RULES OF CONDITIONALS
| Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| 1. A conditional sentence expresses a condition and its result. | If it rains, we will stay home. |
| 2. Every conditional has two parts: the "if-clause" and the "main clause." | Ifyou study, you will pass. |
| 3. Zero conditional expresses general truths. | Ifyou heat ice, it melts. |
| 4. Zero conditional uses Present + Present. | If water reaches 100 0C, it boils. |
| 5. First conditional expresses real future | If it rains, I will take an umbrella. |
| 6. First conditional uses Present + Will. | If she calls, I will answer. |
| 7. Second conditional expresses unreal or unlikely present/future. | If I were rich, I would travel the world. |
| 8. Second conditional uses Past + Would. | If he studied, he would pass. |
| 9. Third conditional expresses unreal past. | If I had studied, I would have passed. |
| 10. Third conditional uses Past Perfect + Would Have. | If she had left earlier, she would have caught the train. |
| 11. Mixed conditionals combine different time references. | If I had studied (past), I would be successful now (present). |
| 12. "If" can be replaced with "when" for certainty. | When you heat ice, it melts. |
| 13. "Unless" means "if not." | You won't pass unless you study. |
| 14. "As long as" means "provided that." | You can play as long as you finish homework. |
| 15. "Provided that" is formal for "if." | You can go provided that you behave. |
| 16. "In case" means to be prepared for. | Take an umbrella in case it rains. |
| 17. "Even if" expresses a strong condition. | I'll help you even if you don't ask. |
| 18. "If only" expresses a wish. | If only I had more time. |
| 19. "What if" expresses concern. | What if he fails the exam? |
| 20. "Suppose/Supposing" introduce imagined conditions. | Suppose it rains, what will you do? |
| 21. Zero conditional often uses imperative in the main clause. | If you see him, tell him to come. |
| 22. First conditional can use "may/might/can" instead of "will" | If you work hard, you might succeed. |
| 23. Second conditional can use "could/might" instead of "would." | If I were taller, I could play basketball. |
| 24. Third conditional can use "might have/could have." | If she had studied, she might have passed. |
| 25. Use "were" instead of "was" in second conditional (formal). | If I were you, I would study. |
| 26. Conditionals can start with "had, should, were" (inversion). | Had I known, I would have come. |
| 27. Negative conditionals use "not" in the if-clause. | If he doesn't study, he will fail. |
| 28. Use commas when the sentence starts with the ifclause. | If it rains, we'll stay inside. |
| 29. No comma needed if the main clause comes first. | We'll stay inside if it rains. |
| 30. Use conditionals to give advice. | If I were you, I would see a doctor. |
| 31. Conditionals can express regrets. | If I had studied, I wouldn't have failed. |
| 32. Conditionals can express threats. | If you touch it, you'll be in trouble. |
| 33. Conditionals can express offers. | If you want help, I'll support you. |
| 34. Conditionals can express instructions. | If you finish early, start cleaning. |
| 35. Conditionals can express politeness. | If you'd wait a moment, I'll check. |
| 36. Mixed conditional: past condition present result. | If I had saved money, I would be rich now. |
| 37. Mixed conditional: present condition + past result. | If I were smarter, I would have solved it. |
| 38. "If" can be omitted with inversion. | Were I rich, I would travel the world. |
| 39. "Should" can replace "if" for future possibility. | Should you need help, call me. |
| 40. "Had" can replace "if" in past conditionals. | Had I known, I would have stayed. |
| 41. Real conditionals use possible situations. | If you eat too much, you get fat. |
| 42. Unreal conditionals use imaginary situations. | If I were invisible, I would prank people. |
| 43. Conditional sentences may contain modal verbs in main clause. | If you ask nicely, I might agree. |
| 44. Conditionals can express probability. | If he studies, he will probably pass. |
| 45. Conditionals can express uncertainty. | If she comes, we may leave early. |
| 46. Conditionals can express inevitability. | If you don't water plants, they die. |
| 47. Conditional sentences are often used in exams. | If it rains tomorrow, we won't go. |
| 48. Common error: Don't use "would" in if-clause. | X If I would study, I would pass. v/ If I studied, I would pass. |
| 49. Common error: Don't mix time wrongly. | X If I had money now, I would have bought it yesterday. |
| 50. Mastering conditionals helps in writing, speaking, and exams. | If you practice, you will succeed. |