Examples of Conditional Sentences

1. Zero Conditional

(General truths or rules; If + present simple, present simple)

1. If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.
2. If plants don’t get sunlight, they wither.
3. If you mix red and blue, you get purple.
4. If it rains, the ground gets wet.
5. If you press this button, the machine stops.
6. If you freeze water, it turns into ice.
7. If it’s sunny, plants grow better.
8. If you mix vinegar and baking soda, they react.
9. If people exercise regularly, they stay healthy.
10. If you press this switch, the light comes on.

2. First Conditional

(Real or likely situations in the future; If + present simple, will + base form)

1. If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
2. If you study hard, you’ll pass the exam.
3. If they arrive on time, we’ll start the meeting.
4. If you call him, he will help you.
5. If she practices every day, she’ll become a better dancer.
6. If it rains tomorrow, we’ll stay indoors.
7. If she finishes her homework, she can watch TV.
8. If they leave early, they will catch the first bus.
9. If you eat well, you’ll feel more energetic.
10. If he calls, I’ll let you know.

3. Second Conditional

(Hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future; If + past simple, would + base form)

1. If I had more time, I would travel the world.
2. If he were taller, he could play basketball professionally.
3. If you won the lottery, what would you do?
4. If we lived by the beach, we would go surfing every day.
5. If she knew French, she would apply for the job in Paris.
6. If I had more money, I would travel to Europe.
7. If she were a doctor, she could help the sick.
8. If we lived by the ocean, we would go swimming every day.
9. If they knew the answer, they would tell us.
10. If I were you, I would apologize.

4. Third Conditional

(Hypothetical situations in the past; If + past perfect, would have + past participle)

1. If I had known about the event, I would have attended.
2. If they had left earlier, they would have caught the train.
3. If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam.
4. If we had booked in advance, we would have gotten better seats.
5. If he hadn’t missed the flight, he would have been on time.
6. If I had studied harder, I would have passed the test.
7. If they had arrived on time, they wouldn’t have missed the show.
8. If she had known, she would have acted differently.
9. If we had saved more money, we could have gone on vacation.
10. If he hadn’t eaten so much, he wouldn’t have felt sick.

Advanced Conditional Sentences