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The zero conditional The zero conditional is used for when the time being referred to is now or always and the situation is real and possible. The zero conditional is often used to refer to general truths. The tense in both parts of the sentence is the simple present. In zero conditional sentences, the word "if" can usually be replaced by the word "when" without changing the meaning. If clause Main clause If + simple present simple present If this thing happens that thing happens. If you heat ice it melts. If it rains the grass gets wet. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Type 1 conditional The type 1 conditional is used to refer to the present or future where the situation is real. The type 1 conditional refers to a possible condition and its probable result. In these sentences the if clause is in the simple present, and the main clause is in the simple future. If clause Main clause If + simple present simple future If this thing happens that thing will happen. If you don't hurry you will miss the train. If it rains today you will get wet. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Type 2 conditional The type 2 conditional is used to refer to a time that is now or any time, and a situation that is unreal. These sentences are not based on fact. The type 2 conditional is used to refer to a hypothetical condition and its probable result. In type 2 conditional sentences, the if clause uses the simple past, and the main clause uses the present conditional If + simple past present conditional or present continuous conditional If this thing happened that thing would happen. (but I'm not sure this thing will happen) OR that thing would be happening. If you went to bed earlier you would not be so tired. If it rained you would get wet. If I spoke Italian I would be working in Italy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Type 3 conditional The type 3 conditional is used to refer to a time that is in the past, and a situation that is contrary to reality. The facts they are based on are the opposite of what is expressed. The type 3 conditional is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its probable past result. In type 3 conditional sentences, the if clause uses the past perfect, and the main clause uses the perfect conditional. If + past perfect perfect conditional or perfect continuous conditional If this thing had happened that thing would have happened. (but neither of those things really happened) OR that thing would have been happening. If you had studied harder you would have passed the exam. If it had rained you would have gotten wet. If I had accepted that promotion I would have been working in Milan. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mixed type conditional The mixed type conditional is used to refer to a time that is in the past, and a situation that is ongoing into the present. The facts they are based on are the opposite of what is expressed. The mixed type conditional is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its probable result in the present. In mixed type conditional sentences, the if clause uses the past perfect, and the main clause uses the present conditional. If + past perfect or simple past present conditional or perfect conditional If this thing had happened that thing would happen. (but this thing didn't happen so that thing isn't happening) If I had worked harder at school I would have a better job now. If we had looked at the map we wouldn't be lost. If you weren't afraid of spiders you would have picked it up and put it outside.