Conditionals

20 words

1. 1

   If + present simple, present simplegrammar

   A general truth or habitual result: when one thing happens, another always follows.

   “If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.”

2. 2

   If + present simple, can + Vgrammar

   Used to express that if A happens, B is possible or someone is able to do something.

   “If you press this button, you can open the door.”

3. 3

   If + past perfect, would + Vgrammar

   A past condition (which did not happen) with a present result or situation.

   “If I had studied medicine, I would be a doctor now.”

4. 4

   If + past simple, might/may + Vgrammar

   Used with a past-tense condition to express a present or future possibility with less certainty (might/may).

   “If I lived closer to work, I might walk every day.”

5. 5

   If + present simple, imperativegrammar

   Used to give instructions or commands that should be done if a condition is met.

   “If you see Maria, tell her I called.”

6. 6

   Should + subject + V, will + Vgrammar

   Formal conditional inversion: use 'Should + subject + verb' instead of 'If' to mean 'if by chance'.

   “Should you need any assistance, please contact reception.”

7. 7

   If it hadn't been for + noun, would have + past participlegrammar

   A third‑conditional pattern used to say that because of a noun/thing in the past, a different past result happened; used for unreal past situations.

   “If it hadn't been for the heavy traffic, I would have arrived on time.”

8. 8

   If it weren't for + noun, would + base verbgrammar

   A second‑conditional pattern using an impersonal 'it' + noun phrase to talk about present unreal situations; the result clause uses would + base verb.

   “If it weren't for the noise, I would study more in the evenings.”

9. 9

   If + past simple, would have + past participlegrammar

   Use past simple in the if-clause to talk about a present unreal condition that would have produced a different past result.

   “If I were taller now, I would have become a pilot last year.”

10. 10

    In case + clause / In case of + noungrammar

    Use 'in case' to mean 'to prepare for a possible event'. Use 'in case of' before a noun.

    “Take an umbrella in case it rains.”

11. 11

    Unless + present simple, will + Vgrammar

    Use unless to mean 'if not' for a negative condition in first conditional sentences.

    “Unless the weather improves, we will cancel the picnic.”

12. 12

    Even if + present simple, will + Vgrammar

    Use even if to emphasize that the result stays the same whether the condition happens or not.

    “Even if I fail the exam, I'll try again next year.”

13. 13

    As long as + present simple, will + Vgrammar

    Use as long as to mean 'provided that' or 'only if' — indicates a condition that must be met for a result.

    “You can come with us as long as you behave.”

14. 14

    Had + subject + past participle, would + have + past participlegrammar

    Inverted third conditional: use 'Had' + subject + past participle instead of 'If + past perfect' to express the same past unreal condition, typically in formal style.

    “Had I known about the strike, I would have postponed my trip.”

15. 15

    Provided (that) / Providing (that) + present simple, will + Vgrammar

    Use provided (that) or providing (that) to mean 'on the condition that' — similar to 'if' but slightly more formal.

    “You can stay out late provided that you finish your homework.”

16. 16

    If + subject + should + V, will + Vgrammar

    Use 'should' after if to express a less likely or more formal possibility in the future (If you should need any help, please call).

    “If you should have any questions, please contact me.”

17. 17

    If + present perfect, will + Vgrammar

    Use present perfect in the if-clause to say that when a task is finished (by some future time), the main clause (with will) will happen.

    “If you have finished your homework by six, we will go to the cinema.”

18. 18

    If + present continuous, will + Vgrammar

    Use present continuous in the if-clause for actions in progress or definite plans; the main clause uses will for the future result or decision.

    “If you're coming to the conference, I will book you a ticket.”

19. 19

    If + past simple, could + Vgrammar

    Use past simple in the if-clause and could in the main clause to talk about present unreal situations that would give ability or possibility.

    “If I had more free time, I could learn a new language.”

20. 20

    If + subject + were to + V, would + Vgrammar

    Use 'were to' + base verb in the if-clause to express a more unlikely or formal hypothetical; the main clause uses would for the result.

    “If he were to lose his job, he would move back home.”