All Conditionals

0 Conditional

• Purpose: general facts, habits, and rules — things that are always true.
• Structure: if-clause in the present, main clause in the present.
• Example:
  • If we do our job, we are recompensed. (general truth)

1st Conditional

• Purpose: to talk about a possible situation in the present / future.
• Structure:
  • if-clause in the present (can refer to the present / future),
  • main clause in the Future, Imperative, or Modal.
• Example:
  • If we do our job, we will be recompensed.
  • If we do our job, do yours as well.
  • If we do our job, you should inform the boss.

Future Time Clause

• Purpose: only refers to the future.
• Structure: similar to the 1st conditional, using time conjunctions instead of if: when, as soon as, until, in case, etc.

2nd Conditional

• Purpose: express hypothetical situations in the present / future.
• Structure: if-clause in the past, main clause with would / could / might.
• Example:
  • If I had a lot of money, I would do this.

3rd Conditional

• Purpose: hypothetical situations in the past — things that did not happen.
• Structure: if-clause with the past perfect, main clause with would / could / might + have + past participle.
• Example:
  • If I had come home earlier, I would have seen him.

Mixed Conditionals

The time of the if-clause and the time of the main clause need not match:

• 2nd → 3rd (past consequence of a present/general condition):
  • If I were more careful (now), I wouldn’t have lost the keys (then).
• 3rd → 2nd (present consequence of a past condition):
  • If I had taken that job (then), I would be living abroad now.