The Rule
| Type | Use | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero | General truths, facts, always true | If + present simple, present simple | If you press this button, the machine stops. |
| First | Real, likely future situations | If + present simple, will + infinitive | If we win the contract, we will expand the team. |
| Second | Hypothetical, unlikely, or imaginary | If + past simple, would + infinitive | If I had more budget, I would hire two people. |
Two critical rules:
1. NEVER use will in the if-clause of a first conditional:
✗ If I will have time, I will call you. ✓ If I have time, I will call you.
2. Use were (not was) for all persons in second conditional — especially "If I were you...":
✗ If I was the manager, I would change this. ✓ If I were the manager, I would change this.
1. NEVER use will in the if-clause of a first conditional:
✗ If I will have time, I will call you. ✓ If I have time, I will call you.
2. Use were (not was) for all persons in second conditional — especially "If I were you...":
✗ If I was the manager, I would change this. ✓ If I were the manager, I would change this.
Common Mistakes
If I will finish early, I will definitely call you.
If I finish early, I will definitely call you.
If I would have more time, I would learn French.
If I had more time, I would learn French.
If you heat the metal, it always expands always.
If you heat metal, it always expands. (remove duplicate 'always')
If I am the CEO, I would do things very differently.
If I were the CEO, I would do things very differently.
We would win more clients if we will improve our service.
We would win more clients if we improved our service.
Gap Fill — Press Enter to Check
Error Correction
Multiple Choice
Put the Words in the Correct Order
Sentence Transformation — Press Enter to Check
Conversation Practice
1
First conditional: What will you do if you get a promotion this year? What will happen if you don't?
2
Second conditional: If you could change one thing about your company right now, what would it be and why?
3
Zero conditional: Share 3 facts about your industry or job using zero conditionals.
Homework
Write 6 conditional sentences about your work or career: 2 zero conditionals, 2 first conditionals, and 2 second conditionals. Make each one realistic and personal to your situation.