Lesson 28 of 46

Conditionals (if sentences)

Use the four main types of if sentences.

The rules

1.Zero: if + present, present — general truths. "If you heat ice, it melts."
2.First: if + present, will + base — real future possibility. "If it rains, we will cancel."
3.Second: if + past, would + base — unreal or unlikely present. "If I had more time, I would learn Spanish." Use "were" for all persons: "If I were you…"
4.Third: if + past perfect, would have + past participle — unreal past. "If I had known, I would have called."

Incorrect: ~~If it will rain, we will stay.~~

Correct: If it rains, we will stay.

No "will" in the if-clause.

Incorrect: ~~If I will have time, I will help.~~

Correct: If I have time, I will help.

Present simple after "if".

Incorrect: ~~If I would know, I would tell you.~~

Correct: If I knew, I would tell you.

No "would" in the if-clause.

Watch out: Neither "will" nor "would" belongs in the "if" part.

1. If you ___ the deadline, tell me.

2. If I ___ rich, I would travel the world.

3. If she had studied, she ___ the exam.

Paste any text and see exactly what to fix, with the rule explained.