The zero conditional states general facts, the first describes real future possibilities, the second describes unreal present or future situations, and the third describes unreal past situations and regrets. Each conditional matches a different kind of situation, from certain fact to impossible past.
Grammar Rule
Each conditional matches a different kind of situation: fact, real possibility, imaginary present, or past regret.
All Conditionals: Rules and Examples
| Conditional | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Zero | if + present, present | If you mix red and blue, you get purple. |
| First | if + present, will + base verb | If I have time tomorrow, I will call you. |
| Second | if + past, would + base verb | If I won the lottery, I would buy a house. |
| Third | if + past perfect, would have + participle | If she had studied, she would have passed. |
Remember: match each if-clause and result clause to the same conditional — zero, first, second, or third.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing the correct conditional type for each sentence. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Zero, First, Second and Third Conditionals – Consolidation
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the zero and first conditional?
The zero conditional states general facts, as in if you mix red and blue, you get purple, while the first describes real future possibilities, as in if I have time tomorrow, I will call you.
Which conditional expresses an unreal present situation?
The second conditional, as in if I won the lottery, I would buy a house.
Which conditional expresses regret about the past?
The third conditional, as in if she had studied, she would have passed.
Can if-clauses and result clauses from different conditionals be mixed?
Generally no, each conditional keeps its own matching pair of structures, though some mixed conditionals exist for special situations at higher levels.