There are 3 types of conditionals: Type O uses a general truth with if and present tense. Type 1 uses real or probable situations with if, present or future. Type 2 uses imaginary situations with if, past tense, and would/could/might. Type 3 uses past perfect tense for super imaginary or regretful situations in the past.

1. CONDITIONALS
3 TYPES
by Natalia Tkachenko

2. TYPE O
If-clause Main clause
If + present simple present simple
If/When you mix red and yellow, you get orange
• to express a general truth or a scientific fact. We can
use when (= whenever) instead of if in this case.

3. TYPE 1
If-clause Main clause
If + Present simple or Future simple
• Present cont. or
• Present perfect or
• Present perfect cont. or
If I get paid today, I’ll treat you to a meal tonight
If I finish the project on time, I may take a few days off.
If they are studying, I won’t make any noise.
If she hasn’t cooked dinner, we will order a takeaway
• to express real or very probable situations in
the present or future
If = something may happen.
When = something will definitely happen.

4. TYPE 2
If-clause Main clause
If+ past simple or past continuous would/could/might + present base
infinitive
If I got up early, I would arrive at work on time.
If we were earning more money, we could buy a house by the sea.
If I were you, I would attend a computer course.
to express imaginary situations which are contrary to
facts in the present and, therefore, are unlikely to
happen in the present or future.
• We can use were instead of was for all persons in the
if-clause.
• We can also use the structure If I were you … to give
advice

5. TYPE 3
If-clause Main clause
If + past perfect or past perfect cont. would/could/might + perfect bare
infinitive
If they had invited us, we would have gone to the party.
If he had been listening, he might have heard what the teacher said.
to express (SUPER) imaginary situations which are
contrary to facts in the past. They are also used to
express regrets and criticism.