English Conditionals: Types and Usage

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14 Questions

Which type of conditional is used to express a hypothetical or conditional situation that is likely to happen in the future?

First conditional

In which type of conditional do we use the pattern 'if + simple present, simple present'?

Zero conditional

Which conditional type is used to express a hypothetical situation that is unlikely to happen or is purely hypothetical?

Second conditional

If you mix red and blue paint, which type of conditional does this sentence exemplify?

Zero conditional

Which type of conditional follows the pattern 'if + simple present, will + base verb'?

First conditional

If it had snowed last night, I would have built a snowman. This sentence is an example of which type of conditional?

Second conditional

What type of conditional is used to express a general truth or fact about the world?

Zero Conditional

In which type of conditional do we find the pattern 'if + past perfect, modal verb + present perfect'?

Third Conditional

Which conditional type uses the present tense in the condition clause and a modal verb in the result clause?

Second Conditional

If it snows heavily tomorrow, I will build a snowman. This sentence exemplifies which type of conditional?

First Conditional

Which type of conditional is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the past that did not happen, with an outcome that did not happen either?

Third Conditional

What type of conditional is used when expressing a hypothetical or unlikely situation with a past tense condition clause and a modal verb in the result clause?

Second Conditional

If I wake up late tomorrow, I will miss the bus. This sentence follows which conditional pattern?

First Conditional

Which type of conditional uses a modal verb + present perfect in the result clause and expresses a hypothetical situation that is unlikely to happen?

Third Conditional

Study Notes

Conditionals

Overview

Conditionals are a type of sentence in English that express hypothetical or conditional situations. They are used to describe different aspects of reality, such as what would happen if something were to change. There are four main types of conditionals: zero conditional, first conditional, second conditional, and third conditional. Each type has a specific structure and meaning.

Zero Conditional

The zero conditional is used to express a fact or a statement that is always true. It is called a "zero conditional" because it doesn't involve a change in reality, but rather a statement about the way things are. The zero conditional follows the pattern "if + simple present, simple present." Here's an example:

  • If you mix red and blue paint, you get purple.

First Conditional

The first conditional is used to express a hypothetical or conditional situation that is likely to happen in the future. It is called a "first conditional" because it deals with the present and the future. The first conditional follows the pattern "if + simple present, will + base verb." Here's an example:

  • If it rains, I will take an umbrella with me.

Second Conditional

The second conditional is used to express a hypothetical or conditional situation that is unlikely to happen or is purely hypothetical. It is called a "second conditional" because it deals with the past and the present. The second conditional follows the pattern "if + simple past, modal + base verb." Here's an example:

  • If I had a million dollars, I would buy a large vacation home.

Third Conditional

The third conditional is used to express a hypothetical or conditional situation that did not happen in the past. It is called a "third conditional" because it deals with the past perfect and the present perfect. The third conditional follows the pattern "if + past perfect, modal + present perfect." Here's an example:

  • If it had rained last week, the plants would be alive now.

In summary, conditionals are a useful tool for expressing hypothetical or conditional situations in English. By using the appropriate tense and structure, you can effectively communicate a variety of possibilities and outcomes.

Learn about the four main types of conditionals in English: zero conditional, first conditional, second conditional, and third conditional. Understand the unique structure and meaning of each type, along with examples for better clarity.

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