Understanding conditional sentences

What are conditional sentences?

Conditional sentences, also known as “if-then” sentences, show relationships between conditions and outcomes. They help you discuss hypothetical situations, potential consequences, and the interplay between specific circumstances and their results. Conditionals usually contain two clauses: the “if” clause, which introduces your reader to the condition, and the “then” or result clause, which describes the condition’s outcome.

Types of conditional sentences

Conditional sentences come in four forms that each convey a distinct degree of probability, necessity, or causality. These forms are zero, first, second, and third conditionals. Let’s break down these types of conditional sentences more so you can see their differences.

Zero conditionals

Zero conditional sentences express general truths or that something will always happen if a certain condition is met. You should always use the simple present tense when writing zero conditionals. Here are some examples of zero conditional sentences:

• If you freeze water, it turns into ice.
  This sentence describes a fundamental physical process in which water always turns into ice when it reaches freezing temperatures.
• If you drop a heavy object, it falls to the ground.
  This sentence highlights the universal truth about the force of gravity and how objects behave when they’re dropped.

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First conditionals

Use first conditional sentences when you want to describe an outcome that is likely (but not guaranteed) to happen in the future when certain conditions are met. This type of conditional uses two tenses in its format: simple present and simple future. The “if” clause contains simple present tense, whereas the “then” or result clause contains the simple future tense. For example:

• If it rains tomorrow, I’ll stay at home.
  This first conditional describes how if a specific condition happens (rain) in the future (tomorrow), it’s likely that the person will stay home.
• If you finish your homework early, you can join us for a movie.
  This sentence suggests that the opportunity to join others for a movie in the future is contingent on the subject completing their homework early.

Second conditionals

Use this type of sentence when you want to describe a scenario where the condition will more than likely never be met, and therefore, the result is unrealistic too. When writing second conditional sentences, use simple past tense for the “if” clause and a modal auxiliary verb for the “then” or result clause. Here are some examples of second conditionals:

• If I could fly, I would orbit the sun.
  This sentence imagines the unrealistic ability for a human to fly and the corresponding action of orbiting the sun, which won’t happen either.
• If I won the lottery, I would buy my own island.
  This example describes an unlikely condition of winning the lottery and the related hypothetical result of buying an island.

Third conditionals

Third conditional sentences are reflective statements that explain how present circumstances might have been different if something different had happened in the past. Use the past perfect tense for the “if” clause, and use a modal auxiliary verb + “have” + the past participle of the main verb in the “then” or result clause. For example:

• If they had invested in that company, they would have been wealthy today.
  This third conditional sentence talks about the past opportunity of investing in a company that would have resulted in making the group wealthy.
• If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.
  This example describes how if the subject had studied harder, it would have resulted in them passing their exam.

Understanding the intricacies of conditional sentences enhances your ability to convey complex ideas in your writing. From zero conditionals for universal truths to third conditionals for past hypotheticals, conditionals are an effective way to add versatility to your work. Learn more ways to elevate your work with these writing tips.