Conditionals Types of conditional sentences in English. Mixed Conditions

Considers very important topic- conditional sentences!

Conditional sentences are sentences where there is a certain condition under which an action will happen or could happen/not happen.

IN English There are 4 types of conditionals: zero, first, second and third.

Conditional sentences of type zero

They are used to describe events, scientific facts, phenomena that are real (well-known truths, generally accepted norms, habitual actions, etc.).

For example:

Water boils if you heat it to 100 degrees Celsius. - Water boils if you heat it to 100 degrees.

If he comes to town, we have supper together. - If he comes to town, we have dinner together.

Union if can be replaced by a conjunction when:

When he comes to town, we have dinner together. - When he comes to town, we have dinner together..

Conditional sentences of the first type

Describe events in the future. The situations described in such sentences are real and quite possible. In Russian, such sentences have the future tense.

For example:

The match will be canceled if it rains. - The match will be canceled if it rains.

You will be late if you don"t hurry up. - You will be late if you don’t hurry up.

There are other forms of conditional sentences of the first type:

• use only future tense

Sometimes both parts of a conditional sentence (both the condition clause and the result clause) can use the future tense. This use is especially typical for polite requests.

If you will wait for me, I will come with you. - If you wait for me, I will go with you.

To add an even greater hint of politeness, instead of the verb will in a conditional sentence, you can use would.

If you would come this way, I will take you to the theater. - If you come here, I will take you to the theater.

• going to form in a result sentence

The form going to often replaces the verb will in conditional sentences of the first type. This use emphasizes the result sentence.

If you don't mend your ways, you are going to land in trouble. - If you don't improve, you'll get into trouble.

• usagehappen to / should happen to

The conditional clause may sometimes use expressions happen to, should happen to. This usage suggests that what is expressed in the condition is unlikely, but if it does happen, then what is described in the result clause will happen.

If they happen to come to town, we will meet them. - If they come to the city, we will meet them. (It is unlikely that they will come. But if they come, we will meet them.)

• using modal verbs in a result sentence

A result sentence can use modal verbs to describe a future opportunity, permission, advice, etc.

If you finish your work, you can go out and play. - If you finish work, you can go outside to play.

• use of conjunctions provided (that), as long as

Instead of a union if conjunctions may be used provided (that) And as long as to emphasize that in order for what is described in the result clause to happen, a certain condition must be met.

Provided (that) he finishes his studies, he will find an excellent job. (= If he finishes his studies, he will find an excellent job.) - If he completes his studies, he will find an excellent job.

Conditional sentences of the second type

Describe unrealistic situations. Such sentences are also called “unreal present.” The situations in these sentences do not correspond to facts in the present and may never happen. In conditional sentences of the 2nd type subordinate clause is in the simple past tense, and the main clause is in the present conditional.

Formula: [ If + Past Simple], + [Would + Bare Infinitive]

If I were Rich, I would buy an yacht - If I was rich, I'm I would buy yacht.

If I were you, I wouldn't’ t be late. - If I were you, I wouldn't be late.

If I slept more, I wouldn't" t be so tired. - If I had slept more, I wouldn’t be so tired.

Conditional sentences of the third type

Describe situations related to the past. The facts in them are based on results opposite to those expected. They refer to unreal conditions in the past and possible outcomes in the past. In conditional sentences of the third type, the subordinate clause is in the past perfect tense, and the main clause is in the perfect conditional.

Formula: , +

If you had called them, they would have come. - If you had called them, they would have come.

If you had worked harder, you would have entered the university. - If you studied more, you would go to university.

If she had studied at the university, she would have found a better job. - If she had studied at university, she would have found a better job.

Sources used in preparing the material:abc-english-grammar.blogspot.com, metalearn.ru

website, when copying material in full or in part, a link to the source is required.

In the subjunctive mood of the English language, a special place is occupied by, or, to be more precise, several of its types. However, if the first four options are, as a rule, quite understandable, then with mixed Conditionals many people have questions. We are talking about mixed types and their possible variants, which have non-standard methods education and special rules of use.

Main characteristics

Conditional sentences are known to represent special situations where a condition is present; in fact, that’s why they got that name. There are four main types in total, including zero. However, the conditional mood implies the presence of several more (three) options, which are called “mixed”. Their main feature is that the time in two parts - subordinate and main - will differ from the standard options.

In total, it is customary to distinguish 3 types of mixed Conditionals.

First option mixed Conditionals

Conventionally, the first mixed type of conditional sentences consists of the following tenses:

If – Past Perfect (Past Perfect Continuous) + Future-in-the-Past

The essence of this option is that in the subordinate part the situation refers to the past tense, and in the main part - to the present, that is, regarding the time frame, everything is quite logical. It is worth noting that the word now almost always appears in the main part. Here are some examples of such sentences:

· If he had finished his work last week, he wouldn't suffer so much now – If he had finished his work last week, he would not have suffered so much now

· I wouldn't feel such a terrible headache now if I had taken my medicine in the morning - I wouldn’t have such a terrible headache now if I had taken my medicine in the morning

Second option

Conditional sentences of the mixed type of the so-called second option (there is no clearly designated numbered classification) have opposite tenses in the subordinate and main parts. This means that the subordinate clause will use the time of the subordinate part of the second type, and the main clause will use the time of the main part of the third. It looks like this:

Type 2 + Type 3

If – Past Simple (Past Continuous) + Future Perfect

As can be seen from the diagram, the rule also allows the use long-term form in the subordinate clause, as in the first version. The situation itself is logical: in the subordinate clause the action refers to the present time and emphasizes the situation in principle, and in the main clause it talks about something in the past that cannot be returned. Here are some options for such proposals:

· If they were not so stupid, we would have taken them in our team at that tournament – ​​If they weren’t so stupid, we would have taken them to our team at that competition

· I would have written this book yesterday if it were not so voluminous and boring – I would have finished this book yesterday if it weren’t so voluminous and boring

Third option

Some conditional sentences in English are of mixed type, but one of their parts may be of real type. We are talking about the last, third version of the mixed type of sentences, where the subordinate part belongs to the second type, and the main part belongs to the first, that is, it is used with the simple future tense. This option is in many ways reminiscent of zero conditionals, since there is nothing unrealistic here, and the action may well happen. The formula looks like this:

If – Past Simple (Past Continuous) + Future Simple

Here's what it might look like:

If he came yesterday, he will definitely come tomorrow – If he came yesterday, he will certainly come tomorrow

She will phone in a few days if she phoned last week – She will call in a few days if she called last week

The following small table will help you display all three Mixed Conditionals options and systematize the above information:

Thus, all mixed types of conditional sentences have fairly logical explanations and can be actively used in the language. It is only important not to confuse subordinate and main parts and correctly relate the situations.

Conditionals(conditional constructions or conditional sentences) – special kind complex sentences, when a subordinate clause expresses a certain condition, and the main clause expresses the consequence of this condition. Such proposals are often called if-sentences(sentences with conjunction if).

Depending on the condition expressed in the sentence, conditional constructions are divided into four types: conditional sentences null type, first, second and designs third type. Also distinguished mixed type conditional offers.

Conditionals of type zero

Zero Conditional(conditional sentence of zero type) – a conditional sentence that expresses general truths, natural and scientific facts , rules or frequently repeated events which have become the rule. In such sentences the subordinating conjunction if(if) can be replaced by when(When).

IN conditional sentences zero type, the Present Simple tense is always used in both the main and subordinate clauses.

• Ice cream melts if we heat it.– Ice cream melts if we heat it.
• If you don’t water plants, they die.– If you don’t water the plants, they will die.
• The ground gets wet when it rains.– The ground gets wet when it rains.
• When we mix blue and yellow, we get green.– When we mix blue and yellow, we get green.

Conditional constructions of type 1

First Conditional(conditional sentence of the 1st type) – a conditional sentence that expresses real or very likely situation in the present or future.

In conditional sentences of this type, the tense Present Simple is always used in the subordinate part, and in the main part, depending on the situation, the Future Simple, imperative mood or modal verbs can, must, may, etc. can be used with an infinitive without the particle to.

• Future Simple
• If I like this dress, I’ll definitely buy it.– If I like this dress, I will definitely buy it.
• Your feet will hurt if you wear these uncomfortable shoes.“Your feet will hurt if you wear these uncomfortable shoes.”
• If Jack decides to move to Florida, we will never see him again. If Jack decides to move to Florida, we'll never see him again.

• Imperative
• If you see Jessica tonight, give her this book, please.– If you see Jessica tonight, give her this book, please.
• If oranges are not expensive, buy me two kilos of them.– If the oranges are not expensive, buy me two kilograms of them.
• Please, come to my place and help me if you are not busy tomorrow.– Please come to my house and help me if you are not busy tomorrow.

• Modal verbs
• If you like these shoes, we can buy them.– If you like these shoes, we can buy them.
• You may stay at home next Monday if there is no work to do here.– You can stay at home next Monday if there is no work here.
• Kate must get up really early if she gets this job in New York. It's too far. Kate will have to get up very early if she gets this job in New York. She is too far away.

IN conditional sentences of the 1st type in a subordinate clause with a negative connotation instead of a conjunction if can be used unless(if not) and affirmative verb.

• You don't have to do this unless you want.“You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”
• I will be very angry unless you clean your room.– I will be very angry if you don’t clean your room.
• Matt won’t be able to go on holidays with us unless he saves some money. Matt won't be able to go on holiday with us unless he saves up some money.

Conditional constructions of type 2

Second Conditional(type 2 conditional sentence) – a conditional sentence expressing an unreal situation in the present. Subordinate clause expresses imaginary situation, which contradicts the facts in the present, and therefore impossible or unlikely in the present or future.

In conditional sentences of the 2nd type, Past Simple is always used in the subordinate part, and the verb were(not was) is used for all persons. The main part of such sentences uses modal verbs would, could, might with verb infinitive without the to particle. In these sentences you cannot replace the conjunction if on when.

• If I were him, I would never do that.“If I were in his place, I would never do that.”
• Jack Could be happy if he married Janice. Jack would be happy if he married Janice.
• If Martha were rich, would she move to another country?– If Martha were rich, would she move to another country?
• The children might play outside if the weather were nice.- The children could play outside if the weather was good.

Conditional constructions of the 3rd type

Third Conditional(conditional sentences of the 3rd type) – a conditional sentence that expresses an unreal situation in the past and her unrealistic consequences, that is, this situation never happened. Most often, conditional constructions of the 3rd type convey annoyance, criticism, reproach for something not done in the past.

In conditional sentences of the 3rd type in the subordinate clause if-parts use Past Perfect, as well as sometimes Past Perfect Continuous, and in the main part - modal verbs would, could, might and perfect infinitive without the to particle. In such sentences the conjunction if cannot be replaced by when.

• You could have passed your exam if you had studied harder.“You would have passed your exam if you had studied harder.”
• If they had asked me for help, I would have helped them.“If they asked me for help, I would help them.”
• What would you have done if I hadn’t helped you at that time?– What would you have done if I hadn’t helped you then?
• If you hadn't been talking on the phone for so long, we might have arrived to the airport on time.– If you hadn’t been on the phone for so long, we would have arrived at the airport on time.

Mixed conditionals

Mixed Conditions(conditional sentences of mixed type) - conditional sentences in which situations or actions in the subordinate and main parts relate to different times. Can mix with each other only conditional sentences 2nd And 3 types. There are two types of mixed conditionals.

IN first type of mixed sentences condition in subordinate clause if-part refers to the past tense, and the result in the main clause refers to the present. In this case, in the subordinate clause if Past Perfect (as in third conditional), and mainly modal verbs would, could, might with a simple infinitive without the to particle(as in second conditional).

• If I had got that job, I could be rich now. If I had gotten that job, I would be rich now.
• If we had taken a map, we wouldn’t be lost now.“If we had taken the map, we wouldn’t be lost now.”
• They might be still together if they hadn’t moved to different countries.“They would still be together if they had not gone to different countries.”
• Matt would feel better today if he hadn’t gone to the party yesterday. Matt would have felt better today if he had not gone to the party yesterday.

In second type of mixed sentences condition in subordinate clause if-part does not refer to a specific time, but is a general constant characteristic of something. However, the result or consequences of this in the main clause happened in the past. In this case, in the subordinate clause if-the sentence uses the Past Simple tense (as in second conditional), and mainly modal verbs would, could, might with perfect infinitive without the to particle(as in third conditional).

• I wouldn't have helped you if we weren't friends.“I wouldn’t have helped you if we weren’t friends.”
• If I spoke French, I could have been appointed to that position.– If I spoke French, I would have been appointed to that position.
• If I weren't afraid of cats, I might have adopted one long time ago.“If I weren’t afraid of cats, I would have adopted one long ago.”
• Kate wouldn’t have let you stay overnight at her place if she weren’t a kind person.“Kate wouldn’t let you spend the night with her if she weren’t kind.”

Comma in conditional sentences

In conditional sentences, if the subordinate clause if-the sentence follows the main part, then comma between them not placed.

• I will buy this balloon for you if you behave well.“I’ll buy you this ball if you behave.”
• Matt wouldn’t have made this mistake if you had explained something to him.“Matt wouldn’t have made this mistake if you had explained something to him.”

If the subordinate clause comes before the main clause, then they separated by a comma.

• If you hold an ice cube in your hand, it melts.– If you hold an ice cube in your hand, it will melt.
• If I were you, I wouldn’t have given such a big sum of money to Paul.“If I were you, I wouldn’t give Paul such a large amount of money.”

One of the complex topics that English grammar includes is Conditionals. This section requires detailed consideration. An analogue of such constructions in Russian are sentences in However, in English there are a number of features that must be taken into account when translating.

Null type

This type implies cause-and-effect relationships. It is used in cases where it is necessary to indicate a real condition, the result of which is always relevant. Most often, Zero conditional mood in English is used when it is necessary to point out specific facts, established procedures, habits, and also when advice or instructions are given. Type zero does not refer to any single case, but implies scientific facts, patterns, well-known truths, and everyday repetitive actions.

The construction scheme is as follows:

Such constructions are translated into Russian with the words “if” or “when”, without the particle “would”.

• If people eat more, they become fat. - If people eat more, they gain weight.
• If you set yourself a goal, you must try hard to achieve it. - If you set a goal for yourself, you must strive hard to achieve it.
• If you want to be in good trim, don't eat much. - If you want to be in good shape, don't eat too much.

First type (real present)

First condition is used in cases where we are talking about a real condition and further consequences. Implies probable future developments. This type is used if it is necessary to convey prediction, irrational prejudices, forecasting, intention, warning, future plans, possibilities.

In this case, the following scheme is used:

According to the context, the first part of the conditional sentence means the future tense and, as a rule, is translated into Russian in the future tense (in the English version, this part of the sentence is presented in the present form).

• If you don"t hurry, you"ll be late for the dinner. - If you don't hurry up, you'll be late for lunch.
• If I miss the plane today, I "ll stay at home. - If I miss the plane today, I will stay at home.
• If you can get a ticket for me, I"ll go to the cinema with you. - If you can get a ticket for me, I will go to the cinema with you.
• If you see my friends later, will you tell them to call me? - If you see my friends later, can you tell them to call me?

Second type (unreal present)

This type expresses hypothetical possibilities in the present or future tense. We may also be talking about something unlikely or practically impossible. Construction scheme:

Note: in similar sentences was needs to be replaced with were. However, occasionally in everyday colloquial speech you can meet was.

First and second conditions in English may be close in meaning, but type 2 assumes that the probability of performing a particular action is much less than in a conditional sentence of type 1. This construction can be used when you imagine a different version of the existence of the current reality or express desires related to the present time. In Russian, in such cases there is a subjunctive mood using the words “if”. When translating, one should take into account the features that the English language implies. Second conditional is also called hypothetical.

• If I were you, I would apply for a job. - If I were you, I would apply for a job.
• If I were president, I would make the life in our country better. - would make life in our country better.
• If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go out every night. - If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go for a walk every evening.
• If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly. - If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly.

Third type (unreal past)

This type involves hypothetical situations from the past. As a rule, we are talking about events that did not happen in the past. This structure is used in cases where we are talking about an imaginary situation that is the opposite of real facts that happened in the past. Often used to express criticism, regret and indignation.

To use this design, the following scheme is used:

If the word order changes, if is not used.

• If I had worked harder, I would have bought an expensive camera. - If I worked harder, I would buy an expensive camera.
• If I had been invited to her birthday, I would have bought a gift for her. - If I was invited to her birthday, I would buy a gift for her.
• If I had set the alarm, I wouldn't have overslept. - If I set the alarm, I wouldn't oversleep.

Mixed type

Mixed conditionals in English imply a comparison of the second and third types. As a rule, such constructions are used if one part of the sentence refers to the past tense, and the second to the present.

Scheme 1: the condition refers to the past tense, and the consequence - to the present.

Scheme 2: the consequence refers to the past tense, and the condition - to the present.

Mixed conditionals in English, examples of which are presented below, will require more detailed study, since at first glance this topic may seem somewhat complicated.

• If I knew that actor, I would have spoken to him. - If I knew that actor, I would talk to him. (In this example, the first part containing the condition represents type 2, and the main part is type 3).
• If Gabriela had found a job, she wouldn't be searching for one know. - If Gabriela had found a job, she would not be looking for it now. (The conditional part belongs to the third type, and the main part to the second).

Punctuation features

If a subordinate clause containing a condition appears before a chapter, a comma is placed between them. If the order is reversed, there is no comma.

For example:

• If you had called him, he would have come immediately. - If you called him, he would come immediately.
• He would have come if you called. - He would have come if you called him.

Understanding the topic of Conditionals in English and learning to define certain ones in the original language is quite easy if you devote enough time to this issue. However, difficulties may arise when translating from Russian. Here are some tips on what to look for:

• Sentences containing the words “if” and “if” are conditional, which means that when translating into English you will have to take into account
• It must be determined whether the implied condition is real or unreal. If the particle “would” is present, then the condition in this phrase is unreal.
• What time does the conditional part refer to? If to the past - this is the third type. If to the present or future - the second.
• In cases where one part complex sentence refers to the past, and the second - to the present, a mixed type is used.

Conditionals in English: exercises with answers

Completing various tasks will help you learn information faster:

Task 1:

a) compare parts of sentences and determine the type of condition;
b) translate into Russian.

1. If you had taken my advice...	A. ... I"ll win.
2. If you are ill...	B. ... I would put on a coat.
3. If I enter the competition...	C. ... you woudn"t have got into such trouble.
4. If he had found out...	D. ... see a doctor.
5. If I were you...	E. ...he would have been angry.
6. If you make a mistake...	F. ...teacher will correct it.

Task 2: translate into English, determine the type:

1. If you had called me, I would have known about it.
2. If you want to win, you need to try harder.
3. If he loved books, he would read them.
4. If people go to the gym, they feel better.
5. If it rains when we arrive, we will cancel the picnic.

Answers 1:

1. C. If you had listened to my advice, you would not have such troubles. (3)
2. D. If you are sick, consult a doctor. (0)
3. A. If I go to the competition, I will win. (2)
4. E. If he found out, he would be angry. (3)
5. B. If I were you, I would put on a coat. (2)
6. F. If you make a mistake, the teacher will correct you. (1)

Answers 2:

1. If you had called me, I would have known about it. (3)
2. If you want to win, you have to try harder. (1)
3. If he liked books, he would read them. (2)
4. If people go to the gym, they feel better. (0)
5. If it is raining when we arrive, we"ll cancel the picnic. (1)

The topic of Conditionals in English is quite easy to understand. In order to freely use various grammatical formulas and constructions in everyday speech, accurately determining the type of conditional sentence, it is extremely important to consolidate the acquired knowledge in practice. In addition to performing exercises on translation and comparison of phrases, you need to include such structures in your everyday speech, find them in the process of reading literature in the original and use them in writing.

With the help of conditional sentences, we say that something will/will not happen or could happen under certain conditions:

“If the weather is good, we will go for a walk. If she knew English, she would have found new job. If he hadn't missed the plane, he would have been here."

There are four types of conditionals in English: 0, 1, 2 and 3.

So that you do not get confused and can use all these types correctly, in the article we will analyze each of them, and I will give you a general table of their use.

From the article you will learn:

What are conditional sentences in English?

Conditional sentences- these are sentences where there is a certain condition under which an action will occur or could happen/not happen.

For example: If he fixes the car, we will go out of town (the action will only happen if he fixes the car).

All conditional sentences consist of 2 parts:

1. The main part is the event itself

2. Condition - an event under which the action in the main part would be possible

Conditional sentences can be used when we say:

• About real events

For example: If they go to the cinema, they will call me (if the condition is met - the event will happen).

• About unreal events

For example: If he had money, he would buy this phone (the event is unrealistic, since he has no money).

There are 4 types of conditional sentences in English.

Let's look at each of them.

Zero type of conditional sentences in English

Zero Conditional

When are type zero conditionals used?

We use this type of conditional sentences when we describe events, things, phenomena that are always real and true.

These could be:

• Scientific facts
• Laws of nature
• Commonly accepted statements
• Obvious statements
• Actions that always occur under such conditions

For example:

If you hit yourself hard, you will bruise (obvious statement)

How are type zero conditional sentences constructed?

This conditional type of sentence is the easiest.

Since we are talking about events that are always true, both parts use Present Simple.

The outline of such a proposal:

Actor + action + if + actor + action

Attention: If we are talking about one person (he, she, it), do not forget to add the ending -s/-es to the action.

If you heat ice, it melts.
If you heat ice, it will melt (this always happens).

If she cleans in a flat, she listens to the radio.

Now let's move on to conditional sentences of the 1st type.

The first type of conditional sentences in English

First Conditional

When are conditional sentences of the first type used?

Such sentences are used when we talk about real events in the future. That is, if the condition is met, then the action will occur in the future.

For example:

If we meet on the weekend, we will go to the museum (the action will happen if the condition is met).

How are conditional sentences of the first type constructed?

Let's look at how the main and conditional parts are built in such a sentence.

The main part contains an action that will or will not happen in the future. Therefore, in this part we use the Future Simple tense, which is formed using the verb will.

For example:

I will buy this dress….
I will buy this dress...

He will pass an exam….
He will pass the exam...

The conditional part contains a certain condition, upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of which the action from the main part will occur.

In this part we use present time Simple (simple present), despite the fact that we translate it into Russian in the future tense.

For example:

If she studies hard...
If she studies hard...

If they come…
If they come...

The outline of such a proposal:

Actor + will + action + if + actor + action

She will come if she feels well.
She will come if she feels good.

They will help you if you ask them.

The second type of conditional sentences in English

Second Conditional

When is the 2nd type of conditional sentence used?

We use such sentences when we talk about imaginary situations in the present and future. The events referred to in such sentences are unlikely or unrealistic.

For example:

If it were warm, we would go for a walk in the park (but now it’s cold, so these events are unrealistic).

How are type 2 conditional sentences constructed?

Let's look at both parts.

The main part is formed using would. When constructing a sentence, we put would after the actor, and then comes the verb in the initial form.

For example:

She would buy the phone...
She would buy this phone...

They would come...
He would come...

In the conditional part we use Past Simple tense.

Depending on the verb, this tense is formed as follows:

• if the verb is regular, we add the ending -ed (cook - cooked)
• if the verb is not regular, we put it in the 2nd form (see - saw).

For example:

If she had enough money...
If only she had enough money...

If they knew English...
If only they knew English...

The outline of such a proposal would be:

Actor + would + action + if + actor + regular verb ending -ed or 2nd form irregular verb

They would go to the cinema if he bought tickets.
They would go to the cinema if he bought tickets.

She would cook dinner if she had enough time.
She would cook dinner if she had time.

The third type of conditional sentences in English

Third Conditional

When is type 3 conditional used?

We use this type of conditional sentence when we talk about unrealistic situations that might or might not have happened in the past under certain conditions.

For example:

He would not have been late for work if he had caught the bus (but he did not have time and was late, so these events are unreal and cannot be changed).

How are type 3 conditional sentences constructed?

Let's look at both parts.

The main part is formed using:

• would
• 3rd form of irregular verb or regular verb ending -ed

For example:

They wouldhave passed the exam...
She would have passed this exam….

He would have come…
He would come...

In the conditional part we use Past Perfect tense (past perfect tense), which is formed using:

• auxiliary verb had 3rd form
• irregular verb or regular verb ending -ed

For example:

If she had worked hard...
If only she worked hard...

If they had found out the truth…
If they found out the truth...

The outline of such a proposal would be as follows:

Actor + would + have + action in 3rd form + if + actor + had + action in 3rd form

They would have won that game if they had trained enough.
They would have won that game if they had practiced enough.

She would have lived abroad if she had got married him.
She would live abroad if she married him.

General table for using conditional sentences

Now let's look at a general table to reinforce the use of these sentences.

Conditional Sentence Type	When to use	How is the main part formed?	How is the conditional part formed?	Examples
Null	When we describe events, things, phenomena that are always real and true.		Using Present Simple tense	If she cleans in a flat, she listens to the radio. If she is cleaning the apartment, she listens to the radio (this always happens).
First	When we talk about real future events	Using the Future Simple tense	Using Present Simple tense	They will help you if you ask them. They will help you if you ask them.
Second	When we talk about imaginary situations in the present and future. These events are unrealistic or unlikely.	With would, the action remains in its initial form	Using Past Simple	He would buy the car if he won the lottery. He would buy a car if he won the lottery.
Third	When we talk about unrealistic situations that might or might not have happened in the past under certain conditions.	By using: would 3rd verb form	Using Past Perfect	They wouldhave passed the exam if they had studied hard. They would pass this exam if they studied hard.

So, we've covered the theory, now let's move on to practice.

Reinforcement task

Translate the following sentences into English. Leave your answers in the comments below the article.

1. They will make a cake if they go to the store.
2. She would go to the cinema if he called her.
3. If she works, she gets up early.
4. If he had graduated from that university, he would have worked here.
5. She will buy a new laptop if she sells the old one.