CONDITIONAL CLAUSE RESULT CLAUSE EXAMPLES USE

ZERO CONDITIONAL
If Present Simple If/When two people have got a lot It is used to make statements
When + Present Simple in common, they normally get about the real world, and often
Unless modal + base form along. refers to general truths, such
as scientific facts.
You can’t participate in the course The time is now or always
unless you apply for it. and the situation is real and
possible.

FIRST CONDITIONAL
If Future Simple If you take my advice, you will do We use it when we talk about
Unless + present simple Imperative better in the exam. future situations we believe
modal + base form If she takes you for granted, ignore are real or possible.
her.
If a man is married, he can’t be
single.

SECOND CONDITIONAL
If would If Sarah and I had the money, we It is used to imagine present
Unless + past simple could/might + base form would buy a house. or future situations that are
If you got to know each other, you impossible or unlikely in
could/might be friends reality

THIRD CONDITIONAL
If + past perfect simple would have If you had apologised, I would It is used to express the
could/might have + past have forgiven you. past consequence of an
participle If we hadn’t grown apart, we unrealistic action or
could / might have been close situation in the past (regrets,
friends. oh no!)