English

1. First conditional -future-
If + S. + V. (PRESENT SIMPLE) + C. , S. + WILL + infinitive + C.
conditional clause , main clause
Ex: If I have time, I'll do the shopping.
VARIATIONS:
1.- the main clause can be in the 1st
position; then, we don't use the comma.
Ex: I'll do the shopping if I have time.
2.- the conditional clause can be introduced by IF, UNLESS, WHETHER.
Ex: I won't do the shopping UNLESS I have time.
Ex: It doesn't matter WHETHER she likes it or not. (to present two different options)
3.- in the main clause, we can also have modal verbs (can, may, ...), present
tenses, imperatives.
Ex: She can stay if the wants. (modal verbs)
Ex: I don't know unless you tell me. (present tense)
Ex: If it rains, don't come. (imperatives)
USE: To express probable or certain results in the FUTURE
(if the condition is fulfilled)

2. Second conditional -future-
If + S. + V. (PAST SIMPLE) + C. , S. + WOULD + infinitive + C.
conditional clause , main clause
Ex: If Fernando Alonso wasn't so competitive, he wouldn't win so many races.
USE:
1.- To express improbable or imaginary results in the FUTURE
because the condition is unreal or very improbable.
Ex: If I were a woman, you would understand how I feel.
2.- To give advice.
Ex: You could do your best if you worked harder.
If the verb TO BE is used to establish the conditions, we only
use WERE for all the subjects.
Ex: I wouldn't do that if I were you.

3. Third conditional -past-
If + S. + V. (PAST PERFECT) + C. , S. + WOULD + HAVE + past participle + C.
conditional clause , main clause
Ex: If you had told me before, I would have helped you.
USE:
1.- To express improbable or imaginary results in the PAST.
Ex: If I had played harder, I could have won.
2.- To express complaints or regrets about a PAST situation.
Ex: If I had worked harder, I could have passed the exam.