Conditionals – Definition, Types, and Examples

What are Conditionals?

Conditionals Definition: Conditional sentences combine an If-clause (conditions) with the consequences of those conditions (main clause).

Examples:

1) If you complete your work, you can play.

2) If they start early, they can catch the bus.

Types of conditionals

There are 4 types of conditional statements.

1. Zero Conditionals
2. First Conditionals
3. Second Conditionals
4. Third Conditional

Zero Conditionals

The zero conditional statements are used to describe circumstances that are always true or conceivable.

The zero conditional statements consist of

“IF + Simple Present statement + Simple Present statement”.

Examples:

1. If you freeze water, it becomes ice.
2. If it rains, the clothes get wet.
3. If it rains, the rainbow appears.

First Conditionals

The first conditional statements are used to describe the circumstances that are possible.

The first conditional statement consists of

“IF + Simple Present statement + Simple Future statement”

Examples:

1. If you exercise regularly, you will stay fit.
2. If we reach early, we will call you.
3. If you study well, you will get a good job.
4. If you decide to stay here, you will be benefited.
5. If you do good to others, God will help you.

Instead of will, we can alternatively use may, might, and can to denote the likelihood of a result.

Examples:

1. If you don’t communicate well, you might lose this job.
2. If you don’t pick up her call, she may not attend the function.
3. If you eat healthily, you can lose weight faster.

What is the difference between Zero Conditionals and First Conditionals?

The Zero Conditionals are used to discuss relevant details about the condition. They are used to discuss universal truths or facts about the condition. The result of the condition will be in the simple present tense. On the other hand, the First Conditionals are used to describe the possibility of the outcome if the condition is satisfied. The result of the condition will be in Simple future tense.

Second Conditionals

The second conditionals are used under two circumstances.

1.1) To discuss a hypothetical circumstance that is unlikely to occur and what will happen as a result now or soon.

Examples:

1. If she had passed the CA exam, she would be practicing today.
2. If I had met her earlier, I would marry her.
3. If I had not missed the flight, I would be in London now.
4. If It rained, the train will be delayed.

1. 2) To discuss a hypothetical or irrational circumstance (impossible to occur) and its impact on the current or near future.

Examples:

1. If I was your brother, I would have sent you to boarding school.
2. If I were you, I would not have accepted this project.
3. If I was conscious, I would not have lost my purse.
4. If he had reached the hospital on time, we wouldn’t have lost him.
5. If she was in London, I would have visited her.

What is the difference between First Conditionals and Second Conditionals?

The First Conditionals are used to describe real and possible situations. Whereas, the second conditionals are used for purely imaginary or unreal situations.

Examples:

1) First Conditional: If he reaches early, he will catch the bus.

Second Conditional: If he reached early, he would catch the bus.

2) First Conditional: If he speaks clearly, he will clear the interview.

Second Conditional: If he spoke clearly, he would clear the interview.

Third Conditionals

It’s utilized to discuss hypothetical historical events and their outcomes.

Examples:

1. If she had studied well, she would have become a doctor.
2. If he had cleared the interview, he would have become the manager by now.
3. If he had reached early, he would have boarded the flight.
4. He would have lost his money if he had continued gambling.
5. If I had not been working, I would have been a different person.

Read Also

• Phrases – Definition, Types, and Examples
• What is a noun? – definition, types, and examples
• Conjunction – definition, examples, types, and rules
• Sentences – definition, meaning, and types
• Interjection- Definition, Types, And Example

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