Vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
Conditionals: zero, first and second
Choose the right verb forms for a zero, first or second conditional sentence.
A conditional sentence has two halves: a condition beginning with if, and a result. What tells you which conditional you are looking at is not the meaning but the verbs — and there are only three patterns to learn at this stage.
Zero — what always happens
If you heat ice, it melts. Simple present in both halves. Use it for facts, rules and instructions: nothing is being predicted, because it is true every time.
First — what may well happen
If it rains, we will cancel the match. Simple present after if, then will plus the base verb. Use it for a real possibility in the future.
Second — what is not the case
If I had a map, I would find the way. Simple past after if, then would plus the base verb. The past tense here is not about the past; it is how English marks something as imagined.
Watch out
In these three patterns, will does not appear in the if-half. Not "If it will rain, we will stay in" — the if-half stays in the present even when the whole sentence is about tomorrow.
Worked example
Which conditional is this, and what fills the gap? "If I ____ the captain, I would change the batting order."
Look at the result half: would change.
Would plus a base verb belongs to only one of the three patterns.
Try it together
Let us build one of each, from the same three verbs.
Each step names the verb you need. Write only the words that go in the gap.
1.Zero conditional. Use the present-simple form of "rust". Write one word: If you leave a bicycle out in the rain, it ____.
Have a go
Which sentence is a first conditional?
Ready to practise?
Eight questions on what you have just read. Nothing is timed, and you can play as many times as you like.