This document summarizes the different types of conditional sentences in English. It explains that zero conditional sentences use the present simple to talk about things that are always true. First conditional sentences use the present simple and will/won't to talk about possible future situations. Second conditional sentences use the past simple and would/wouldn't to talk about hypothetical future situations. Third conditional sentences use the past perfect and would/wouldn't have to talk about hypothetical past situations.

1. Conditionals
(summary)
Intermediate

2. Zero Conditional Sentences
• If + present simple, present simple
Use the Zero Conditional to talk something
which is always true or always happens as the
result of something else:
If you want to be fit, you have to do exercise
every day
You can also use other present tenses, like the
present continuous or the present perfect in
either clause

3. First Conditional Sentences
• If (unless) + Present Simple,
will/won’t + infinitive
Use the First Conditional to talk about a
possible future situation and its consequence:
If you don’t study harder, you’ll fail the exam

4. Second Conditional Sentences
• If + Past Simple, would/wouldn’t +
infinitive
Use the Second Conditional to talk about a
hypothetical/imaginary future situation and
its consequence:
If I had a job, I ‘d buy a new car
(but I don’t have a job…)

5. Third Conditional Sentences
• If + Past Perfect, would/wouldn’t +
have + Past Participle
Use the Third Conditional to talk about a
hypothetical/imaginary PAST situation :
If I had known about the meeting, I would
have gone
(but I didn’t know so I didn’t go, and I can’t change
that…)