Course on Conditionals - TOEIC® Preparation

Conditionals allow you to express situations and their consequences. They are very present in the TOEIC®, as they reflect both facts, probabilities, and hypotheses. This course details the different types of conditionals, their structure, their usage, and their nuances.

But what is a conditional sentence?

As mentioned in the introduction, a conditional sentence is a sentence that allows you to express a condition. This sentence is composed of two parts:

• The conditional clause (called the "if clause"): it expresses the condition.
• The main clause: it indicates the result or the consequence.

The general structure of this sentence is: "If + condition, result"

• If it rains, I will stay home.

The two parts can be reversed without changing the meaning, but in this case, the comma is not necessary:

• I will stay home if it rains.

There are 5 types of conditionals in English:

1. Zero-conditional
2. First-conditional
3. Second-conditional
4. Third-conditional
5. Mixed-conditional

Depending on the context of the action, its tense, its degree of probability, etc., one will choose one type of conditional over another. We will detail all these types of conditionals in the following sections.

1. The zero-conditional

The zero-conditional expresses general facts, universal truths, or predictable results. It is often used to talk about science, rules, or habits.

To form the zero-conditional, use the following structure:

If + present simple, present simple.

• If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
• If people don't exercise, they gain weight.
• If you press this button, it turns off.

To know if a sentence is in the zero-conditional, simply replace "if" with "every time". Indeed, this form allows you to express a general truth, so the condition is always true.

2. The first-conditional

The first-conditional expresses possible or probable events in the future. It is used when the condition is realistic.

To form the first-conditional, use the following structure:

If + present simple, will + base verb (infinitive).

• If it rains, I will stay at home.
• If she studies, she will pass the test.
• If they arrive on time, we will start the meeting.

You can read our course on the present simple to learn how to form the present simple.

A. No "will" after an "if"

As we saw in the course on the future (available here), if a sentence starts with "if", you cannot put "will" in that same part of the sentence:

❌ If I will go to London, I will visit Big Ben.
✅ If I go to London, I will visit Big Ben.

B. The first-conditional with "should" instead of "if" in formal contexts

In the first-conditional, it is possible to replace "if" with "should" in formal contexts. The use of "should" indicates that the event is probable but still hypothetical.

• Should you need any help, I will assist you.
• Should the meeting be postponed, we will inform all attendees.

3. The zero-conditional and first-conditional, particularities

The zero and first-conditional are the most used in English because they express realistic situations or general truths. However, there are several particularities and nuances in their use.

A. Using other forms or tenses in the "main clause" in zero and first-conditional

A.a. Using modals in the "main clause"

In the zero and first-conditional, it is possible to replace "will" with modals like "can", "may", "might", or "should" to express different nuances.

• "Can": Expresses a capability or a possibility.
  • If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
• "May" / "Might": Expresses an uncertain possibility.
  • If you study hard, you may pass the exam.
  • If we leave early, we might catch the train.
• "Should": Expresses advice or a recommendation.
  • If you feel sick, you should see a doctor.

A.b. Using the imperative in the "main clause"

In the zero and first-conditional, using the imperative in the main clause allows giving instructions or orders. This makes the sentences more direct.

• If you see Jane, tell her to call me.
• If it rains, take an umbrella.

B. In zero and first-conditional, you can use a tense other than the present simple in the "if clause"

B.a. Replacing the present simple with the present perfect in the "if clause"

To emphasize that an action is completed before a future consequence, you can use the present perfect in the if clause. The goal is to highlight that the condition is based on an action that has been completed before the consequence.

• If you have finished your work, we'll go out for dinner.
• If he has called, I'll let you know.

B.b. Replacing the present simple with the present continuous in the "if clause"

The present continuous in the if clause is used to talk about an ongoing or temporary action. This allows introducing conditions that depend on a momentary or ongoing situation.

• If you're getting tired, you should take a break.
• If it's raining, we'll stay indoors.

C. In zero and first-conditional, you can replace "if" with other expressions

C.a. Replacing "if" with "when"

In the zero and first-conditional, it is possible to use "when" instead of "if" to introduce the condition (or the moment when the action occurs).

• When the water reaches 100°C, it boils.

However, you must still pay attention to the sentence, as swapping "if" with "when" can change the meaning of the sentence:

• "If" expresses an uncertain condition, which may or may not occur.
  • If she gets pregnant, they will move to a bigger house.
• "When", on the other hand, assumes that the event will certainly happen.
  • When she gets pregnant, they will move to a bigger house.

C.b. Replacing "if" with "unless" to say "if not"

In the zero and first conditionals, you can replace "if" with "unless" to express a negative condition. "Unless" serves a similar function to "if not", but more concisely.

• If you don't study, you won't pass the exam.
• Unless you study, you won't pass the exam.

Important Points

• Negative meaning: Unlike "if", "unless" directly expresses a restriction or an exception.
  • Unless he apologizes, I won't forgive him.
• Grammatical subtlety: With "unless", it is not necessary to add a negation in the sentence (as with "if not").
  • ❌ Unless you don't study, you won't pass the exam. (incorrect – unnecessary double negation)
  • ✅ Unless you study, you won't pass the exam.
• "Not + unless" to emphasize a condition: "Not + unless" is often used to emphasize an essential condition. This structure is equivalent to "only ... if".
  • The company will only approve my application if I provide additional documents.
  • The company will not approve my application unless I provide additional documents.
• Nuance of certainty: The use of "unless" can sometimes add a more categorical or absolute nuance than a simple "if".

C.c. Replacing "if" with "if and only if"

In the zero and first conditionals, it is possible to replace "if" with expressions like "so long as", "as long as", "on condition that", and "providing" / "provided that", which indicate a strict or specific condition. These alternatives emphasize the necessity of the condition.

• "So long as" / "As long as"
  • You can stay here so long as you keep quiet.
  • As long as you work hard, you will succeed.
• "On condition that"
  • I'll lend you my car on condition that you return it before 8 PM.
• "Providing" / "Provided that"
  • I will let you take a day off provided that you finish your tasks first.
  • Providing the weather is good, we'll go for a hike.

C.d. Replacing "if" with "so that" or "in case"

In some contexts, you can replace "if" with "so that" (so that) or "in case" (in case) to express an intention or a precaution:

• "So that" is used to show that the action has a purpose or a desired consequence:
  • I'll explain it again so that everyone understands.
• "In case" expresses a measure taken as a precaution for a possibility:
  • Take an umbrella in case it rains.

C.e. Other expressions that can replace "if"

Here are other expressions not mentioned above that can replace "if" in the zero and first-conditional. Among these expressions are:

• "before"
• "until"
• "as soon as"
• "the moment"
• "after"

4. The second-conditional

The second conditional describes hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future. It is also used to give advice or imagine scenarios that are not real.

To form the second conditional, use this structure:

If + past simple, would ('d) + base verb (infinitive).

Example to talk about an unlikely or unrealistic situation in the present:

• If I had a car, I would drive to work every day.

In this example, I do not currently have a car, it is a hypothesis contrary to my current situation.

Example to talk about an unlikely or unrealistic situation in the future:

• If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would buy a mansion.

Here, "winning the lottery tomorrow" is considered highly unlikely, so we use the second conditional.

Be very careful, there is never a "would" in the if-statement!

✅ If I had a car, I would drive to work every day.
❌ If I'd have a car, I would drive to work every day.

You can read our course on the past simple to learn how to form the past simple.

A. Replacing "would" with "could" or "might"

In the second conditional, it is possible to replace "would" with "could" or "might" to express different nuances:

• "Could": Expresses a capability or a possibility in a hypothetical scenario.
  • If I had more money, I could buy a new car.
  • This indicates that the action is achievable in this hypothetical context.
• "Might": Expresses a probability or an uncertainty.
  • If she studied harder, she might pass the exam.
  • Here, passing the exam is a possibility but not a certainty.

B. "If I were" and not "If I was"

In the second conditional, it is customary to use "were" for all subjects (including "I", "he", "she", "it") instead of "was", as this reflects the hypothetical nature of the sentence.

The use of "were" is considered more correct in formal or written hypothetical constructions. However, in everyday language, you sometimes hear "If I was", but this is less elegant or formal.

In summary: "If I were" is the standard and recommended form in the second conditional, especially in an academic or formal context.

• If I were rich, I would travel the world.
• If he were taller, he could play basketball professionally.

C. Expressing a preference in the first and second-conditional with "rather"

"Rather" can be used in the first and second conditional to indicate a preference between two actions or situations.

• First conditional: If it rains tomorrow, I'd rather stay at home than go out.
• Second conditional: If I had more free time, I'd rather read a book than watch TV.

D. Using "wish" in the second conditional

In the second conditional, "wish" can be used to express wishes or regrets about unreal or unlikely current or future situations. The past simple or could is used after "wish".

• If I spoke Spanish, I would apply for the job.
  → I wish I spoke Spanish so I could apply for the job.
• If she had more free time, she would travel the world.
  → I wish she had more free time so she could travel the world.

Never put a modal after wish, as wish is already a modal. Use the past simple directly after wish.
❌ I wish I would have more time.
✅ I wish I had more time.

To learn more about the modal wish, you can consult our course on modals.

5. The first and second-conditional, particularities

A. Expressing a prerequisite in the first and second-conditional with "be to"

The expression "be to" is used in the first and second conditionals to indicate a condition that must imperatively be met before the main action can take place. This gives a more formal or authoritative tone to the condition.

• First conditional:
  • If you are to pass the exam, you must study harder.
• Second conditional:
  • If she were to accept the job offer, how would she manage the relocation?
  • Here, "were to" adds a more formal hypothesis.

B. How to choose between the first and second-conditional?

The choice between the first and second conditional depends on the probability or reality of the situation:

• First conditional: Used for very probable situations in the future.
  • If it rains tomorrow, I'll stay home.
• Second conditional: Used for hypothetical, unlikely, or impossible situations in the present or future.
  • If I had a million dollars, I'd buy a mansion.

6. The third-conditional

The third conditional talks about hypothetical situations in the past, often used to express a regret about the past. It describes events that did not happen and their imaginary consequences. It is important to remember that the third conditional is only used to talk about unreal or imaginary past facts.

To form the third-conditional, use this structure:

If + past perfect, would have + past participle.

To learn more, you can read our course on the past perfect.

• If I had known, I would have helped you.
• If she had not ignored the instructions, she would have avoided the mistake.
• If they had left earlier, they wouldn't have missed the flight.

Be very careful, as with the second-conditional, there is never a "would" in the if-statement!

✅ If she had worked harder, she would have succeeded.
❌ If she would have worked harder, she would have succeeded.

A. Replacing "would" with "could" or "might"

In the third conditional, it is also possible to replace "would" with "could" or "might" to express different nuances:

• "Could" expresses a capability or a possibility in an unreal past situation.
  • If I had saved more money, I could have bought a house.
    • This indicates that buying a house would have been possible in this hypothetical scenario.
• "Might" expresses a probability or an uncertainty in a past scenario.
  • If she had taken the earlier train, she might have arrived on time.
  • Here, arriving on time is a possibility, but it is not a certainty.

B. Using "wish" in the third conditional

In the third conditional, "wish" can be used to express regrets about past events that did not happen as desired. It is followed by the past perfect to indicate that one imagines a different past.

• If I had studied harder, I would have passed the test.
  → I wish I had studied harder so I could have passed the test.
• If we had arrived earlier, we would have seen the performance.
  → I wish we had arrived earlier so we could have seen the performance.

Never put a modal after wish, as wish is already a modal. Use the past simple directly after wish.
❌ I wish I would have studied harder
✅ I wish I had studied harder.

To learn more about the modal wish, you can consult our course on modals.

7. The mixed-conditional

Mixed conditionals mix elements of the second and third conditional. They are used to express situations where a past action has consequences in the present, or vice versa.

To form the mixed-conditional, use this structure:

If + past perfect, would + base verb (infinitive).

• If I had studied medicine, I would be a doctor now.
• If I had worked harder at school, I would have a better job now.
• If she hadn't missed the train, she would be here with us.

Conclusion

In summary, conditionals are very important for expressing complex ideas, hypotheses, probabilities, or regrets. They are everywhere in the TOEIC® and in everyday life, so mastering them allows you to communicate better and be more precise. With practice, you will be comfortable using them in many situations, whether in a professional or personal context!

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