ESL - Conditional
CONDITIONAL - IN A NUTSHELL
Lets make it simple
1) If Present -> Present
2) If Present -> Future (will / going to + V(infinitive))
3) If Past -> would + V(infinitive)
4) If Past Perfect -> Would + Present Perfect
5) variations…
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ADVANCED CONDITIONAL: COMMON
Here’s the final list of the 17 conditional structures, each with an explanation and corresponding
examples: this comprehensive list includes explanations and examples for each conditional
structure, helping to clarify how and when to use them effectively.
1. If + Present Simple → Present Simple
– Explanation: This structure is used to express general truths, scientific facts, or situations that
are always true when the condition is met.
– Examples:
– If you heat water, it boils.
– If it rains, the ground gets wet.
– If you mix blue and yellow, you get green
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2A. If + Present Simple → Future (Will + V(infinitive))
– Explanation: This structure describes a real and possible future situation. It indicates that if the
condition happens, the future event will occur as a result.
– Examples:
– If she calls, I will answer.
– If you study, you will pass the exam.
– If they arrive on time, we will start the meeting.
2B. If + Present Simple → Future (Going to + V(infinitive))
– Explanation: Similar to “will,” but with “going to.” It is often used to express intentions or plans
that are contingent on the condition being met.
– Examples:
– If it rains tomorrow, we are going to cancel the picnic.
– If he doesn’t hurry, he is going to miss the bus.
– If you cook dinner, I am going to set the table
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3A. If + Past Simple → Would + V(infinitive)
– Explanation: This is the standard structure for the second conditional, used to talk about
hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future.
– Examples:
– If I had more money, I would travel the world.
– If she were here, she would help us.
– If he knew the answer, he would tell us.
3B. If + Past Simple → Could / Might + V(infinitive)
– Explanation: This variation of the second conditional expresses hypothetical ability or
possibility, contingent on the condition being met.
– Examples:
– If I had a car, I could drive you home.
– If she were more confident, she might apply for the job.
– If we had time, we could visit the museum.
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4A. If + Past Perfect → Would Have + Present Perfect
– Explanation: This is the standard structure for the third conditional, used to discuss hypothetical
past situations and their possible outcomes, which did not actually happen.
– Examples:
– If I had known, I would have helped you.
– If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam.
– If they had left earlier, they would have caught the train.
4B. If + Past Perfect → Could / Might + Present Perfect
– Explanation: This variation of the third conditional expresses hypothetical possibilities or
abilities in the past that depend on a condition that wasn’t met.
– Examples:
– If I had seen you, I could have said hello.
– If he had asked, I might have given him the answer.
– If they had tried, they could have succeeded.
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5. If + Present Simple → Imperative (V(infinitive))
– Explanation: This structure gives a command, suggestion, or advice based on a condition. The
action in the imperative form depends on the condition being fulfilled.
– Examples:
– If you’re tired, take a nap.
– If you see John, tell him I’m looking for him.
– If you have time, visit the museum.
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6. If + Present Simple → Can / May / Might + V(infinitive)
– Explanation: This structure is used to express permission, possibility, or ability that depends on
the condition being met.
– Examples:
– If you finish early, you can go home.
– If you work hard, you may get a promotion.
– If it’s sunny, we might go to the beach.
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7. If + Present Simple → Present Continuous
– Explanation: This structure describes an ongoing action or a plan that will happen as a result of
a condition being met.
– Examples:
– If she comes to the party, I am leaving.
– If the phone rings, I am answering it.
– If it’s hot, we are swimming this afternoon.
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8. If + Present Simple → Present Perfect
– Explanation: This structure indicates that if a condition is met, a certain action will be
considered completed or relevant to the present moment.
– Examples:
– If he finishes the project, he has done a good job.
– If she calls me, I have already talked to her.
– If they arrive, they have made it on time.
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9. If + Past Simple → Would Be + V-ing
– Explanation: This structure describes a hypothetical situation where an action would be
ongoing in the present or future if the condition were met.
– Examples:
– If he were here, he would be working on the project.
– If I had a better computer, I would be using it now.
– If it weren’t raining, we would be playing outside.
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10. If + Past Perfect → Would + V(infinitive)
– Explanation: This mixed conditional structure connects a past hypothetical condition with a
present result, indicating how a past event (or lack thereof) impacts the present.
– Examples:
– If I had slept well, I would feel better now.
– If she had trained harder, she would be faster today.
– If they had saved money, they would have more now.
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11. If + Past Perfect Continuous → Would Have + Past Participle
– Explanation: This structure describes a hypothetical progressive action in the past that would
have led to a different outcome, had the condition been met.
– Examples:
– If she had been studying, she would have passed the test.
– If I had been listening, I would have understood the instructions.
– If they had been working together, they would have finished earlier.
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12. If + Present Perfect → Will + Base Verb
– Explanation: This structure is used to indicate that once a condition is met in the present
perfect tense, a future action will follow.
– Examples:
– If he has finished his homework, he will play outside.
– If she has left, I will call her.
– If they have arrived, we will start the meeting.
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13. If + Present Perfect → Would + Present Perfect
– Explanation: This less common structure is used to express how a condition that has been met
in the recent past could have affected a past outcome.
– Examples:
– If you have told me earlier, I would have helped.
– If he has completed the task, he would have submitted it by now.
– If she has studied, she would have done well on the test.
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14. If + Present Perfect → Present Simple
– Explanation: This structure indicates that a present perfect condition leads directly to a present
situation, deduction or state.
– Examples:
– If he has arrived, he is in his office.
– If she has called, she is waiting for a response.
– If they have finished, they are leaving soon.
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