Zero, first and second conditionals

Do you know how to use the zero, first, and second conditionals? Enhance your knowledge with a lesson given below and the grammar explanation to guide you better.

Here are some examples to see how zero, first, and second conditionals are used:

• If you heat ice, it melts.

• If it’s sunny tomorrow, I’ll go for a walk.

• If I had a bigger garden, I would grow my own vegetables.

Grammar explanation - Conditionals: zero, first and second

Conditionals describe the result of a certain condition. The if clause gives the condition (e.g., If you work hard), and the main clause shows the result (e.g., you will achieve your goals). The order of the clauses doesn't change the meaning.

• If you work hard, you will achieve your goals.

• You will achieve your goals if you work hard.

Conditional sentences are often divided into different types.

1. Zero conditional

We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are always true, especially for facts, laws, or rules.

• If I don't water my plants, they die.

• Water boils if you heat it to 100°C.

• When the clock strikes midnight, the day changes.

The structure is: if/when + present simple >> present simple.

2. First conditional

We use the first conditional to talk about future situations that are real or possible.

• If it stops raining, we’ll go for a walk.

• Chelsea will win if they play well.

• When I get home, I’ll make dinner.

In first conditional sentences, the structure is: if/when + present simple >> will + infinitive.

It’s also common to use unless, as long as, as soon as, or in case instead of if.

• I'll start cooking as soon as I get back.

• You won't succeed unless you try harder.

• I'll text you in case I’m late.

• You can stay out, as long as you finish your homework.

3. Second conditional

The second conditional is used to imagine present or future situations that are unlikely or impossible in reality.

• If I had more time, I would travel the world.

• If she knew how to swim, she'd join the team.

• I wouldn’t do that if I were you.

The structure is usually: if + past simple >> would + infinitive.

When if is followed by the verb be, it is grammatically correct to say if I were, if he were, if she were, and if it were. However, it's also common to hear was, especially in informal speech.

• If I were rich, I’d donate to charity.

• If he was taller, he would play basketball.

• She would move to France if she was fluent in French.

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