Conditional statements. Just the name can strike fear in the hearts of English learners. While it is true that conditional statements can be a bit complex and complicated at first, they are an essential tool if you want to communicate fluently. And learning to use conditionals can be fun - if you have the right resource!

What are conditional statements?

If it rains, you will get wet.

Conditional sentences have two parts: the situation (‘If it rains…’) and the result (‘…you will get wet’). The result only happens if the situation (the ‘condition’) happens.

There are three types of conditional statements: the general (or ‘zero’) conditional, the first conditional, and the second conditional.

The general conditional

The general conditional is used to refer to a general or scientific truth. We make it by using the simple present in both the ‘condition’ half of the sentence, and the ‘result’ half.

If you heat ice, it melts.

The first conditional

This is used to talk about the present or the future. We use it when it is possible or likely to happen, but not certain. 

We make the first conditional with the simple present in the condition, and will (or might, can…) in the result.

When I finish work, I will be tired.

The second conditional

We use the second conditional to talk about situations in the present or future that are imagined or impossible.

We make the second conditional by using the simple past in the condition and would (or might, could…) in the result.

If I owned that land, I would build a beautiful house.

Why are Conditional Statements important?

With conditional statements under your belt you’ll be able to communicate more fluently and effectively in English. To learn more about them and for lots of practice activities, try one of our online English courses. Just click here to get started with a free trial.

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