Theory of Conditionals in English

Theory of Conditionals in English (A2 Level)

Conditionals in English are sentences with two clauses – an ‘if’ clause and a main clause – that are used to express possibilities, hypotheses, or conditions and their outcomes. At the B1 level, you will primarily encounter three main types of conditionals: the first conditional, the second conditional, and the zero conditional. Understanding these will help you discuss possibilities, make predictions, talk about hypothetical situations, and state general truths based on conditions.

• Zero Conditional: Used to talk about facts or things that are generally true if a condition is met. It follows the structure: 

  • If/When + present simple, present simple.
  • Example: If you heat ice, it melts.

• First Conditional: Used to talk about real and possible situations in the future. It follows the structure:

  • If + present simple, will + base verb.
  • Example: If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the trip.

• Second Conditional: Used to talk about unreal, improbable, or hypothetical situations. It reflects a situation different from reality, where the condition is unlikely to happen. It follows the structure:

  • If + past simple, would + base verb.
  • Example: If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.

Fill in the Gaps Questions for Conditionals

1. If you _______ (boil) water, it _______ (turn) into steam.
2. If she _______ (have) more time, she _______ (read) more books.
3. If it _______ (rain) this weekend, we _______ (stay) at home.
4. If he _______ (eat) too much candy, he _______ (feel) sick.
5. If they _______ (win) the match, they _______ (celebrate) all night.
6. If I _______ (be) you, I _______ (not make) that decision.
7. If you _______ (want) to be healthy, you _______ (need) to exercise regularly.
8. If we _______ (see) her tomorrow, we _______ (tell) her about the meeting.
9. If she _______ (not understand) the lesson, she _______ (ask) for help.
10. If they _______ (not arrive) on time, they _______ (miss) the bus.
11. If he _______ (study) harder, he _______ (pass) the exam.
12. If you _______ (mix) blue and yellow, you _______ (get) green.
13. If I _______ (find) a wallet in the street, I _______ (take) it to the police.
14. If we _______ (not hurry), we _______ (be) late.
15. If she _______ (be) an animal, she _______ (want) to be a bird.
16. If you _______ (not water) the plants, they _______ (die).
17. If it _______ (be) sunny tomorrow, we _______ (go) to the beach.
18. If he _______ (know) the answer, he _______ (tell) us.
19. If they _______ (invite) you, would you _______ (go)?
20. If I _______ (have) the power to fly, I _______ (travel) the world.

Correct Answers with Detailed Explanation HERE