Imagine telling a friend: “If I win the lottery, I’ll travel the world!” Conditional sentences help you talk about real possibilities, general truths, and imaginary situations. In this lesson, you’ll learn the zero, first, and second conditionals, plus useful connectors like “unless” and “as long as.” We’ll keep it practical, with everyday examples and short exercises so you can use them right away.

What is a conditional?

A conditional sentence has two parts:

• The if-clause (condition): If + situation
• The main clause (result): what happens if the condition is true

Example: If it rains, we’ll stay home.

Punctuation tip

When the if-clause comes first, add a comma: “If it rains, we’ll stay home.” If the main clause comes first, no comma: “We’ll stay home if it rains.”

Zero conditional: facts and general truths

Use the zero conditional for things that are always true, like rules, scientific facts, or routines.

• If you heat ice, it melts.
• If the sun sets, it gets dark.
• If people are tired, they sleep earlier.

“Sunburn” = sun + burn. Zero conditional often appears with everyday cause-and-effect: “If you stay outside too long, you get sunburn.”

If water 100°C, it boils.

First conditional: real future possibilities

Use the first conditional for plans and decisions that depend on something.

Structure: If + present simple, will + base verb

• If it rains tomorrow, we’ll stay home.
• If you study tonight, you’ll pass the test.
• If I see Sam, I’ll tell him about the meeting.

You can replace “will” with other modals for different meanings:

• If it rains, we might stay home. (possible)
• If you finish early, you can leave. (permission)

If I will see him, I will tell him. → If I see him, I’ll tell him. In first conditional, the if-clause uses present simple, not “will.”

If it tomorrow, we’ll stay home.

You can’t enter the office you have your ID card.

Second conditional: imaginary or unlikely situations

Use the second conditional for dreams, advice, and things that are not true now or unlikely to happen.

Structure: If + past simple, would + base verb

• If I had a car, I would drive to work. (I don’t have a car.)
• If she were here, we’d start the meeting. (She isn’t here.)
• If they studied more, they would get better grades. (They don’t study enough.)

Note on “were”: In formal English, “If I were…” is common for hypotheticals. In everyday speech, many people (especially in American English) also say “If I was…”—but “If I were” is safer in writing and exams.

If I more free time, I would learn Spanish.

Polite conditionals in real life

English speakers often use conditionals for polite requests:

• If you could send me the file today, I’d really appreciate it.
• If you’d be so kind, please sign here.

Cultural note: Using conditionals softens your request. It sounds less direct and more respectful, especially in emails and customer service.

More useful connectors

Besides “if,” “unless,” and “as long as,” you might hear:

• provided (that): formal “as long as” → “You can apply, provided (that) you meet the requirements.”
• otherwise: introduces the negative result → “Bring your umbrella; otherwise, you’ll get wet.”

Summary: choose the right conditional

• Zero conditional for general truths: If + present, present
• First conditional for real future possibilities: If + present, will + base
• Second conditional for imaginary/unlikely situations: If + past, would + base

Keep practicing with connectors like “unless,” “as long as,” and “provided (that).” Use conditionals to be polite in English emails and conversations.

You’ve got this! If you review these examples this week, you’ll feel more confident the next time you speak.