English conditionals: zero, first and second
Zero conditional expresses general results, first conditional covers a real or plausible future condition, and second conditional describes a hypothetical or less likely present/future situation. Decide the meaning before choosing the form.
Useful examples
1
If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
2
If I have time, I will call you.
If I have time, I will call you.
3
If I had more time, I would study more.
If I had more time, I would study more.
Common mistakes
- Putting will in the if-clause of a normal first conditional.
- Choosing a conditional only by verb tense.
- Ignoring the real-vs-hypothetical meaning.
Learn it better
- Decide how real the condition is first.
- Build all three types around one topic.
- Practise both clause orders.
Continue learning
Turn grammar into usable language
Read one topic, then apply the structure in JadoLearn practice and lessons.