Conditional Sentences Type 1 and 2

Zero Conditional

The zero conditional is used to express general truths and facts. It is formed using “if” and the present tense in both clauses.

Example:

If you heat water to 100°C, it boils. (When water is heated to 100°C, it always boils.)

If you pour oil on water, it floats. (When oil is poured onto water, it always floats.)

First Conditional

The first conditional is used to talk about possible future actions or events. It is formed using “if” and the present tense in the if-clause, and “will” + base form of the verb in the main clause.

Examples:

If I study hard, I will pass this exam. (If I study hard, there is a possibility that I will pass the exam.)

If I win $20,000, I will go to the USA in the summer. (If I win the money, I plan to go to the USA.)

If I pass the university exam, I will go to the human resources department. (If I pass the exam, my plan is to join the human resources department.)

Second Conditional

The second conditional is used to talk about unlikely or unreal situations. It is formed using “if” + past tense (verb 2) in the if-clause, and “would” + base form of the verb in the main clause.

Examples:

If I passed the university exam, I would go to the human resources department. (This scenario is unlikely or not guaranteed to happen.)

If I won $100,000, I would travel around the world this summer. (Winning $100,000 is improbable, so the travel plan is also unlikely.)

If I went on a safari, I would enjoy it. (I haven’t gone on a safari, so this is an unreal situation.)

Note: In the second conditional, “were” is often used instead of “was” for all subjects in the if-clause to indicate unreal or unlikely situations.

If I were you, I would help him. (This expresses unreal advice, as I am not actually you.)