Grammar Lessons: 3 Types of Conditional Sentences

Types of Conditional Sentences
Credit: Crello

Conditional Sentences

conditional sentence is a sentence that expresses a condition. A condition is something that can only happen IF something else occurs.

conditional sentence contains an independent clause and a dependent clause that almost always begins with “if.”

Zero Conditional

In zero conditional sentences, the tense in both parts of the sentence is the simple present.

Zero Conditional Examples

  1. If you heat ice, it melts.
  2. Ice melts if you heat it.
  3. When you heat ice, it melts.
  4. Ice melts when you heat it.
  5. If it rains, the grass gets wet.
  6. The grass gets wet if it rains.
  7. When it rains, the grass gets wet.
  8. The grass gets wet when it rains.
  9. If people eat too much, they get fat.
  10. If you touch a fire, you get burned.

Conditional Sentence Type 1


Form: if + Simple Present, will-Future


Conditional Sentences Type I Examples

  1. If I get a Netflix Subscription, I will watch movies all day long.
  2. If I study hard, I  will pass the test
  3. I I train hard, I will be in better shape for the marathon
  4. If she saves money, she will buy a new car by December.
  5. If you surf in this area, you will be attacked by a shark
  6. If you play video games all night long, you will be exhausted tomorrow.
  7. If she wins, she will be the first champion in the division.
  8. If you don’t add the right ingredients, the cake will taste awful
  9. If you put pineapple, the pizza will taste so much better.
  10. If he wins the lottery, his mom will be able pay her debts.

Conditional Sentence Type 2


Form: if + Simple Past, Conditional I (= would + Infinitive)


Conditional Sentences Type 2 Examples

  1. If she knew the answer, she would win the prize
  2. If I had your phone number, I would call you
  3. I would buy you a present if I had enough money
  4. If I studied,I would pass the exams.
  5. I would be in better shape if I went to the gym more often
  6. If she trained hard, she could lose some weight.
  7. If he wasn’t so lazy, he would get a job
  8. If it didn’t rain, we would go on a picnic.
  9. If I went to Paris, I would see the Eiffel Tower
  10. If I were you, I wouldn’t marry him.

Conditional Sentence Type 3

It is impossible that the condition will be fulfilled because it refers to the past.

In type 3 conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of “would” to express the degree of certainty, permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.

Form: if + Past Perfect, Conditional II (= would + have + Past Participle)


Example: If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.

Conditional Sentence Type 3 Examples

  1. I would have passed the exams if I had studied.
  2. If you had worked hard, you had  passed  the exam.
  3. f I had known you were coming I would have prepared a delicious meal
  4. If you hadn’t lied to me before, I would have believed you.
  5. You could have been on time if you had caught the bus.

Exercises on Conditional Sentences

Conditional Sentence Type 1

Conditional Sentence Type 2

Conditional Sentence Type 3