write an essay using first conditional

Writing Prompt ~ First Conditional

Writing Prompt: The first conditional is used to talk or write about real possibilities in the future. Review the rules for using first conditionals . Then pretend you are a parent who wants his or her kids to be behave for their grandparents on the weekend. Write a note to your kids. Offer some bribes for good behaviour.

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16 comments

Dear Holly,

Today is raining day.If you play in the rain,you catch a fever. I phoned your dad yesterday and he said there will be a surprise for you. If you want to know ,you have to wait for two days.If you can’t wait to know,you can ask your dad.If you ask me,I will say I don’t know.This evening,your aunt Sarah will take you to watch a movie and she will buy everything that you want.Ah! If you listen to her,she will take you to a fancy dinner and buy you a k pop albums.And I can’t wait to see you.

With Love, Mum

Hi,this is like a mail to send to someone, how about a normal writing prompt.

Dear Thomas: I’m going to dive in the Red Sea with Hugo for a month. You stay with grandma, take care of her. He also tidies up and leaves the house clean. If you do that, I promise I’ll buy you the Boca Junior and Messi shirt. In case of any emergency, call my friend Cristina or Uncle Bernardo. I will not have signal. Study hard. Love you

Dear Isabel You are a good Girl, i need you to do a favour, soon is Christmas and i don’t have enough money for gift, so… If you’re a good Girl, you’ll get a Big gift. The Christmas Will be happiest if your grandparents are here. I Will be Happy if i’ll have more money for the gift. And if we’re together it’s because you’ll be there with us.

Dear mateo and dary

be beatiful for travel this weekends. It you are good presents a visited my uncle marco a open the door house. you dont eat the vegetables we are not going to the movies with your uncle daddy is doing preparing a dessert . my grandfather is watching TV with my grandmother let’s sleep have our rooms .

love you brother

Queridos Atena y Mathias, Tienen que ser buenos con sus abuelos esta semana. Si se portan bien los llevaremos de viaje por todo Europa les compraremos regalos, les compraremos muchísima ropa, tienen que hacerle casi a sus abuelos en todo lo que les digan acostarse temprano comer toda su comida lavarse los dientes, bañarse y todo lo que siempre hacen en casa, trataremos de regresar lo más pronto posible, ya los extrañamos llamen si nos necesitan. Los amamos mamá y papá

Dear Sara and John I have to work in the police office tomorrow. Your aunt Pilar will take of you. If you behave good,I will Take you to burger King. You must do homework with her. If you do it very well,I will give a surprise.

Be good with your aunt, she loves very much. Kisses Love dad.

Dear Claudia and Álvaro: If you don’t sleep, you will be tired.If you don’t sleep, you will be tired. If you study, you will know the exam. Be good and don’t bother dad. I’ll see today in a week. I love you Bye

Dear Lucy and Andrés. Be good for your grandparents this weekend. If you are good we will go to cinema. Brush your teeth every day and eat good. If you do this, dady and I Will buy you a set. If it’s Sunny tomorrow your grandparents will go to the park with you. But if you don’t clean your bedroom you won’t do nothing of this. Call us if you need something. LOVE, mom and dady

Hi guys, This weekend I will go to granada with your father and you will stay at your grandmother’s house, please be good, if you are not bad, we will buy a souvenir for each one. On Saturday grandpa will take you to the park if it snow, but if it rains you will get at home and making biscuits. Please send me photos! Dont’t forget to pay attention go grandma in everything, if you don’t listen to her, I will pick you up right away! Well, I hope you will have a great time, Kisses Mom💋

Dear pablo and María Be good with your ankles if you be good with your ankles we buy succhard,unlees you do your homewoork you will have present Dont forget brush your teeth everyday,i talk with your ankles And he is said that he see you if you brush your teeth be good Love dad 🙂

Hi my little boys.Daddy and I like to say you that,if you be good with the grandparents we,ll buy you the new PlayStation 5.If you be good dont forget.

Dear Sammy,

Your mom and I are going to the States this week,so you will stay at your aunt Meli’house. Please be a good boy, keep your bed in order and your room clean, and you will go play with your cousins to the park after school. If you finish all your homework during the week, your aunt will take you all to the beach on Saturday. Eat all your food, and she will buy you ice cream…your preferred one!

If you help her around the house, we will bring you a surprise from Marvel Studios (hint: he is not the strongest avenger! Jajaja)

We are coming back on Monday, and will pick you up after school. We love you with all our heart and hope you have a great week! Have lots of fun! Dad and Mom!

Dear meme, I am going to Vancouver for this weekend, I have big meeting about my work so if I do good presentation,Iwill be in great position. Meme u gonna be with your grandparents. If you take care good of them, you will get nice surprise of them. Don’t forget grandma medication if she doesn’t get it in time, she will be in trouble. Grandpa likes walking for one hour every day if you don’t make it , he will feel very sad. Meme u know I love u so much and I trust u too and I love my parents if I don’t help them, I won’t be happy. Life it’s a circle if you are honest, you will get good things.

Dear Chacho: I want to you to be good for your grandmother this weekend. If you are good,I will buy you some surprises. Don’t be a bad boy. If your grandma notifies me something bad, I will punish you. If you mess up the house, you will clean it. If Laika bothers you, grandma will punish her. If you bother Laika, I won’t give you any treat. If you eat all your meat, grandma will buy you a special food for dinner. If you are good this weekend, we will go to the park with all your friends. I love so much, xoxo With love, Gaby

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First Conditional: Examples, Sentences, Exercises

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When do we use the first conditional?

We use the first conditional to talk about results of possible future conditions. Here are some example sentences:

• If it’s sunny tomorrow, I’ll go to the beach.
• If it rains tomorrow, I’ll stay home.
• If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.
• If you finish your chores, you can watch TV.
• If we don’t get to the airport on time, we’ll miss our flight.
• If he doesn’t call me soon, I’ll send him a text message.
• If you save money, you’ll be able to afford that new phone.
• If the restaurant isn’t too crowded, we’ll have dinner there tonight.

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Parts of a first conditional sentence

There are two parts to a first conditional sentence:

• the condition (sometimes called the “if clause”)
• the result  (sometimes called the “main clause”)

It is possible to reverse the condition and the result, with no change in meaning:

• If you don’t study, you’ll fail.
• = You’ll fail if you don’t study.
• If I wake up early enough tomorrow, I’m going to make a big breakfast.
• = I’m going to make a big breakfast if I wake up early enough tomorrow.

Note that when the “if clause” (condition) comes first in the sentence, we use a comma after it. However, when the result comes first in the sentence, then we don’t use a comma between the two clauses.

How to form the first conditional

Pay close attention to the correct verb forms in the condition and result:

CONDITION:  if + subject + present simple

• If we go to the party tomorrow,
• If you don’t leave work soon,
• If she gets promoted,
• If he doesn’t read the textbook,

RESULT:  subject + simple future (will / won’t, going to / not going to)

• we’ll have a good time.
• you’ll get stuck in rush hour traffic.
• she’s going to earn more money.
• he won’t understand the class.

Even though BOTH events are in the future, we always use the simple present  in the condition (“if-clause”).

Avoid the common error of using the simple future in the condition:

• If we will go to the party tomorrow, we’ll have a good time.
• If we  go  to the party tomorrow, we’ll have a good time.
• If it won’t rain tonight, I’ll go for a walk.
• If it doesn’t rain tonight, I’ll go for a walk.

Both the condition and the result can be positive or negative (with “not”):

• If you take the train, you ‘ll get there faster. (positive condition – positive result)
• If you don’t take the train, you ‘ll have to drive. (negative condition – positive result)
• If you take the train, you won’t get stuck in traffic. (positive condition – negative result)
• If you don’t take the train, you won’t need to buy a train ticket. (negative condition – negative result)

First Conditional Quiz

Variations in first conditional sentences, alternative words to “if” in the condition.

It is possible to use other words instead of  if  in the “condition” part of first conditional sentences:

Let’s study each case separately.

WHEN: When the “condition” will definitely happen in the future.

Look at the difference between these two sentences:

• If I see Sam, I’ll give him your message. (I’m not sure if I will see him or not)
• When I see Sam, I’ll give him your message. (I will definitely see Sam)

AS SOON AS: To emphasize immediacy.

• My feet hurt! As soon as I get home, I’m going to take off these high heels.
• As soon as we have enough money saved, we’ll take a vacation to Costa Rica. We can’t wait!
• I’ll respond to your e-mail as soon as I can.

UNLESS: Substitute for “if not.”

• You won’t lose any weight unless you start eating healthier food. = You won’t lose any weight if  you  don’t start eating healthier food.
• I’m not going to dance unless somebody invites me. = I’m not going to dance if somebody doesn’t invite me.
• Unless there’s an emergency at work, I’ll be home on time. = If there’s not an emergency at work, I’ll be home on time.

Alternative words to will / going to in the result

Instead of will / going to, we can use modal verbs like can, might, could, or  should . Compare these two sentences:

• If you go out in the rain, you  will  get wet. (100% certain)
• If you apply for that university, you might/could be accepted. (not 100% certain)

Use  can  in the result of first conditional sentences to give permission / prohibition:

• If you finish your homework, you can watch TV for an hour.
• If you don’t have a ticket, you can’t get into the theater.

Use might/ could  to express a possibility that is not a certainty:

• If he gets home from work early, we could go for a walk before dinner.
• If you try to lift that heavy weight, you  might  hurt yourself.

Use  should  to give advice if the condition happens:

• If your toothache doesn’t get better soon, you should  see a dentist.
• If they go to New York next week, they  should visit the Statue of Liberty.

First Conditional vs. Other Conditionals

First conditional vs. zero conditional.

The zero conditional describes GENERAL truths and facts. Both the condition and result are in the simple present:

• When it rains, the ground gets wet. (it is a general fact/truth)
• If I’m late to school, the teacher always yells at me. (this ALWAYS happens)

The first conditional describes a specific event that will/might happen in the future IF a future condition happens. The condition is in the simple present tense, and the result is in the simple future tense:

• If it rains tomorrow, I’m going to stay home.
• If I’m late to school today, I’ll miss an important test.

First Conditional vs. Second Conditional and Third Conditional

Both the second conditional and third conditional describe IMAGINARY situations.

In the second conditional , we are imagining the result if the present were different:

• If I were a millionaire, I would buy a sports car. (but the reality is that I AM NOT a millionaire, so I’m not buying that car)

In the third conditional, we are imagining the result if the past had been different:

• If I had taken the earlier train, I would have gotten to work on time. (but the reality is that I DID NOT take the earlier train, so I did not get to work on time)

The first conditional describes REAL future results/possibilities that will happen if the condition happens. Compare these conditional sentences:

• First conditional: If I have some free time this weekend, I will read a book. (it’s a real possibility that I’ll have some free time and read a book)
• Second conditional:  If I had more free time, I would take dance classes. (this is just imaginary – the reality is that I don’t have much free time, so I’m not taking dance classes)
• Third conditional:  If I ‘d had more free time yesterday, I would have cleaned the house. (imaginary – the reality is that I didn’t have free time yesterday, so I didn’t clean the house)

Learn more about the first conditional with this tutorial

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About the author.

Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

The First Conditional

Perfect english grammar.

• if + present simple, ... will + infinitive
• If it rains , I won't go to the park.
• If I study today, I 'll go to the party tonight.
• If I have enough money, I 'll buy some new shoes.
• She 'll be late if the train is delayed.
• She 'll miss the bus if she doesn't leave soon.
• If I see her, I 'll tell her.

The first conditional describes a particular situation, whereas the zero conditional describes what happens in general . For example (zero conditional): if you sit in the sun, you get burned (here I'm talking about every time a person sits in the sun - the burning is a natural consequence of the sitting) But (first conditional): if you sit in the sun, you'll get burned (here I'm talking about what will happen today, another day might be different)

The first conditional describes things that I think are likely to happen in the future, whereas the second conditional talks about things that I don't think will really happen. It's subjective; it depends on my point of view. For example (first conditional): If she studies harder, she'll pass the exam (I think it's possible she will study harder and so she'll pass) But (second conditional): If she studied harder, she would pass the exam (I think that she won't study harder, or it's very unlikely, and so she won't pass)

Hello! I'm Seonaid! I'm here to help you understand grammar and speak correct, fluent English.

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First Conditional: Explanation, Example Sentences, and Exercises [Video + Article]

In this lesson, I give an example of how I used the first conditional, explain how to use it, give more examples, and then compare it to the second conditional .

How to Use the First Conditional in English (Form)

In the example I gave, I said the following:

“The problem is: it might rain. So, if it rains, then we’ll probably do something else instead.”

There are two parts to this sentence.  The second clause depends on the first part happening.

Here are two outcomes:

• it doesn’t rain = we will see the chickens
• it rains = we will probably do something else instead

We use the first conditional to talk about real possibilities in the future.

You can reverse the sentence, too:  “We’ll probably do something else if it rains.”

First Conditional: Example Sentences (Going to, Must, Should)

We don’t just use WILL in the first conditional. We can use GOING TO and modal verbs.

Here are some examples:

• You must get the burger if you go to that restaurant.
• When I’m older, I’m going to travel the world
• If you like it, you should buy it.

In the video, I also talked about the difference between the first and second conditional . I gave the following example:

• Your team is playing in the world cup final next week. You can say,  “If we win, the country will go crazy!”
• The World Cup isn’t taking place at the moment. You can say,  “If we won the world cup, the country would go crazy!”

The second one is an imaginary situation. Learn more about the second conditional below or by clicking here :

Here is a lesson on mixed conditionals (advanced).

First Conditional Exercise

Question 1: We __________ go if it rains (not/to go

We won’t go if it rains.

Question 2: If they come, I ___________ really surprised (to be)

If they come, I will / I’ll be really surprised.

Question 3: You ___________ it if you eat all that cake! (to regret)

You will / you’ll regret it if you eat all that cake.

Question 4: I might go if you _________ (to go)

I might go if you go.

Question 5: I think he _________ if you invite him (to come)

I think he will / he’ll come if you invite him

What to Do Now:

Give an example of the first conditional in the comment section below.

And then, take our other lessons on conditionals here:

• Zero conditional
• Second Conditional
• Third Conditional
• Mixed conditionals

Want to Learn More? Watch on YOUTUBE!

Click here to watch our lessons now!

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English Conditional Sentences — Zero and First Conditionals with Examples [Updated]

Nov 11, 2020 | Conditionals in English , Grammar , Modal Verbs

This lesson on the Zero and First Conditional in English has been updated. The original lesson on this topic was published in November 2015.

Have you memorized the formulas for English conditional sentences but still feel confused about how and when to use them?

That’s understandable. Learning the formulas is a good start but to use them easily (and correctly) it’s important to understand exactly how we use conditionals in English conversation.

That’s what you’ll get in today’s Confident English lesson.

With today’s focus on Zero and First Conditionals, you’ll get practical examples of how to use English conditional sentences to share:

Probabilities

Future Consequences

Promises and Warnings

Most English classes and grammar books teach you the basic rules of conditionals, such as: If + present simple + will + infinitive

Again, that can be useful. But it doesn’t help you understand how to really use conditionals in your daily English life. This lesson will.

Don’t forget to review the other lessons in this series:

• Part 2: Second Conditionals in English

Zero vs. First Conditional in English

• When I’m too tired to cook, I order take-out. (zero conditional)
• If I’m too tired to cook tonight, I’ll order some take-out. (first conditional)

These two sentences are very similar but there is a difference in meaning between the two – can you identify the difference?

Read the sentences again and answer:

• Which one is a general truth?
• Which one is a likely probability?

If you’re not sure, let’s take a closer look at the Zero and First Conditional to help you answer those questions.

How to Use the Zero Conditional in English

Expressing General Truths

We can use the Zero Conditional to show or express a general truth. To do this, we use the Present Simple in both clauses. For example:

• If you heat ice, it melts.

That is a truth. Plain and simple.

Tip: With the Zero Conditional, we often replace “if” with “when.” For example:

• When/If I drink too much coffee, I get a headache.

Talking About Routines

We can also use this Zero Conditional structure to talk about our routines. Routines are things that we do regularly. For example:

• When I wake up, I always drink coffee first.
• When he goes to work, he rides his bicycle.
• When I arrive in the morning, I check my email first.

Can you think of some similar examples? Share them in the comments below.

How to Use the First Conditional in English

Can you predict – with 100% certainty – what will happen tomorrow? Do you always know exactly what will happen in the future? Probably not (but if you can – please tell me! I’d love to know the future!). 🙂

Okay. So we can’t tell the future with 100% certainty but we can express that we think something is very likely to happen or is probable.

And for this, we use the First Conditional. This form shows us something is likely in the future or very likely in the future based on a present situation or event.

Another helpful way to think of this is a REAL situation or event. Sometimes we refer to the First Conditional as the Real Conditional. Let’s look at an example:

• If it snows a lot tomorrow (present situation), the city will cancel school (future probability).

We are not 100% certain that the city will cancel school, but it is likely. We use the future tense (-the city will cancel school) to show that we are talking about a probable result in the future and it is a real. Here are two more examples:

• If it rains tomorrow, I will not go on my hike.
• If we complete this project under budget, the customer will be thrilled.

Sometimes a present situation or event can have a future consequence. These consequences may be positive or negative, for example:

• Pizza sounds amazing for dinner! But if I eat it, I’ll feel terrible about it in the morning. → the future, negative consequence is I’ll feel terrible about it
• Sure, salads seem boring sometimes. But if I eat something healthy, I’ll sleep better. → a future, positive consequence.
• If you develop an effective self-care routine , you will be able to manage stress and anxiety better.
• If we don’t complete this project on time, the boss will be furious. → no one likes to make her boss angry… definitely a future, negative consequence.
• If you cook dinner tonight, I will do the dishes. (promise)
• I will do all my homework now if you let me stay up late. (promise – imagine a child saying this to a parent)
• If you do that one more time, I won’t let you go to the party tomorrow night! (warning — imagine a parent upset with her child about something)
• If you don’t pay your invoice immediately, we will cancel your subscription. (warning)

The First Conditional is great for making promises to others or giving a warning.

Above I used the example warning: If you don’t pay your invoice immediately, we will cancel your subscription. This is warning to a client or customer. It is also a much more professional way to say: Pay now!

Here are more workplace examples:

• If the apartment becomes vacant, the owner will (likely) lose 2-3 months of payment. (warning)
• If we don’t complete this project on time, we will lose our client to our competition. (warning)
• If you reduce your price by 7%, we will sign the contract. (promise – could be used in bargaining or negotiating)
• We will compromise on the costs if you agree to our terms of service. (promise – again this could be used in bargaining or negotiating)

After you’ve watched the video and reviewed the lesson, I’d love to hear from you!

Think about your daily life – either your personal life or business life – and answer these questions.

• What truths or routines can you share using the Zero Conditional?
• What probabilities, consequences, promises or warnings can you use for work or for your daily life with the First Conditional?

Write down a couple examples in the comments section to practice. I will be sure to provide you with feedback.

Have a great week! – Annemarie

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Zero conditional: when the winter season turns into the spiring, all the ice covering on the rivers melts. wnen I start traveling, I always reserve hotels in advance.

First conditional: If my sister comes and stays with mom, I will go back to my own home. If the pandemic gets worse, everyone will be required to wear mask at anywhere.

If someone parks his or her car out of a park lot, he or she will get ticket.

Bravo! These are wonderful examples of the Zero and First Conditional forms.

• Zero Conditional: When I get to work, I switch my computer on and enter the password for the safe.
• First Conditional: If I develop a successful self-care routine, I will be in a fit form and maintain healthy weight.
• FC – promise/ warning: If you help me with the household chores, I will buy you an ice cream./ If you do not help me with the household chores, I will not buy you an ice cream.

When I reach office, I say hello everyone there one by one. If I don’t finish plot in its dedicated time, I will get a deficeincy in ISO survey. I said my niece, If you dont sleep soo, you will not wake up early, so you will loose chance of camp experience with your friends.

1) If You _____ what ____ You ____? 2) Daniel _____ his homework if he_______ it now. 3) what _____ Richard _____ ir the _______ to college 4) If I ______ tonight, I _____ TV instead

Great website! Thank you for an easy to understand lesson on conditionals. Here are my examples.

When I go to bed late at night, it is difficult for me to wake up on time and feel rested. If it rains tomorrow, I will skip my morning walk. If I am tired after work, I will stay in and order dinner. If I don’t do laundry today, I will not have clean clothes to wear for work tomorrow.

I look forward to your feedback!

Hey, Annemarie , I’ve just finished the three videos on using conditional in real life . But I have a question about it . “There could be no doubt that if she were to speak, she would say nothing complimentary to Anna Mihalovna” Does this sentence indicates she isn’t likely to speak ?

When I do homework, I listen my favorite music like Queen or Dire Straits or Alex Baroni. If I drink too coffee in the afternoon, I don’t sleep tonitht. If the client will be late, the session will be too short for optimize our results.

Good examples, Cinzia. With example 2, there’s one little change we want to make. We have two options: 1. “If I drink too much coffee in the afternoon, I ____ sleep tonight.” Because of the word ‘tonight’ we’re talking about the future. In that case, we need to make a change to the negative form. Do you know what it might be? 2. If we want to keep ‘don’t’ then we have to remove the word ‘tonight’ to show that this is something that happens consistently. So it would be, “If I drink too much coffee in the afternoon, I …  Read more »

-When I come home after work, I take a shower. -If the crisis of covid continue, I will lose my job. -If you don’t clean your room, you will be punished.

Good examples with the zero and first conditional forms, Zeinab.

Zero Conditional… 1. When I wear face mask, I get skin irritation. 2. When I arrived home from work, I prepare our dinner right away.

First Conditional… 1. If the Covid cases increases, the government will implement a lockdown. 2. If we create a systematic approach, it will be easier for us accomplish the task faster. 3. If you graduate with honour, I will buy you a new car. 4. If you come home late again, you will be grounded.

Wow, wonderful examples for both zero and first conditionals, Cez! Nicely done.

how is the negative form from… If I´m late for dinner, start eating without me. Please, somebody help me.

Hi Karla, your sentence “If I’m late for dinner…” works perfectly well. However, if you want to tell them not to eat before you arrive, you could say, “If I’m late for dinner, please don’t start without me.”

1. When I bake snacks,I make it for the next whole week. 2. If I am all done with my work before evening, we will go for a walk. 3. If you do yoga everyday for few minutes, you will have healthy body and mind. 4. If you finish your lunch early, I will let you watch your favorite TV show.

Wonderful examples, Joya! Nicely done.

1) When I get enough sleep, I generally feel more energized and productive the next day. 2) If I don’t prioritize and organize my tasks, I wont be able to meet any deadlines.

Hi Siti. Thank you for your comment. I love your examples, and the first one is so true about me. If I don’t have enough sleep or poor quality of sleep, I’ll feel tired and unfocused. Well done!

Hi Annemarie! As always, I compliment you on this great lesson!! 👏 About my routine: When I start my workday, I always check my “to do list” so as not to forget anything important. About consequences: If we don’t stick to anti-covid regulations, the amount of infections won’t decrease. About probability: If I spread myself to thin, I will be really worn out in the evening About promises (for my child 😊): If you will play nice, there will be a great surprise for you tonight!!

Hi Vania. Thank you for sharing your examples with us. We’re glad to hear the lesson was useful for you. And your kid is lucky. I still love surprises!

1)When our children come to see us, we always sit down for a cup of coffee at first. 2) If the anti- corona vaccination gets on the market quickly, we’ll be able to have a more care-free life again. 3) If I tidy up the house immediately, I will have more time for reading.

Oh, fantastic examples, Marianne! You used the zero and first forms perfectly. Nicely done. More time for reading is certainly a good motivation to get things cleaned up. 😊

Thank you Annemarie very much for your excellent lessons, they’re very educational and helpful. -If you continue your school, you see your progress. (General truth) -When I get your weekly lessons, I always feel thrilled. (routine) -If the weather is good tomorrow, I will go to the park for a walk. (probability) -If you follow your trainer’s advice, you will get benefits from it. (Positive consequence) If you don’t work hard on your goal, you will not get better results. (negative consequence) -If you vacuum, I will do the laundry. (Promise) -If you don’t care about your school, I will …  Read more »

Great work, Nasrin! I love these examples and you got them exactly right. Just for a challenge, in this example can you think of another way or a synonym to use for the words ‘not get better’: “If you don’t work hard on your goal, you will get ____________ results.”

Thanks Annemarie for the feedback, that’s so good to understand my mistakes and redo it. How about this sentence: “If you don’t work hard on your goal, you will get minimum results.”

Hi Annemarie,

If I wake up late, I haven’t breakfast. If I go to work tomorrow, I’ll not go to the party with you.

Great, Deise. Thanks for sharing your examples. There’s one change we want to make in the first sentence. In the second part, there is a negative and for that we need a helping verb in English: “If I wake up late, I _____ not have breakfast.”

• When I connect my laptop in the morning to telecommuting the first thing I do is clock in.
• If I read more in English, I will learn more vocabulary and expressions
• If I finish my project by Friday, my boss will be thrilled

Wonderful examples, Marta! And I hope you get your project finished. 😊

I will join you in the park if I finish my homework / when I finish my homework I will join you in the park. If she explains the situation well I will let her go with her boyfriend If I do 30 min. Exercises everyday, I will have a better health If you finish your homework on time I will allow you to watch your favorite show on TV for 30min If you don’t finish the vegetables in your plate, you won’t allowed to eat ice cream later for dessert If you don’t do your chores you won’t get …  Read more »

When I wake up early I join the 6am yoga class online.

When I finish my goals I feel satisfied

Hi Annemarie, here it is my homework……

If I don’t run early in the morning, I become angry and nervous When I listen to ANnemarie’s lessons with more concentration, I’ll improve my English rapidly If I don’t do the simple things well, I won’t be able to get the world better

Best Tommaso

If you finish succesfully the project on time, you will be promoted as Project Director.

Hi Annemarie, me too hated math, my mind was more creative than rational, so i imagined the numbers like little spiteful goblins 😉 Anyway,these are my examples: 1) When fall comes, the leaves fall 2) If I cook lasagna for dinner, my husband will be happy 3) If you go out without your coat, you will get a cold

Thank you so much for this possibility to understand and put into practice these two types of conditional <3

If I apply all that you teach in English, I will be easily fluent in speaking English.

Okay! If I don’t finish my homework today, I can’t have my relaxtime tonight! When I wake up in the morning, I have meditation time. If it will raining again, I will not go to visit Central Park in this afternoon.

Great examples, Cinzia! One little note, “If it will raining…” For the first conditional we want to use “If + present simple” so what adjustment could make to the verb?

Great, but there’s a mistake in the second example:

• “If I’m too tired to cook tonight, I’ll some take-out. (first conditional)”

Zero Conditional: When the climb is hot, i like to go to the beach First Conditional: If i don’ t go to the job tomorrow, i will study english and watch some series.

Thanks for this great post. I think, in your last example: “We will compromise on the costs if you will agree to our terms of service.”, there is an extra will

Thank you! you helped me alot

We are so glad to hear that! You are very welcome!

Hi ! thanks a lot for your help . I would like to know if it’s possible to say “If I put water on fire it may stop burning . Instead of will can we put ” may” or “can” . Here , I mean just a cup of water on a fire

Hellooooo!!! I am very sorry. I got problem with my smart phone, but, “better late than never”. Sorry to me.

According to this amazing lesson, this is what I can share with you: – If I get money, I will travel to England. – If you go slowly, you will arrive safely – If he takes care of this car, he will go to India

Thanks so much for sharing your examples, Felix! I’m glad the lesson was useful to you. Well done!

Dear Annemarie, Thank you for your great job about how we can use conditionals in our daly English practise. I’m happy to repeat some grammar too. Here are my sentences. General truth: If the architect makes mistakes, the hause collapses. If the teacher places higher expectations on students, they will rise in occasion and excell in school. Talking about routins: If time permits, I go to work by bike. First conditional-probability: If it hails tomorow, all the sidewalk will slide. If it real happens, some of the passengers will meet with accident, and the casualty wards will be crowded. Future …  Read more »

Thanks so much for sharing your examples, András. And I’m glad the lesson was useful to you!!

Could you clarify what you mean by “If it real happens…” –> I’m not sure what might happen here.

Best, Annemarie

If it hails tomorow, all the sidewalk will slide. If it really happens, some of the passengers will meet with accident, and the casualty wards will be crowded. So is better? The second sentence refers to the first eventuality. 🙂 Andras

Ah, that you for clarifying. As sidewalk cannot slide, but people can slide on a sidewalk. We would say, “If it hails tomorrow, people might slide (we more often use the word “slip”) and fall on the sidewalk. It is the fall that may cause an injury.

Dear Annemarie, thank you a lot for great lesson and especially for workplace examples. My zero conditional is: When I get up early in the morning I make a cup of cofee When I work hard I receive better result My first conditional is: If you send me full package of documents we will receive the products on time If I take into account all requests I will make a profitable deal

Excellent. It seems like you’ve understand the difference between the Zero and First Conditionals with your examples. Well done. And thank you for sharing! ~ Annemarie

Hello Yulia,

Excellent examples using the zero and first conditionals. Just one note: don’t forget to use the comma. That is an important punctuation to use in conditionals. Where would you put a comma in your examples?

If you sit up very late, you feel sleep-deprived next day.

When my uncle break his leg, he has cast put on.

Anna will go to work earlier if her mother dismisses her from some of the morning assignments.

Their acquaintances will go through a rough patch if they change their attitude to certain issues.

I won’t help you if you don’t stop being so mean.

Hello Anetta, Thank you for sharing your examples! I love the last example as a warning. A few notes: 1. With sentences 3 and 4, I understand that you feel these situations are likely since you’re using the first conditional. Is that correct? If you feel they are unlikely, then we would switch to the second conditional. 2. The phrasal verb “sit up” means to sit with your back very straight. I think you might mean to “stay up” which means to stay up past one’s normal bedtime. 3. With sentence 2, this sounds like something that happened only one …  Read more »

your generosity is uncountable, you are doing really great job. You have taken the level of my english to another stage, I am smitten to your leasons. Thanks abundanly keep up the great job……..

Zero conditionals: if i dont play football, i get bored if i sleep long, i became very tired…

First conditionals: If I struggle hard, I will be successful in life. If I read your leasons always, I will be great in english language like I wish.

Thank you for your lessons, first of all 🙂

I would like to share some sentences from my daily life 🙂

Zero sentences maybe could be these:

I sleep more, when Saturday comes. If I come sleep late, I am tired in the morning.

First sentences:

If I work harder, I will earn more money. I will got with you to the theater, if you ask me. 🙂

Dear Rasa – Thank you so much for your comments. I am thrilled you enjoy the online lessons. Great examples of the zero and first conditional! For “If I come to sleep late, I am tired in the morning.” –> We use the verb “go to” with sleep. We can say, “If I go to sleep late, I am tired in the morning.” This is a good example of a personal truth. Great job! Your examples for the first conditional are perfect. These are great examples of: Truth: If I work harder … Promise: I will go with you to …  Read more »

What you are doing here is amazing!!! Your effort and your way to teach are incredible. Thanks a lot!!! It works, perfectly works for me! What I want to learn is -hopefully you have in next sessions- that “how to be kind to your friends and also to professional connections.” For me it is a bit challenging to express myself as a kind person in English in a casual way and in a professional way. Because it is enough just to change the tone of voice to be king in my native language (Turkish). I am looking forward to seeing …  Read more »

Not to be king but to be kind 🙂

Dear Bahar –

What a kind and generous comment! Thank you so much. I am really happy to know you find these lessons useful.

I love your suggestion! It is a very interesting topic for many people I think. How we express kindness or politeness can be very different among languages and cultures. I will certainly add it to my list for future lessons! Would it be ok to email you with some questions to make sure I provide the best answer for you?

Thanks so much Bahar!

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“If-then”: Using Conditional Sentences in Academic Writing

Conditional sentences are statements of an “if-then” or “unless-then” situation (although “then” is not used), or a probability. These sentences present situations and their possible outcomes. Conditional sentences are often used to discuss the results of the research studies or are part of a research hypothesis statement.

Conditional sentences are perfectly acceptable and, in many cases, necessary to state and test a condition and its outcome. Most authors of the scientific papers will use these sentences in their abstracts to discuss the reasons to conduct their study. So, it is important to frame them correctly.

One way of writing conditional sentences correctly is using Trinka – world’s first AI-powered grammar checker and language enhancement tool custom designed for academic writing. Its smart features help you in incorporating all the requirements of academic writing such as formal tone, consistency, style guide preferences and much more! Moreover, Trinka corrects advance grammar errors unique to technical writing which includes conditional sentences, too.

Types of Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences are constructed using two clauses—the if (or unless ) clause and the main clause. There are five types of conditional sentences. It is important to understand each because each conveys a different meaning . Some conditional sentences refer to the general truths and others to hypothetical situations.

• Zero conditional sentences refer to the general truth about a situation. These sentences state that one condition always results in the same outcome. For example:

If I don’t turn on my air conditioner, my house is hot.

Note that the both clauses are in the present tense.

• First conditional sentences present a situation in which a future outcome is not ensured. For example:

If you eat your broccoli, you will feel great.

Note that the present tense is used in the if clause and the future tense in the main clause.

• Second conditional sentences express if clauses and results that are extremely unlikely, such as those we “wish for.” For example:

If I had control over the food sources, I would end world hunger.

Note the use of the simple past tense in the if clause and the verb (i.e., would, could, should) in the main clause.

• Third conditional sentences are a bit different. They suggest that the result would be different had the past been different. For example:

If you had told me you were hungry, I would have bought food for you.

Note that the conditions did not happen. The past perfect tense (had + past participle form of the verb) is used in the if clause and the verb (would) plus “have” plus the past participle of the verb was used in the main clause.

• Mixed type conditional sentences refer to something in the past but continuing into the present; however, the past condition and the results are not real. For example,

If I had learned to ride sooner, I would be a top rodeo star by now.

Note that the past perfect verb is used in the if clause and the present conditional verb is used in the main clause.

Punctuating these conditional sentences is simple. Use a comma to separate the if clause from the main clause when the if clause comes first. Again, Trinka can help you in the punctuating the sentences correctly, within minutes!

Some Exceptions to the Rules

For example, in the following sentence, we use the simple future verb in the if clause:

If turmeric will ease my arthritis pain, I will take some every day.

Note that the action in the if clause hasn’t happened yet, but will happen after the action in the main clause is taken.

The use of were to in the if clause is another exception. This phrase is used to emphasize the importance of the result of something that might happen. For example:

If she were to fall on that arm again, she would have to have surgery.

The action in the main clause is emphasized by were to in the if clause.

Importance to Researchers

In your research, you are most likely going to either perform your own experiments or use the results of others’ experiments to conduct a meta-analysis. Whichever the case, you will need to report your findings and assessments . In doing so, there will be situations in which the results of your study or even future studies are based on certain conditions. Your conclusions are based on evidence, data, or theory. You might present your conclusions as likelihoods that something has already happened, is currently happening, or will happen at some point. This is where conditional sentence is a great help.

Writing conditional sentences might appear to be a difficult thing to do, but with practice and good understanding of the above mentioned rules, you can perfect it. Alternatively, you can check out Trinka ! Its robust AI facilitates you in integrating all the conventions and language requirements of academic writing. Along with, conditional sentences Trinka can also assist you in logic, syntax, technical spellings and much more!

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Academic Conditionals

by AEUK | Aug 8, 2022 | Grammar

GRAMMAR / Conditionals

 Academic Conditionals

• What are conditionals?

Conditionals in academic writing

• Conditional examples

 What are conditionals / if clauses ?

Conditionals are used to describe the result of a real or hypothetical condition.

There are four main types of conditionals in English. Each is used to indicate the likelihood of a situation occurring, or the likelihood that it would have occurred under particular circumstances.

• The Zero and First conditionals are known as ‘real conditionals’, because they are used for situations that are certain or highly likely.
• The Second and Third conditionals are often called ‘unreal conditionals’ because they are used for situations which are improbable or impossible.

Conditionals have many uses in academic writing: facts, habitual actions, implications, interferences, predictions, plans, possibilities and hypothetical situations ( see next tab for conditional examples) . Conditionals are also used frequently in hedging language to make criticisms and judgements softer. 

Present unreal conditional

• The evidence is not strong enough because it is based on a limited number of participants.
• The evidence would be stronger IF it had been based on more participants.

Past unreal conditional

• The paper was not persuasive because the author failed to relate the findings to previous theories on the topic.

The paper would have been more persuasive IF the author had related the findings to previous theories on the topic.

Conditional sentences examples

State scientific facts in the present tense:   if the corn is milled, starch can be extracted., show habitual actions in the present or past:   if we misinterpreted the results, we indicated this immediately., show implications:   if there was legislation for x, it could prevent an environmental  catastrophe., make inferences about the past:  if the project had had  more investment, it may have succeeded., make predictions about the future:  if the results are analysed from an economical  perspective , it will define the problem more clearly., show possible plans or actions:   if you assess the data thoroughly, you might establish the cause of the problem., give advice / possibilities:  if these solutions are applied, it should reduce  the homeless problem significantly.., refer to impossible situations in the present or past :   if the proposal had focused on financial incentives, it would have been more useful., adapted from https://www.adelaide.edu.au, academic conditionals video.

A short video on academic conditionals and their uses.

Video Worksheet  – click here

Pdf lesson download.

  Academic Conditionals  [revised 2022]

This lesson helps improve students’ awareness of conditionals .  It includes a language review section, lots of guided practice and freer paragraph writing practice.  ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1]   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Conditionals Language Review

Conditionals: exercise 1

Task 1:  Practice the zero conditional by reordering the following sentences. Add punctuation where necessary.

• watered plants wither if are not die and they

 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Plants wither and die if they are not watered.

For a detailed worksheet and more exercises – buy the  download below.

Conditionals: exercise 2

Task 2: Practice the first conditional by rewriting the following sentences. Add the correct grammar and punctuation.

• organisations do not offer an online service then they go out of business

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. If organisations do not offer an online service ,   they  might/could  go out of business.

Conditionals: exercise 3

Task 3: Practice the second conditional by correcting the mistakes in the following sentences.

If car companies would make electric cars cheaper, then everyone can afford one.

If car companies made electric cars cheaper, then everyone could afford one.

Conditionals: exercise 4

Task 3: Practice the third conditional by circling the best option. If both options are possible, then circle both answers.

Zoom video conferencing could not / would not have become so successful if there hadn’t been a rise in remote working.

Zoom video conferencing could not / would no t have become so successful if there hadn’t been a rise in remote working.  

Conditionals: exercise 5

Task 4:   Practice mixed conditionals by completing each sentence.

If the UK had gone into lockdown earlier, _______________________________________________________________________________

1. If the UK had gone into lockdown earlier,  we would have had fewer cases and mortalities. (example)

Conditionals: exercise 6 gap fill

Task 4:  Read the following paragraph about compulsory retirement and complete the gaps with the correct conditional form.

In the UK, the default retirement age of 65 no longer exists. An employee can work into their seventies or eighties if he or she  ____________   (wish) to, provided that they  _____________   (be) fit and healthy. For many people this is of great benefit to not only the individual, but also society as a whole. If an older but long-serving employee is forced to retire, the company  ______________ (need to) replace a wealth of experience and expert knowledge quickly. Also, there are…

In the UK, the default retirement age of 65 no longer exists. An employee can work into their seventies or eighties  if he or she wishes to ,  provided that they are   fit and healthy. For many people this is of great benefit to not only the individual, but also society as a whole. If an older but long-serving employee is forced to retire, the company  will need to   replace a wealth of experience and expert knowledge quickly. Also, there…

 Conditionals Download

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General English: Conditionals / If Clauses

Exercise Sheet: This  worksheet provides an overview of the five conditionals (zero, first, second, third & mixed). It includes the structures, rules and example sentences. In addition, it includes two practice worksheets (intermediate & advanced). Watch the video for more information on conditionals.

Free Download

More grammar and vocabulary downloads...

  Causes, Effects & Related L anguage 

This lesson helps improve students' awareness of cause and effect  language.  It includes a language review section, lots of guided practice and freer paragraph writing practice  ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1]  / Webpage link.   / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

  Comparatives & Superlatives  

This lesson helps improve students' awareness of compare and contrast  language.  It includes a language review section, lots of guided practice and freer paragraph writing practice ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1]  / Webpage link.  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

  Compare & contrast : comparatives and superlatives

This lesson helps improve students' awareness of compare and contrast  language.  It includes a language review section, lots of guided practice and freer paragraph writing practice ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1] .  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

  Academic Conditionals

This lesson helps improve students' awareness of conditionals .  It includes a language review section, lots of guided practice and freer paragraph writing practice ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1]     TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Countable and uncountable nouns

This lesson helps improve students' awareness of countable & uncountable nouns .  It includes a language review section, lots of guided practice and freer paragraph writing practice (see worksheet example) Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1]   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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  Modal Auxiliary Verbs

This lesson helps improve students' awareness of modal verbs .  It includes a language review section, lots of guided practice and freer paragraph writing practice  ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1]   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Nominalisation (verbs / adjectives to nouns)

An introduction to nominalisation. This worksheet shows the basics of nominalising, practises changing verbs and adjectives to nouns, and includes four exercises from guided practice through to freer practice. Very good writing practice activity with a fair amount of challenge for all levels.  Level ** ** * [B1/B2/C1] (see example sheet)   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP   /   INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

£4.50 – Add to cart Checkout Added to cart

Noun Phrases Worksheet 1

This lesson highlights what noun phrases are and provides valuable practice. it focuses on the key concepts of quantifiers, adjectives and nouns, noun + noun, noun + preposition and noun phrase combinations ( example ).   level *** ** [b2/c1]  / teacher membership / institutional membership.

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Noun Phrases Worksheet 2

This lesson is designed to help students write more concisely by using noun phrases. it takes students through a whole range of tasks including noticing the language in context, eight guided practice tasks and five freer practice activities. there's a language review sheet included too (see example ).   level *** ** [b2/c1]   teacher membership  / institutional membership, academic passive structures & nominalisation.

An introduction to the impersonal passive structure 'it is said that...' , to infinitive passive form ' it is claimed to be...'. and how to nominalise verbs to nouns to show formality in writing. This worksheet provides key information and 10 writing questions (example) . Level **** * [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Relative clauses:  defining & non-defining clauses

This lesson is to support students in their understanding and use of defining & non-defining relative clauses.The lesson includes four tasks of guided practice and two tasks of freer practice  ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1] .  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Sentence Structure 1:  Simple, compound, complex & complex  compound  

This lesson is to support students in their understanding and practice of the four types of sentence structures: simple, compound, complex and complex-compound. It includes noticing, guided and freer practice ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Sentence Structure 2:  Fragment, run-on & comma splice  sentences 

This lesson helps improve students'  sentence structure through identifying and practising fragments, run-ons and comma splice sentences. It includes noticing, guided and freer practice ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

  Sentence Structure 3:  Complex sentence structure (STEM)

This lesson is to support students in their understanding and practice of complex sentence structure. The worksheets focus on three structures: adverbial, adjective and noun clauses and contain key explanations and sentence and paragraph-level practice within a STEM context   ( see worksheet example) Time: 90mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1]   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Tense Review (3 lessons: analysis, gap fill, speaking)

This is a great lesson to introduce / revise English Tenses. Lesson 1: students discuss a number of sentences & identify the tense & reason for use. Give out Tense handout ( here ) to consolidate. Lesson 2:  tense review gap fill. Lesson 3: speaking exercise with lots of questions using the tenses. Example    Level **** * [B1/B2/C1 ] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Verb Patterns

This lesson helps improve students' awareness of verb patterns (verb + infinitive, verb + to infinitive, verb + gerund, verb + that clause, verb + wh-clause)  .  It includes a language review section, lots of guided practice and freer paragraph writing practice ( see worksheet example) Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1]   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Follow These Rules To Write Conditional Sentences Correctly

by Alice Sudlow | 18 comments

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Of all the nuances of grammar in the English language, this is my greatest pet peeve. No, it’s not “its vs. it’s.” It’s not “there, their, and they’re.” It’s not even the Oxford comma.

Let’s talk conditional sentences.

What Is a Conditional Sentence?

A conditional sentence is a sentence that describes a hypothetical situation, like an action or event, and the result of that situation.

Confused? Here’s an easy way to think about it: a conditional sentence can usually use the words “if” and “then.” Here’s an example:

If a zombie apocalypse occurs, then I want to survive.

Real vs. Unreal Conditional Sentences

There are two major types of conditional sentences, and you use them based on how likely the hypothetical situation is to occur.

Real conditional sentences deal with factors that are certain.

If I go to the hardware store today, then I will get a crowbar.

It’s very possible that I’ll actually go to the hardware store today, and when I'm there, I will definitely get a crowbar. So this is a real conditional sentence.

On the other hand, unreal conditional sentences deal with imaginary situations, things that aren’t likely to happen.

If their chainsaws were not so expensive, then I would get one of those, too.

The problem is that chainsaws are expensive, so I definitely won’t get one. Since finding a low-priced chainsaw at that hardware store is an imaginary situation, this conditional sentence is unreal .

Formulas for Writing Conditional Sentences

Writing a conditional sentence is like following a formula. Try these common ones out for size:

The Present Real Conditional: If [present situation], then [present result]

If I buy hefty tools, I put them in my zombie preparedness kit.

Note : you can often omit the “then” from conditional sentences. Most of the examples in this post work with or without the “then.” Most writers will omit the “then” in almost all their conditional sentences for simplicity sake.

The Present Unreal Conditional: If [simple past situation], then [conditional result].

If I bought a chainsaw, then I would put it in my zombie preparedness kit, too.

The Past Real Conditional: If [simple past situation], then [simple past result].

Before I created my zombie preparedness kit, I avoided watching zombie movies because if I watched them, then I got really scared.

The Future Real Conditional: If [present], then [future].

If one day we face a zombie apocalypse, I will be ready.

Reversing “If and Then” Order

All formulas for conditional sentences hold true if you reverse the if/then clauses:

I would buy a chainsaw if I could afford it.

Or even if you remove the words “if” and “then” altogether:

Had I a chainsaw, I would feel more prepared.

You Can Use “When” in Conditional Sentences, Too

Using “when” instead of “if” will change the meaning of these sentences, but they’re still conditional sentences either way. For example:

When  I buy hefty tools, I put them in my zombie preparedness kit.

When Things Go Wrong With Conditional Sentences

Have you ever heard someone say, “If I would have”?

If I would have known the chainsaws were on sale last week, then I would have purchased one.

This is so wrong.

I hear it all the time, but there’s a major problem here. Remember all those formulas we talked about? Here’s the one we need now:

The Past Unreal Conditional: “If [past perfect situation], then [conditional past result].”

Or to put it more simply, “If I had [past participle], then I would have [past participle].”

“Would have purchased” is the conditional past tense of the verb “to purchase.” It fits perfectly after “then.” But “would have known” is the conditional past, too, so it doesn’t fit. The past perfect of “to know” is “had known.” So the correct sentence is:

If I had known the chainsaws were on sale last week, then I would have purchased one.

Bonus! More Misused Conditional Sentences

Here’s one more instance where people commonly (but mistakenly) use the conditional past tense:

I wish I would have known about the sale at the hardware store!

Like the if-clauses above, “I wish” must be followed by the past perfect. So if you realize you missed out on a great opportunity to beef up your zombie preparedness kit and you regret not snagging a deal on that chainsaw last week, you would say,

I wish I had known about the sale at the hardware store!

This is the correct version.

And with that, you know all you need to if you never want to misuse conditional sentences again! If I were standing next to you, then I'd give you a high five! (See what I did there?)

 How about you? Do you enjoy using conditional sentences in writing? Let us know in the comments section .

Write a scene about a regretful character. Maybe she did something she shouldn’t have done. Maybe he didn’t do something he should have done. If something had happened, then what would have happened? What does this person wish they’d done differently?

Write about your character’s if/then or “I wish” mistake for fifteen minutes, then post your practice in the comments. And if you post, remember to give feedback to your fellow writers.

Bonus: Today, find a real-life if/then or “I wish” mistake. Listen to the conversations around you, pay attention to the lyrics of songs on the radio, and double-check the newspaper, books on your shelf, and cereal boxes. When you find an instance where the conditional past is misused, share it in the comments.

Alice Sudlow

Alice Sudlow is the Editor-in-Chief of The Write Practice and a Story Grid certified developmental editor. Her specialty is in crafting transformative character arcs in young adult novels. She also has a keen eye for comma splices, misplaced hyphens, and well-turned sentences, and is known for her eagle-eyed copywriter skills. Get her free guide to how to edit your novel at alicesudlow.com .

18 Comments

Another is ‘may’ vs. ‘might’ – I keep hearing people talk about things that could have happened but didn’t and saying they ‘may have’ happened. The only time it’s correct to say something may have happened is when we don’t know whether it happened or not – they mean that it might have happened, as in ‘if the Nazis had invented the atomic bomb first, they might have won World War II.’

That’s a good one! It trips a lot of people up.

This, Jim, is one that I always have to think about. The conditional sentences don’t really cause me any problems. How about conditional sentences and the subjunctive? I too often hear ‘If I was…’ When it should be ‘If I were…’ It grates!

If I were you, I would have written this brilliant post. Since I am not, I just deleted my astute response. I am considering writing a story from my idea box about a former friend who hurt me in high school. If I were Andi, would I care about crushing another ‘s feeling? Roy Clark in his masterful “The Glamour of Grammar” warns us to avoid “hypergrammar.” He suggests we sound like “prigs ” if we were to use “It is I.” What is your response?

I hear where you’re coming from. When sentences get complex or unwieldy, enforcing correct grammar can make them sound strange and unnatural. I love grammar, and I find it hard to bend the rules even when they start to do more harm than good. But I do have a couple of exceptions:

– I don’t mind ending a sentence with a preposition. That rule is based on French grammar, in which it’s actually impossible to end a sentence with a preposition. I don’t think it enhances clarity to say, “About what are you thinking?” rather than, “What are you thinking about?”

– If you’re writing dialogue, the key is to capture the way that your characters would actually talk. That gives you a decent amount of freedom in what you can do to bend grammar rules. The novel as a whole would need to adhere more closely to correct grammar, but even there, the voice and tone should fit the characters and setting. A story about teenagers in the 23rd century on Mars will probably sound different from a historical political drama, and perhaps grammar (even dated or made-up grammar) will play a part in that.

Bottom line: I agree that it’s good to avoid “hypergrammar.” But loving grammar as I do, I find that a difficult line to walk.

I’m glad you’re confident with conditional sentences! I see “if I would have” so often that I felt it bore explaining. You’re right, though, that the subjunctive gets very tricky for a lot of people. I hear it used incorrectly so frequently that sometimes I have to double-check my own usage. Good idea for a follow-up post!

Awesome. Thank you. And, what a coincidence! My oldest son has problems using those words, in the 1st paragraph, in a sentence. I was going over them with him just yesterday. (Due to his behavior, he has to write a lot of essays)

I’m so glad you found this helpful! Good luck to your son — with both essays and behavior! 🙂

Awwww, thanks.☺

This is an excellent start for me ~ Sorry my 15 minute response will be kept for expansion. IF I didn’t have this plan, THEN I would certainly have shared it.

Great use of a conditional sentence! I’m glad your practice turned into a promising piece!

Shadow watched the girl sleep on the couch. Her chest rose and fell, her breaths coming softly.

The face of the man who’d tried to rape her rose up in his mind in sharp focus. Shadow’s jaw clenched. He’d had his chance to strangle the man—yet he’d restrained himself because the girl had been there, because she had asked him not to.

The look in her eyes as Shadow had gripped the man’s throat…it had chilled Shadow. Because it had reflected who he was inside. Someone capable of killing.

But if he had taken the man’s life, it would not have been without cause.

The girl stirred on the couch. She opened her eyes, revealing soft, bottle-green. “You okay?” she asked.

He laid a hand on her shoulder. “I was just about to leave for work. Rouge is coming by to spend the night.” His mouth tugged in a half-smile. “She likes scary movies, so I’m sure she’s bringing one.”

“Sounds fun,” the girl said, returning his smile.

He squeezed her shoulder and headed for the front door. Just as he’d opened it, the girl said behind him, “Shadow?”

He turned back.

“You did the right thing.”

The thought of a man holding this girl down and forcing himself on her—on a little girl—made his blood simmer.

Allowing that man to live, to let his heart beat one more instant, had been the right thing to do?

Shadow could not disagree more.

Any suggestions/feedback are welcome. Thanks for reading!

If I have to wait to read the rest of this story, then I will be sad. Nice start to something really good.

Aww thank you!! : ) I appreciate that!

This is a great start! I like the slow way you reveal details, not disclosing the young age of the little girl until near the end. I also found the way you showed Shadow’s inner turmoil to be very effective. Internal reflections are nicely mixed with external actions, so neither one feels too long.

And of course, excellent use of a conditional sentence in the fourth paragraph!

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! : )

Thanks for the reminder!

Guys, is anyone using the typo bounty app? I read about it in a grammar forum. I’d love some feedback!

Thanks, Jai

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• Knowledge Base
• Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use

Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use

Published on 14 March 2023 by Eoghan Ryan . Revised on 11 September 2023.

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 cancelled ‘).

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

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Table of contents

How to use conditional sentences, zero conditional sentences, first conditional sentences, second conditional sentences, third conditional sentences, mixed conditional, common mistake: adding ‘would’ to the ‘if’ clause, other interesting language articles, frequently asked questions.

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).

• 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.

• If Tom had called earlier, he might have got an appointment.
• Tom might have got an appointment if he had called earlier.

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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.

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 .

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’)

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

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’)

If Bill talked less, he could finish more tasks.

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

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

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)

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)

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 .

• If you would drive to work, you would arrive earlier.
• If you drove to work, you would arrive earlier.
• If he would have asked first, I might have agreed.
• If he had asked first, I might have agreed.

If you want to know more about commonly confused words, definitions, common mistakes, and differences between US and UK spellings, make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

Nouns & pronouns

• Common nouns
• Proper nouns
• Collective nouns
• Personal pronouns
• Uncountable and countable nouns
• Verb tenses
• Phrasal verbs
• Sentence structure
• Active vs passive voice
• Subject-verb agreement
• Interjections
• Determiners
• Prepositions

A conditional sentence is a sentence that describes the possible consequences of a hypothetical situation.

Conditional sentences contain a subordinate clause that describes a hypothetical situation (usually starting with the conjunction “if”) and a main clause that describes its possible results (e.g., “If I were you, I’d buy a new phone”).

A conditional clause is one of two clauses in a conditional sentence .

Conditional clauses are subordinate clauses that refer to a hypothetical situation (usually starting with the conjunction “if”). They are used along with a main clause that describes the possible consequences of the hypothetical situation (e.g., “If you’re late again, you will be fired”).

Sources for this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Ryan, E. (2023, September 11). Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use. Scribbr. Retrieved 22 April 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/verb/conditional-sentence/

Aarts, B. (2011). Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.

Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Garner, B. A. (2016). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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Eoghan Ryan

Other students also liked, imperative mood | definition, examples & use, the subjunctive mood | definition & examples, what is a modal verb | definition & examples.

First Conditional Questions with Examples

Table of contents

How to Make First Conditional Questions

Yes/no questions in first conditional, wh-questions in first conditional, first conditional negative questions, variations in structure of first conditional questions, first conditional conversation questions and answers, first conditional questions examples.

First conditional questions are a grammatical form used in English to discuss probable or likely outcomes in the future, based on a certain condition being met. The structure typically involves an "if" clause that presents a possible condition, and a main clause that describes the result that will follow if the condition is fulfilled. The formula for first conditional questions is: If + Present Simple, will + Base form of the verb. Here are some key points about first conditional questions: 1. Probability of the Condition: The first conditional is used when the condition is real and there is a reasonable chance of it happening. 2. Future Focus: These questions are about future events or situations. 3. Real Situations: Unlike the second or third conditionals, the first conditional deals with real and possible situations. For example: ●  If it rains tomorrow, will you stay indoors? This question is asking about a future action (staying indoors) that will happen if a certain condition (it raining tomorrow) comes true. ●  If she passes her exam, will she apply for the university? This inquires about a future decision (applying for the university) based on a possible event in the near future (passing her exam). These types of questions are common in everyday conversation, especially when planning, making decisions, or considering the consequences of future actions.

Creating first conditional questions involves understanding the structure and purpose of the first conditional in English grammar. This form is used to talk about real and possible situations in the future. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make first conditional questions: Structure The typical structure of a first conditional question is: If + [subject] + [present simple verb], will + [subject] + [base form of the verb]? Steps to Make First Conditional Questions 1. Identify the Condition: Start with a real, possible situation or condition. Use the present simple tense for this part of the sentence. 2. Form the 'If' Clause: Begin the question with "If" followed by the condition. For example, "If it rains..." 3. Consider the Future Consequence: Think about a probable outcome or action that depends on the condition. This outcome should be in the future. 4. Complete the Question: Use "will" followed by the subject and the base form of the verb that describes the future action. For example, "...will you bring an umbrella?" 5. Assemble the Question: Combine the 'If' clause and the consequence to form a complete question. For example, "If it rains, will you bring an umbrella?" Examples If you finish your homework, will you go out with your friends? ●  The condition: finishing homework (a real and possible situation). ●  The consequence: going out with friends. If they offer you the job, will you accept it? ●  The condition: being offered a job. ●  The consequence: accepting the job. If we miss the bus, will we take a taxi? ●  The condition: missing the bus. ●  The consequence: taking a taxi.

Creating Yes/No questions in the first conditional involves a specific structure that combines a future probability with a present condition. Here's how to do it: Structure The basic structure of a Yes/No question in the first conditional is: Will + [subject] + [base form of the verb] if + [subject] + [present simple verb]? Steps to Make Yes/No Questions in First Conditional 1. Start with 'Will': Begin your question with "Will". This introduces the idea of a future possibility. 2. Add the Subject and Main Verb: Follow "Will" with the subject (e.g., you, they, she) and the base form of the main verb that describes the future action. 3. Introduce the Conditional Clause: After the main verb, introduce the conditional clause starting with "if". 4. Complete the Conditional Clause: Fill in the conditional clause with the subject and a verb in the present simple tense. This part describes the condition that must be met. 5. Formulate the Question: Combine all these elements to create your question. Examples Will you call me if you arrive early? ●  "Will you call" is the main clause, and "if you arrive early" is the conditional clause. Will they cancel the meeting if it snows? ●  "Will they cancel the meeting" is the main clause, and "if it snows" is the conditional clause. Will she accept the offer if they increase the salary? ●  "Will she accept the offer" is the main clause, and "if they increase the salary" is the conditional clause.

Creating Wh-questions in the first conditional involves incorporating a "Wh" word (like what, where, when, why, or how) into the structure of a first conditional sentence. These questions are used to ask about specific details regarding a future situation that is considered likely or possible. Here's a guide on how to make them: Structure The general structure for a Wh-question in the first conditional is: Wh-word + [auxiliary verb] + [subject] + [main verb] + [additional information] + if + [present simple verb]? Steps to Make Wh-Questions in First Conditional 1. Choose the Right Wh-word: Start with the appropriate Wh-word based on the information you want to know (what, where, when, why, or how). 2. Include an Auxiliary Verb (if needed): After the Wh-word, use an auxiliary verb like "will" for future tense. 3. Add the Subject: Follow with the subject (e.g., you, they, she). 4. Place the Main Verb: Insert the base form of the main verb that describes the future action. 5. Include Additional Information (if any): If needed, add any additional information relevant to the question. 6. Introduce the Conditional Clause: End the question with the conditional clause starting with "if" and a verb in the present simple tense. Examples What will you do if it rains tomorrow? ●  Asking about plans depending on the weather conditions. Where will they go if the park is closed? ● Inquiring about an alternative plan based on a specific condition. When will she call if she gets the results today? ● Asking about the timing of a future action based on receiving information. Why will you change jobs if you get a better offer? ● Querying the reason for a future decision based on a potential opportunity. How will we travel if the flights are canceled? ● Inquiring about alternative travel plans in a specific scenario.

Creating negative questions in the first conditional involves incorporating a negation into the structure, typically with "won't" (will not). These questions are used to discuss the likelihood or plans of not doing something if a certain condition is met in the future. Here's how to make them: Structure The typical structure for a first conditional negative question is: Won't + [subject] + [base form of the verb] if + [subject] + [present simple verb]? Steps to Make First Conditional Negative Questions 1. Start with 'Won't': Begin your question with "Won't" (will not). This introduces the idea of a future action not happening. 2. Add the Subject: Follow "Won't" with the subject (e.g., you, they, she). 3. Place the Main Verb: Insert the base form of the main verb that describes the future action. 4. Introduce the Conditional Clause: Continue with the conditional clause starting with "if". 5. Complete the Conditional Clause: Add the subject and a verb in the present simple tense in the conditional clause. 6. Formulate the Question: Combine all these elements to create your negative question. Examples Won't you go to the party if your friend doesn’t come? ●  Asking if someone will avoid going to the party based on their friend's attendance. Won't they cancel the trip if it snows? ●  Inquiring about the possibility of a trip being canceled due to snow. Won't she be upset if you forget her birthday? ●  Questioning whether forgetting a birthday will cause someone to be upset. Won't we miss the deadline if we don’t start working now? ●  Asking about the risk of missing a deadline based on the current start time.

The structure of first conditional questions can vary slightly depending on the focus and form of the question. While the basic structure typically involves an "if" clause (present simple) and a main clause (future simple with "will"), variations can include interrogative forms, negations, and different placements of the "if" clause. Here are some examples of these variations: Basic Structure If + [present simple], will + [subject] + [base verb]? ● If it rains, will you cancel the picnic? Beginning with "Will" Will + [subject] + [base verb] if + [present simple]? ●  Will you cancel the picnic if it rains? ● This structure puts more emphasis on the result rather than the condition. Negative Form Won't + [subject] + [base verb] if + [present simple]? ● Won't you be disappointed if it rains? ● Used to inquire about a lack of action or a negative outcome. Using Wh-Questions Wh-word + will + [subject] + [base verb] if + [present simple]? ● What will you do if it rains? ● Useful for asking for specific information. Negative Wh-Questions Wh-word + won't + [subject] + [base verb] if + [present simple]? ● Why won't you go if it rains? ● Used to inquire about reasons for not doing something. Tag Questions If + [present simple], will + [subject] + [base verb], won't [subject]? ● If it rains, you'll cancel the picnic, won't you? ● Used to seek confirmation or agreement. Using Modals Instead of "Will" If + [present simple], [modal verb] + [subject] + [base verb]? ● If it rains, can we have the picnic indoors? ● Introduces a sense of possibility or ability. Omitting "If" and Using "Should" Should + [subject] + [base verb], [main clause]? ● Should it rain, will you cancel the picnic? ● A more formal or literary variation. Emphasizing the Condition If + [present simple] (emphasized), what will + [subject] + [do]? ● If it really pours, what will we do about the picnic? ● Used to stress the condition and seek specific actions. Each of these variations serves a slightly different communicative purpose and can be used to tailor questions to specific contexts or to emphasize different aspects of the conditional relationship.

Here are some examples of first conditional conversation questions along with possible answers. These can be used in various scenarios like teaching English, practicing conversation skills, or just having an engaging discussion. Question: If it stops raining this afternoon, will you go for a walk? Answer : Yes, if it stops raining, I'll definitely go for a walk. I've been wanting to get some fresh air. Question : If you win the lottery, will you quit your job? Answer : No, I won't quit my job even if I win the lottery. I love what I do too much to stop. Question : If your team wins the match tomorrow, will you throw a party? Answer : Absolutely! If we win, I'm planning to have a big celebration with all my friends. Question : If she calls you tonight, will you tell her the truth? Answer : Yes, if she calls, I've decided to be completely honest with her. Question : If they don't accept your proposal, what will you do? Answer : If they reject it, I'll ask for feedback and try to improve it for the next submission. Question : If we miss the last train, will you stay over at my place? Answer : That's a good plan. If we miss the train, I'll stay over instead of taking a taxi. Question : If you find a cheaper flight, will you change your travel plans? Answer : Probably, yes. If there's a significantly cheaper option, I'll consider rearranging my plans. Question : If the weather is good this weekend, will you go camping? Answer : Definitely! I've been waiting for a sunny weekend to go camping. These examples illustrate how first conditional questions and answers can be used to discuss potential future actions or decisions based on certain conditions.

1. If it starts to rain, will you take an umbrella? - Basic structure focusing on a future action based on a condition. 2. Will you buy a new phone if your current one breaks? - Starts with "will" to emphasize the result more than the condition. 3. Won't you be late if you don't leave now? - Negative form, inquiring about the consequences of not doing something. 4. What will you wear if it's cold outside? - Wh-question asking for specific information. 5. Why won't you attend the meeting if it's online? - Negative Wh-question inquiring about the reason for not doing something. 6. If you see her at the party, will you say hello, won't you? - Tag question for seeking confirmation or agreement. 7. If you pass your exam, can you apply for the advanced course? - Using a modal verb (can) to discuss possibility or ability. 8. Should you receive the invitation, will you accept it? - Omitting "if" and using "should" for a more formal structure. 9. If the movie is sold out, what other plans will you make? - Emphasizing the condition and asking for alternative actions. 10. If they offer you the job, how soon will you start? - Wh-question focusing on the timing of a future action.

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Related Articles:

●  What are Conditionals? ●  First Conditional Sentences With Examples ●  First Conditional Negative Form with Examples ●  Zero Conditional Sentences With Examples

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Sentences with First Conditional (with 120 Examples)

Communication is a remarkable tool that allows us to connect, express ideas , and shape our understanding of the world. Within the realm of language, there exists a unique structure known as the first conditional sentence. This structure enables us to discuss possibilities and potential outcomes with great precision and impact.

What are Sentences with First Conditional?

Sentences with the first conditional structure serve as a means to express conditions and their likely consequences. They consist of two clauses: the “if clause” (conditional clause) and the “main clause” (result clause). The conditional clause establishes a condition or situation, while the result clause states the consequence that is likely to occur if the condition is fulfilled.

120 Examples of Sentences with First Conditional

• If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors.
• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• If she calls me, I will answer.
• If he arrives early, we can catch the first bus.
• If they win the game, they will celebrate.
• If you eat too much, you might feel sick.
• If I save enough money, I will buy a new car.
• If he misses the train, he will be late for work.
• If we leave now, we will arrive on time.
• If it snows tonight, we can build a snowman.
• If she doesn’t hurry, she will miss her flight.
• If they invite me, I will attend the party.
• If you lend me your book, I will return it tomorrow.
• If he doesn’t apologize, she won’t forgive him.
• If we don’t find a solution, the problem will persist.
• If they don’t finish on time, they will face consequences.
• If you water the plants regularly, they will thrive.
• If it gets too hot, we can go for a swim.
• If she works hard, she will achieve her goals.
• If he forgets his umbrella, he will get wet in the rain.
• If we miss the train, we can take a taxi.
• If they win the competition, they will receive a trophy.
• If you don’t hurry, you will be late for the meeting.
• If she wears a warm coat, she won’t feel cold.
• If he studies every day, he will improve his grades.
• If we eat at the restaurant, we will try their specialty.
• If it snows heavily, schools might be closed.
• If they practice regularly, they will become better musicians.
• If you don’t lock the door, anyone can enter.
• If she calls me back, we can discuss the details.
• If they offer a discount, I will buy the product.
• If you follow the recipe, the dish will turn out delicious.
• If he tells her the truth, she might forgive him.
• If we don’t leave now, we will miss the train.
• If they organize a party, I will bring some snacks.
• If you finish your homework, you can play video games.
• If it doesn’t rain, we can have a picnic.
• If she wakes up early, she will have time for breakfast.
• If he wins the lottery, he will travel the world.
• If we don’t hurry, we will be late for the movie.
• If they score a goal, the crowd will cheer.
• If you exercise regularly, you will stay healthy.
• If he studies abroad, he will learn a new language.
• If she takes a vacation, she will relax and recharge.
• If they practice their lines, they will deliver a great performance.
• If you lend me your car, I will drive carefully.
• If he finishes his project on time, he will receive a promotion.
• If we book our tickets early, we can get a discount.
• If they win the lottery, they will buy their dream house.
• If you don’t wear sunscreen, you will get sunburned.
• If she studies architecture, she will design beautiful buildings.
• If they don’t complete the assignment, their grades will suffer.
• If you invite her to the party, she will bring a gift.
• If he saves enough money, he can start his own business.
• If we don’t take the shortcut, we will arrive later.
• If they practice yoga, they will improve their flexibility.
• If you work late tonight, you can take tomorrow off.
• If it snows heavily, the roads may be closed.
• If she goes to bed early, she will feel refreshed in the morning.
• If he doesn’t exercise regularly, he might gain weight.
• If we buy groceries, we can cook a delicious meal.
• If they offer me the job, I will accept it.
• If you study computer science, you will have great career opportunities.
• If he takes a break, he will reduce stress.
• If we don’t pay the bills on time, we will incur late fees.
• If they practice meditation, they will find inner peace.
• If you don’t wear a seatbelt, you can get injured in an accident.
• If it rains heavily, the event might be canceled.
• If she learns to play the piano, she can perform at concerts.
• If he doesn’t set an alarm, he may oversleep.
• If we finish our work early, we can go out for dinner.
• If they invest in stocks, they can make a profit.
• If you ask for help, someone will assist you.
• If he misses the train, he will have to take a taxi.
• If we don’t practice, we won’t be prepared for the performance.
• If they cook dinner, we will wash the dishes.
• If you read books regularly, you will expand your knowledge.
• If it gets too hot, we can turn on the air conditioner.
• If she joins the club, she will meet new people.
• If he doesn’t eat breakfast, he may feel hungry later.
• If we don’t water the plants, they will wither.
• If they offer a scholarship, I will pursue higher education.
• If you follow the rules, you will avoid trouble.
• If he studies engineering, he can build innovative structures.
• If we don’t leave now, we will miss the bus.
• If they practice painting, they will develop their artistic skills.
• If you save money, you can go on a vacation.
• If it snows, we can have a snowball fight.
• If she works overtime, she will earn extra income.
• If he doesn’t wear a helmet, he risks head injuries.
• If we prepare well, we can give an excellent presentation.
• If they win the championship, they will celebrate with a parade.
• If you don’t clean your room, it will become messy.
• If he speaks politely, others will respect him.
• If we don’t make reservations, we may not get a table.
• If they practice their dance routine, they will impress the judges.
• If you take the bus, you will save money on transportation.
• If he volunteers at the shelter, he will help those in need.
• If we don’t take care of the environment, it will suffer.
• If they study geography, they will learn about different countries.
• If you don’t lock the door, the house may be vulnerable to theft.
• If she wears a warm jacket, she won’t feel cold outside.
• If they invest in renewable energy, they will contribute to a greener future.
• If you finish your chores, you can go out with your friends.
• If he misses the deadline, he may face consequences at work.
• If we invite them over, they will bring a dessert.
• If they practice mindfulness, they will reduce stress.
• If you save money, you can buy the latest gadget.
• If she studies medicine, she can help save lives.
• If he doesn’t take the shortcut, he will enjoy a scenic route.
• If we support local businesses, we can boost the economy.
• If they exercise regularly, they will improve their fitness levels.
• If you don’t wear appropriate attire, you may not be allowed entry.
• If it rains, we can have a cozy movie night indoors.
• If she works on her public speaking skills, she will become a confident presenter.
• If they offer discounts, we will take advantage of the sale.
• If you eat healthy, you will maintain a balanced diet.
• If he studies history, he will understand the present better.
• If we don’t book our tickets early, we might not get good seats.
• If they practice patience, they will handle difficult situations calmly.

Printable Examples:

First conditional sentences are a powerful linguistic tool that allows us to explore possibilities and potential outcomes. With their “if clause” and “result clause” structure, these sentences offer a concise and impactful way to express conditions and their likely consequences. By mastering the art of constructing first conditional sentences, we unlock a world of communication where we can navigate hypothetical scenarios, make informed decisions, and envision a multitude of futures. So, let us embrace the power of the first conditional and watch as our words shape and inspire the world around us.

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If Sentences for IELTS Writing (with examples)

One important type of grammar to use in the IELTS writing test is an ‘if sentence’, sometimes called a ‘conditional’ or an ‘if clause’. These are incredibly flexible and once you know how to use them, you will be able to use them in almost any IELTS essay you write. There are four main types…

Zero conditional 

The zero conditional is used to express something that is generally true. You can think of it as something that is ‘true all the time’. Some examples would be:

• If students study for tests for tests, they pass them. 
• If you heat ice, it melts. 
• If you are always late, you get fired. 

In all of these examples, you can see the sentence is expressing something that is true all of the time. We often use this type of sentence for expressing scientific laws like in the second example. The structure is we use to build these sentences is: 

If + present simple + present simple. 

First conditional

The first conditional is used to look at what could happen in the future. Some examples of this are: 

If she studies for the test, she will pass. 

• If you don’t leave now, you’ll miss your train. 
• If I get paid today, I’ll buy you dinner. 

You can see that in these sentences, we are not sure if the first thing will happen. However, if it does, the second thing is certain to happen. This is different to the zero conditional because these examples are talking about a specific event rather than a general rule. The structure of these sentences is 

If + present simple + will + infinitive (without ‘to’).

Second conditional

The second conditional is quite similar to the first conditional; however, we use it to talk about events that are very unlikely. For example: 

If she studied for the test, she would pass. 

• If we had the time, we’d love to come to your party. 
• If I won the lottery, I’d buy a yacht. 

For these sentences, the first thing is very unlikely. However, in the unlikely event that it did happen, the second thing would be certain. This is different from the first conditional where the first thing is more possible. The structure is

If + past simple, would/could + infinitive (without ‘to’). 

Third conditional 

The final type of conditional is the third conditional. It’s the only one we use to talk about the past. Normally it is used to describe what could have happened. For example: 

If you had studied for the test, you would have passed. 

• If I had set an alarm, I would have woken up on time. 
• If he had been born in America, he would have been happier. 

In all of these examples, we are describing something that didn’t happen. The second part of the sentence describes what result would have occurred if the first thing happened. The structure is: 

If + past perfect, would have + past participle.

When we make the third conditional negative, we can describe something that needed to happen for something else to happen: 

• If I hadn’t studied for the test, I would have failed. 
• If he hadn’t worn a helmet, his injuries would have been much worse. 
• If we hadn’t met, I would not be so confident. 

Understanding the differences between conditionals

It can be a little confusing to understand the differences between conditionals, so I want to share a set of examples with you and explain the differences in meaning between them. The examples are:

If students study for the test, they pass. 

This sentence is talking about a general rule. It is describing a test that anyone can pass as long as they study. It’s something that is true all the time. Next year, everyone who studies will also pass the test. 

This is describing someone who is studying for a specific test. This is different from the previous example which is more of a general rule. In this example, there is some possibility of the person actually studying. 

This is similar to the previous example because it is talking about a specific test in the future. However, in this example, the student is so lazy that you think it is very unlikely she will actually study. 

This is the only example about a test that has already happened. In this example, you failed the test because you didn’t study. 

Using if sentences in the IELTS exam

This sentence type is very flexible and can be used in all sorts of places in the IELTS exam. One way of using it in the writing exam that can spice up your grammar is to use it to describe how people can achieve their goals. For example, instead of writing: 

• We should make education free for all to encourage everyone to get a degree. 

We can write: 

• If we want everyone to get a degree, we should make education free for all. 

Final thoughts

If you follow the advice in this article, you’ll be using if sentences in no time. This really is one of the most flexible types of grammar you can learn for the IELTS exam, so keep practising. One useful way of practising is to take an essay you’ve already written and try and improve the grammar by adding some if sentences. You can also take a look at some examples from our book of sample IELTS essays .

Related posts

“If-then”: Using Conditional Sentences in Academic Writing

Conditional sentences are statements of an “if-then” or “unless” situation. These sentences express situations and their probable results. Conditional sentences are frequently used to discuss the outcomes of research studies or are part of a hypothesis statement.

Conditional sentences are essential for stating and testing conditions and their results. Most authors of scientific papers use such statements, particularly in the Introduction and Discussion sections.

Essentially, the verb tenses used in the if-clause and the result clause must adhere to the type of conditional sentences being expressed. To ensure your conditional sentences are contextually correct, you can use Trinka , an AI-powered writing assistant. It is the world’s first language enhancement tool that is custom-built for academic and technical writing, and has several exclusive features to help you write clear and concise conditional sentences.

Table of Contents

Types of Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences contain two clauses—the  condition  clause ( if or  unless ) and the  main  clause. There are five kinds of conditional sentences, each conveying a different meaning. Some conditional sentences refer to the common truths and others to hypothetical situations.

• Zero conditional sentences  refer to a common truth or factual relationships. These sentences assert that one condition always results in the same outcome. For instance:

If you put ice cubes in a glass of water, they melt .

Note that both clauses are in the  present tense .

• First conditional sentences  present a possible situation and its probable result. The degree of certainty is lower compared to the zero conditional. For instance:

If you eat green vegetables, you  will  feel amazing.

Note that the  present tense  is used in the  if -clause and the  future  tense in the main clause.

• Second conditional sentences  express unreal conditions and their probable results—speculation, for example.

If I  had  control over food production, I  would  end world hunger.

Note the use of the  simple past tense  in the  if -clause and the modal verb (i.e., would, could, should) in the main clause.

• Third conditional sentences  are slightly different. They propose that the outcome would be different had the past been different. This kind of conditional expresses a situation that is contrary to fact. For instance:

If you  had  told me, I  would have  brought dinner for you.

Note that the condition and the result did not occur. The  past perfect tense  (had + past participle form of the verb) is used in the  if -clause, and the verb (would) plus “have” plus the past participle of the verb is used in the main clause.

• Mixed type conditional sentences  refer to a situation in the past and its probable result in the present. For instance,

If I  had learned  to ride earlier, I  would be  a big rodeo star by now.

Note that  the past perfect verb  is used in the  if -clause, and the present conditional verb is used in the main clause.

Punctuating conditional sentences is easy. Use a comma to separate the  if -clause from the main clause when the  if -clause comes first.

A Few Exceptions to the Rules

In the sentence given below, we use the simple future verb in the  if -clause:

If Vitamin D  eases  my arthritis pain, I  will take  some supplements every day.

Note that the action in the  if -clause hasn’t taken place yet, but will occur after the action in the main clause is taken.

The use of “ were + infinitive verb ” (e.g., were to fall) in the  if -clause is another exception. This phrase is used to highlight the significance of the outcome of something that  might  occur. For instance:

If she  were to  fall on her shoulder again, she  would have to  have surgery.

The action in the if -clause (were to fall) displays the subjunctive mood, i.e., a grammatical feature in English for expressing wishes, proposals, suggestions, or imagined situations.

Significance to Researchers

In your research, you are likely to either perform your independent experiments or use the outcomes of others’ experiments to conduct a meta-analysis. In either case, you will be required to report your evaluation and conclusions. In doing so, there will be situations in which the outcomes of your study or even future studies are based on specific conditions. Your findings are based on evidence, data, or theory. You might present your conclusions as likelihoods that something has already occurred, is presently happening, or will take place at some point. This is where a conditional sentence plays a critical role.

The verb tenses used in the if-clause and the result clause must adhere to the type of conditional being expressed. Here’s where Trinka , an AI-driven writing assistant, can help. It is the world’s first language enhancement tool that is custom-built for academic and technical writing, and has several exclusive features to make your manuscript ready for the global audience.

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ESL Activities

ESL Games, Activities, Lesson Plans, Jobs & More

in Listening · Speaking · Writing

First Conditional Games, Activities, Lesson Plans & Worksheets

If you’re looking for some of the best first conditional games and activities, then you’re definitely in the right place! We have more than 20 1st conditional ideas, along with worksheets, lesson plans, online practice recommendations and more.

First conditional games and activities

First Conditional Structure

In case you need a primer for what the 1st conditional structure is, here it is! We use it to talk about future situations that we believe are real or possible. Some examples:

• If it doesn’t rain tomorrow, we’ll go for a bike ride.
• If the Oilers win this game, they’ll be first in their division.
• I’ll let you know if I finish work early and can play.

The structure is usually: 

If + present simple + will + infinitive (if can also be in the middle of the sentence).

It’s also possible to replace “if” with the following:

• unless (Unless you do your homework regularly, you’ll fail that class).
• as long as (As long as I’m happy, I’ll stay at that job).
• as soon as (As soon as I’m done work, I’ll come home).
• in case (I’ll give you a key in case I’m not home tomorrow).

More ideas for teaching conditionals here: Zero Conditional Worksheets , Third Conditional Games and Teaching the Second Conditional .

First Conditional Activities and Games

Let’s get into the best first conditional speaking activities for all ages!

#1: Three in a Row

Make up a worksheet with a bunch of result clauses. Then, put students into pairs and each pair will play against another pair (4 students total) with one of the worksheets. The goal is to get three squares in a row.

One partner says an “if” clause. Their partner can use one of the result clauses on the worksheet. If it makes sense, they mark the square off as theirs and the other teams goes.

#2: Dicto Gloss Activity

This is a challenging listening activity for higher-level students. Find or write a passage with a few first conditional statements. Then, put students into pairs and read it out at a faster than usual pace. Students have to take notes and try to recreate what they just heard. Repeat the process and then students compare their version with the original one. Find out more about it:

ESL Dicto Gloss Activity .

#3: Running Dictation

This is one of my favourite 4-skills ESL activities for all ages! Find, or write a conversation that makes good use of 1st conditional statements (the textbook you’re using may have a good one). Then, students have to work together to dictate the convo and then put it into the correct order. Find out more about it:

#4: Concentration

This is a fun memory game that helps students focus on meanings and 1st conditional statements. Make some sentences and then put each clause on a separate card. For example:

• If it rains / I won’t go to the beach
• If I finish my homework / I’ll go to the party tonight
• As long as Tammy is my boss / I’ll stay at that job

Then, students have to match cards. Check it out:

Concentration Game .

#5: Mixed Up Sentences

This is a nice activity for helping students work on forms. Make a bunch of sentences using the 1st conditional and mix them up in terms of word order. Students have to work with a partner to unscramble them.

#6: The Conditional Chain

Start the game off by saying the first half of a first conditional statement. The next player has to add a clause to complete the statement. The next player takes that new clause and makes a new first half of the statement. Does that make sense? Keep going, adding new clauses. The teacher or other classmates can assist students who can’t come up with something.

#7: Dialogue Substitution

Have you ever noticed that students seem to just kind of blow through dialogues that they have to read with a partner and they don’t really pay attention to what they’re reading? One of the best ways to combat this is to remove some of the key words. They can be things related to grammar or meaning. Find out more about it here:

#8: Is that Sentence Correct?

Conditional statements involve somewhat tricky grammar. The word order can sometimes be confusing which is why I like to do this simple activity. I make a bunch of sentences using the target grammar and in pairs, students have to decide if the sentence is correct. If it’s incorrect, they have to change it. Find out more here:

Is that Sentence Correct Activity? 

#9: Pass the Paper

In this activity, students write down four clauses. Two are the first half of a first conditional and two of them are the last half. Then, they pass the paper to a partner who finishes the statements.

#10: Sentence Structure Activities

Conditionals are heavy on the sentence structure! They can get a little bit tricky, particularly if you teach about more than one of them in a single lesson. Students really have to master word order and verb tenses for this one. Have a look here at some of the best ideas for this:

ESL Sentence Structure Activities .

#11: First Conditional Speaking Lesson Plan

It’s easier than you might think to plan a lesson about almost anything. Check out this video for the steps to follow:

#12: Partner Conversation Starters

If you tell students to use the first conditional and talk to their partners, you may be met with silence! It’s entirely the teacher’s fault! The students haven’t really been given enough to work with.

Instead, help students out by giving them some conversation starters or questions. For example,

• If this class finishes early, what will you do?
• If you get the day off tomorrow, what will you do?

#13: The Flyswatter Game

To focus on meaning, write the second half of numerous 1st conditional statements on the whiteboard. One student from each team comes up to the board and takes a flyswatter. It works best to have mostly generic kinds of statements that could fit a bunch of different situations.

The teacher says the first half of one of the statements and then the first student to slap something that fits gets a point for their team. Learn more about it:

Flyswatter Game .

#14: Consider Using the Test Teach Test Approach

It’s likely that your students may already be familiar with conditionals. If that’s the case, why not give them a little bit of a test first to see what they know? Then, tailor the lesson to what they don’t. After that, give them another little test to see what they’ve picked up.

This kind of lesson can be a nice way to tailor the lesson specifically to the needs of the students. It’s also a change of pace from the usual presentation-practice-production model. Learn more about it here:

#15: First Conditional Movies and TV Clips

If you take a look on YouTube, you’ll see a ton of compilations of clips from popular TV shows and movies that use this grammatical structure. This can make a nice warm-up or review activity or form the basis of an entire lesson. Have a quick look around and you’re sure to find something that’ll work.

#16: Me Too!

Me Too is a simple speaking and listening activity that can help students get some practice with these kinds of statements. Students say a true statement that uses the target grammar. If other students could say the same thing about themselves, they stand up and say, “Me too!”

#17: Error Correction Relay Race

I love this game because it takes something old and boring (error correction) and turns it into something fun. Write a passage with the target grammar, and then make a few mistakes. Make sure you tell students how many mistakes there are.

In teams, students have to work together to find them all. You can find out more about it right here:

Error Correction Relay .

#18: Vocabulary Auction

If you want to have some fun with making sentences in your class, this is the game to play! Find out how to do it:

#19: Dictation Practice

Dictation is a nice activity to focus on forms. Dictate some questions that use the target grammar for the students. They have to write them down and then answer the question. Alternatively, you could dictate some statements and they have to make up the questions.

#20: Person on the Street Interview Activity

This is a fun way to make something old (talking with a partner). Students have to chat with someone on the street to get their opinions or ideas about something. In this case, they’d have to use a 1st conditional question. Check it out:

Person on the Street Interview Activity .

#21: Real-Life Scenarios

Present students with real-life scenarios or dilemmas that they might encounter. For example, “If you forget your homework, what will you do?” or “If you are running late for a bus, how will you catch it?” Have students discuss and share their ideas using the first conditional structure.

#22: Mix and Match

Create a set of sentence cards, with the condition on one card and the consequence on another. Shuffle the cards and distribute them to students. Students must find their match by pairing the condition and consequence cards, forming complete first conditional sentences.

#23: Song Lyrics Analysis

Choose a song that contains examples of the first conditional, and provide students with the lyrics. Have them identify and underline the first conditional sentences in the song. Then, discuss the meaning and context of those sentences, encouraging students to reflect on how the first conditional is used in popular culture.

#24: Story Writing

Ask students to write short stories that incorporate the first conditional. Provide them with a starting sentence or a prompt that sets up a condition, and have them develop the story based on the consequences that would occur. Students can then share and discuss their stories with their classmates.

More Ideas for Teaching English Grammar

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Bolen, Jackie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 87 Pages - 10/24/2019 (Publication Date)

The key to better TEFL classes is a wide variety of student-centred, engaging and interactive games and activities. This is particularly true for teaching grammar concepts like conditionals.

Not to worry though! Pick up a copy of 39 No-Prep, Low-Prep ESL Grammar Activities to help you have more interesting classes, the easy way. You’ll be able to make it through an entire semester in style and your students will keep coming back for more.

Pick up a copy of the book today and get ready for better English lessons tomorrow.

First Conditional Games Online

My students often ask me to recommend some online games to them so that they can practice their English grammar. Here are some of my favourite options for the 1st conditional:

ESL Kids Games

Games to Learn English

Grammar Worksheet First Conditional

Check out these worksheets for additional practice:

Live Worksheets

ISL Collective

Perfect English Grammar

First Conditional Lesson Plans

Save some time and effort by using lesson plans that others have already made! Here are some of the top recommendations:

Off 2 Class

Lingua House

FAQs about the 1st Conditional

There are a number of common questions that people have. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

What are some first conditional examples?

Some first conditional examples are:

• If it rains, I won’t go hiking.
• She’ll miss the train if she doesn’t leave soon.

What are the four types of conditionals?

The four types of conditionals are zero, first, second, and third.

How do you teach the first conditional?

To teach the first conditional, be sure to set the context of the lesson. Then, focus on meaning and forms and give students some practice opportunities. Assign some homework and don’t forget review in the next lesson.

How can I introduce the first conditional to ESL students?

Start by explaining that it’s used for real or likely future situations. Use everyday examples to illustrate the structure and meaning.

What are some common first conditional keywords or phrases?

Words like “if,” “unless,” “when,” and “provided that” are often used to introduce the condition in the first conditional.

Can you provide some example sentences in the first conditional?

Sure, here are a few: “If she studies, she will pass the exam.” “I’ll be late unless you call me.” “If it snows, we can go sledding.”

How can I practice the first conditional with ESL students?

Use role-plays, create situations where students make predictions or decisions, and have them write sentences using the first conditional.

What’s the difference between the zero conditional and the first conditional?

The zero conditional is used for general truths or facts, while the first conditional is used for specific future situations based on real conditions.

Are there any common errors ESL students make with the first conditional?

Students often mistakenly use “will” in both parts of the sentence instead of just in the result clause. Regular practice helps correct this.

How can I make teaching the 1st conditional more engaging?

Use interactive activities like problem-solving scenarios, discussions about future plans, and fun games that involve making predictions.

Can you recommend any resources or materials for teaching the first conditional?

You can find worksheets, online exercises, and textbooks designed for teaching conditionals in ESL that offer structured practice and examples.

What’s the main goal when teaching the 1st conditional?

The main goal is for students to understand and use the structure correctly to discuss future events based on real conditions, making them more proficient in practical English.

First conditional speaking activities and games

Tips for How to Teach the First Conditional

Teaching the first conditional to ESL students can be engaging and effective with the right approach. Here are some tips to help you:

Start with Context

Begin by introducing the first conditional in a context that is relevant and relatable to your students. Use situations they can easily imagine or have experienced.

Use Clear Examples

Provide clear and simple examples of the first conditional structure, highlighting the if-clause and the main clause. For example, “If it rains, we will stay inside.”

Focus on Meaning

Help students understand that the first conditional is used to talk about real, possible situations in the future. Emphasize the idea of cause and effect.

Practice Form

Practice forming the first conditional sentences, paying attention to the verb tenses used (present simple in the if-clause, and future simple with ‘will’ or ‘going to’ in the main clause).

Use Visuals

Use visuals such as diagrams or illustrations to help students visualize the structure of the first conditional.

Provide Guided Practice

Give students opportunities to practice using the first conditional in controlled activities, such as completing sentences or matching sentence halves.

Encourage Production

Encourage students to use the first conditional in speaking and writing activities. Provide prompts or situations for them to respond to using the first conditional.

Provide Feedback

Offer constructive feedback on students’ use of the first conditional, focusing on both accuracy and fluency.

Use Games and Activities

Incorporate games and interactive activities to make learning the first conditional fun and engaging. For example, you could play a board game where students form first conditional sentences based on prompts.

Review and Reinforce

Regularly review the first conditional structure and provide opportunities for students to reinforce their understanding through practice.

• 153 Pages - 01/03/2023 (Publication Date)

First Conditional Activities: Join the Conversation

Do you have any first conditional speaking activities that you’d like to add to the list? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

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Using “Would,” “Could,” and “Should” in Conditionals

Conditional statements are statements are sentences that express cause and effect. Kate has written a very good overview of conditional statements for this blog. As Kate says, there are four types of conditionals: the zero, first, second, and third conditionals ( click here for a special grammar lesson on the third conditional). I’ll give you a brief review of these four conditionals. Then we’ll look at three modal verbs that are common in conditional statements: “could,” “should,” and “would.”

The four conditionals deal with four different kinds of cause and effect. The zero conditional deals with real cause and effect, things that really do happen. ( “When the temperature drops below 0 Centigrade, water freezes.” ) The first conditional deals with predictions of future cause and effect. ( “If it’s sunny tomorrow, we’ll go to the beach.” ) Second conditional statements mention causes and effects that are possible in theory, but are unlikely. ( “If I magically grew wings, I would be able to fly.” Since it is in theory possible that magic exists, this is possible. Just not very likely at all .) The third conditional deals with causes and effects that were possible in the past, but did not actually happen. (“ If Christopher Columbus had not sailed to America, someone else eventually would have.” )

Now, let’s look at the way “could,” “should,” and “would” are used in conditionals:

Could:  “Could” is used to express possibility. Something that could happen is not necessarily something that must happen. Could does not express desire or opinion. It is simply used to state one or more things that are possible (even if they are unlikely) or were possible in the past (even if they didn’t happen).

First conditional example: If it rains enough tomorrow, it could flood; we should be prepared in case that happens.

Second conditional example: If I had lunch with my favorite actress, I could ask for her autograph, or I could ask her to make a movie with me.

Third conditional example: If I had known you were going to the football game yesterday, I could have gone with you, because I had the day off from work.

Should:  “Should” is used to express an opinion on the best course of action. When describing cause and effect, it is also used to suggest that one cause is very likely to happen in the future, or was very likely to happen in the past.

First conditional example: If it continues to rain this hard for another hour, it should start flooding. Start preparing for the flood right now.

Third conditional examples (suggestion; event that was likely in the past): If you were going to the football game yesterday, you should have invited me to go with you. You should have known I had the day off, because I emailed you to tell you I was free.

Would: “Would” is used to describe something that is unlikely or impossible, but definitely will happen if circumstances change in a specific way. In addition, it can describe a past event that didn’t happen, but only because the circumstances were not right.

Second conditional example: If you had lunch with your favorite actress, you would ask her for her autograph and you would ask her to make a movie with you. You wouldn’t feel like you needed to choose just one of those.

Third conditional example: If I had known you had the day off yesterday, I would have asked you to join me. I wanted you to join me, but I didn’t know you were free.

There are a few things you should note. “Could,” “should,” and “would” are not used in the zero conditional. This is because the zero conditional describes things that always happen. “Could,” “should” and “would” only deal with things that may or may not happen. Additionally, “should” is not generally used in the second conditional. The second conditional deals only with things that are unlikely. If a situation is unlikely, there is little reason to give someone advice on the best course of action. Finally, “would” cannot be used in the first conditional, which deals with predictions of likely and possible future events. In conditional statements, “would” only deals with the unlikely and the impossible.

“Could,” “should,” and “would” are also used in other kinds of sentences, not just conditionals. In future posts, I will look at other uses of these three words.

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28 responses to “Using “Would,” “Could,” and “Should” in Conditionals”

gretting sir .. sir i m much confused in the use of could ..especially use of could in past ..would u plz clarify me with following sentences .. it could be more cleared !! it could be more clear and it could have been more clear . means its ok with the use of could to some extent ..bt i confuse generally . thnku

Those are some great example sentences. Before we look at them, however, it’s important to understand that “cleared” and “clear” do not create different tenses in these sentences. Instead, “clear” is an adjective that means “easy to understand/see,” or “free of dirt or spots.” And “cleared” is an adjective that means “cleaned” or “emptied.” So “It could be more cleared” and “It could be more clear” have no difference in grammar, only a difference in meaning, because two different (but similarly spelled) adjectives are being used.

There is a difference in tense, however, between “It could be more clear” and “It could have been more clear.” “It could have been be more clear.”

“It could be more clear” is present tense, and means that something someone is looking at, talking about, or experiencing right now is not as clear as it could be. “It could have been more clear” means that a thing in the past had a chance of being more clear, but wasn’t.

When using “could,” “would,” or “should” to talk about possibility, you add HAVE+(past participle verb).

Does that explanation work for you, Naresh? Or could it be more clear? 😉 (Seriously, let me know if you still have doubts or questions.)

you have a mistake in the example of the use of would in third conditional. the example is: Third conditional example: If I knew you had the day off yesterday, I would have asked you to join me. I wanted you to join me, but I didn’t know you were free. the if clause should be: if i had known

Yes, it looks like we made a mistake with our tenses here! Thanks for catching it and reaching out to us. The third conditional should be If + past perfect…

I’ll send your comment to our blog writers so that they can take a look at it! Thanks again 🙂

Hi Leigh, I just wanted to let you know that we made this change 🙂 Thanks again for pointing it out to us!

Hello, I want to talk about the possibility that can happen if we have any choice. for instance, my husband and I want to participant in an English Class but we have a little girl and no one can take care of her for that time. we say, if we could go together, it would be great! is it possible to use both this helping verbs in a conditional phrase together?

Absolutely! “If I could, I would” is actually a very common conditional grammar pattern in English. 🙂

Worth reading info.

you could become sick if you wet yourself.Please tell me if this sentence is good.

Hi Chandra,

I would probably say “You could become sick if you get wet.” “Wet yourself” is an idiomatic phrase that means to urinate on yourself, and I don’t think that’s what you are trying to say 🙂

What if can / could was a request ? for example: If John ……. (phone), can you take the message?

It would not be at all strange if some obscene words and gestures should find expression…..There was considerable humour, very broad humour too, but nothing obscene.

▪Why did the writer use “should” before the word “find”? Why he didn’t write it like this: “It would not be at all strange if some obscene words and gestures found expression”?

Can someone clarify one doubt for me? What kind of conditional sentence is below? And since modals like could, would, should cannot be used in the dependent clause while constructing a conditional sentence, why is it used in that way?

If I could, then I would.

If I can, then I will.

Hello, I would like to know if this sentence is correct. If her father hadn’t accpted her decision, she could have left the room she shared with others. I’ve Always learned at school that for the thirsd conditional, you have to use would. I’m a little bit confused. Thanks for your answer.

I agree that “would” is a better choice than “could” in this sentence.

Hey can you please clear my confusion regarding when you use could and when to use would

Hi Asim, that’s exactly what we cover in this blog post! Do you have a specific question about a case or example?

if i help you, would you help me? (can’t we use would in first conditional sentences like this?)

This article is discussing conditional statements . A statement is different from a question, which is what you wrote. You are correct that “would” can be used in a question to ask someone’s preference or to ask them something politely. It can be used in hypothetical questions, which is what you wrote. You can read more on the uses of “would” here .

Happy studying!

Hello, I am wondering if I could use the following : the world could blossom, if you water it… I know that it is not the correct grammar in common use cases, however would this construction be totally wrong, or is it possible to use it (for expressing a possibility in the future with a action in the present…. Don’t want to use the pp for the if clause and don’t want to use the will future for the could clause, as I would like to express the possibility, not certainty)? Thank you!

Thanks for this good question!

In this case, with a second conditional you would need to use the past participle “watered.” But that doesn’t affect the possibility of the statement.

We learned in this article the difference between “could” and “would.” “Could” expresses possibility, and “Would” expresses that something will happen if circumstances change.

So there are two different ways we could write this sentence, and the word choice is what changes the meaning.

The first tells us it is possible for the world to grow if watered. The second tells us that the world will definitely grow if watered.

Does that makes sense? I hope this clears it up! 🙂

Can we use should in the second conditional or just with first conditionsl

Hi Sameer, As we discuss in this article, “should” is not generally used in the second conditional. Happy studying! 🙂

Can we use them”expression would rather in an if clause? If you would rather do that, I would help you.

Hi Julia, Yes, you can use “would rather” in an ‘if’ clause. However, the correct sentence would be: If you would rather do that, I will help you. Happy studying! 🙂

I saw this sentence in an article. Is that wrong? “However, it would help if you waste your time by spending your time on Twitter or Instagram”

Hello! Could you help me please with the following sentence:

Also, I would write down whom I would forgive.

I just don’t get the using of would + would here,

Hi Tatiana!

“Would” can be used twice in a sentence at times. In your sentence, since “would” is used in conditionals, you could write something like ‘If I had time, I would write down whom I would like to forgive’ (since “would” can also be used to state desires ).

I hope that helps! 😀

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