Conditional Clauses
Grammar Basics
Conditional Phrases
Conditional Phrases
There are 5 types of conditional phrases in English. I usually categorize them as "real" and "unreal".
At a B2 Level, you should know these:
Real Conditionals
Real Conditionals
Zero - to talk about general facts.
Subordinate clause
Simple Present
Subordinate clause
Simple Present
If you heat ice...
Main clause
Simple Present
Main clause
Simple Present
...it melts.
1st Conditional - to talk about an action that is highly likely and/or directly consequential.
Subordinate clause
Simple Present
Subordinate clause
Simple Present
If it's nice tomorrow...
Main clause
Simple Future
Main clause
Simple Future
...we'll go the beach.
Unreal Conditionals
Unreal Conditionals
2nd Conditional - to say that something might be possible, but it’s nearly impossible.
Subordinate clause
Simple Past
Subordinate clause
Simple Past
If I had a million dollars…
Main clause
Present Conditional or
Present Continuous Conditional
Main clause
Present Conditional or
Present Continuous Conditional
I would buy a house.