English Grammar: Conditionals and Modals

Describes possible future events. If-clause uses present simple, then-clause uses future simple.

Describes imaginary or improbable situations. If-clause uses past simple, then-clause uses would + base form of verb.

Connect clauses and introduce relative clauses to add details about a noun.

Express possibility, ability, permission, obligation, etc. Followed by base form of main verb

Express relationships between events (e.g., if this happens, then that will happen).

This describes a possible situation in the future. It's structured as 'If + present simple, will + base form of verb'.

This describes an imaginary or impossible situation, often in the present or future. It's structured as 'If + past simple, would + base form of verb'.

These words link clauses, connecting a noun phrase to another part of the sentence. They provide extra information or definitions.

These auxiliary verbs help express ability, permission, obligation, possibility, etc. They are followed by the base form of the main verb.

These exercises help you apply grammar rules and improve your language skills. They often include various levels and content to ensure consistent practice.

The first conditional describes a realistic possibility in the future, while the second conditional describes an imaginary or unlikely situation. The first conditional uses the present simple in the 'if' clause, while the second conditional uses the past simple.

Describe a possible future event that depends on a hypothetical condition. Uses 'If + past simple' in the first clause and 'would + base form of verb' in the second clause, implying that the hypothetical event would influence the future event.

Modal verbs are helping verbs that add extra meaning to a main verb. They express things like ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and requests.

Modal verbs can be used to make requests politely, with varying degrees of formality. Examples include 'Can you...?' for casual requests, 'Could you...?' for more polite requests, and 'May I...?' for formal requests.

Modal verbs like 'can' and 'could' can also express ability. 'Can' refers to present ability, while 'could' refers to past ability.

The modal 'must' expresses a strong obligation or necessity. It means something is required or essential.

Modals like 'should' and 'ought to' are used to give advice or recommendations. They suggest what someone should do.

The choice of modal verb can change the formality of a request. 'Can' is informal, 'Could' is more polite, 'May' is very formal.

Adding 'please' after a modal verb emphasizes the politeness of a request, regardless of the modal used.

'Have to' expresses an external obligation, while 'Must' expresses a strong, internal obligation.