) If Luke lived in the UK, I would see him more often.
25. (Third conditional) If the children hadn't eaten all that chocolate, they wouldn't have felt sick.
26. (First conditional) If they don't arrive soon, we'll be late.
27. (Third conditional) If she had studied Mandarin, she would have gone to Beijing.
28. (Second conditional) If we weren't so tired, we would go out.
29. (First conditional) If you buy the present, I'll wrap it up.
30. (First conditional) If Lucy doesn't quit her job soon, she'll go crazy.

Possible answers to Conditionals Exercise

Finish the sentences with a clause in the correct conditional.
(check your answer is in the same tense):
1. If it is sunny tomorrow, we'll go to the park.
2. If you sit in the sun too long, you get burned.
3. If I were you, I would go out tonight.
4. If I were the Prime Minister, I would make the museums free.
5. If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam.
6. If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house.
7. If I hadn't gone to bed so late, I wouldn't have been tired.
8. If I hadn't come to London, I would have gone to New York.
9. If you mix water and electricity, you get a shock.
10. If she hadn't stayed at home, she would have gone shopping.
11. If I go out tonight, I'll go to the cinema.
12. If I were on holiday today, I would go to the beach.
13. If I had listened to my mother, I wouldn't have caught a cold.
14. If I hadn't eaten so much, I wouldn't have felt sick.
15. If it rains later, I won't go out.
16. If I were British, I would speak perfect English.
17. If I were the opposite sex, I would grow a beard.
18. If I have enough money, I'll buy some new shoes.
19. If you don't wear a coat in the winter, you get sick.
20. If I weren't studying English, I would study French.