B2 — Upper intermediateGrammar· Hypothetical language
Conditionals: Zero, First, Second and Third
Express facts, plans, imagined situations and regrets with the four conditional patterns.
22 min Medium
Each conditional describes a different distance from reality.
- Zero — general truth: If you heat water, it boils.
- First — real future: If it rains, we will cancel the trip.
- Second — imagined present: If I had more time, I would learn Japanese.
- Third — impossible past: If she had studied, she would have passed.
Mixed conditionals combine times: If I had taken that job, I would be living in Rabat now.
Never use will directly after if in the condition clause. If it will rain is wrong; If it rains is correct.