Conditionals

Conditionals

1. Zero conditional

   • It serves to form sentences where both the condition and the result are real events. The best example of this type of sentence are those related to scientific arguments.
     • Structures and example
       • If + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in present simple) + Result (sentence with verb conjugated in present simple)
       • If you mix red and blue, you get purple

2. First conditional

   • The first conditional is used to raise scenarios in the future whose realization is very likely. Therefore, it is the conditional indicated to express plans.
     • Structure and example
       • If + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in present simple) + will + Result (sentence with verb in infinitive).
       • If everyone agrees, we will go to Spain next year

3. Second conditional

   • The second conditional already enters the realm of hypothetical imaginary scenarios. It is used to raise unreal ideas of the present or actions in the future that are unlikely.
     • Structures and example
       • If + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in past simple) + would + Result (sentence with verb in infinitive).
       • If I won the lottery, I would buy a house

4. Third conditional

   • The third conditional (or third conditional) raises situations from the past that did not happen. It is the type of sentence most related to the would of the Spanish subjunctive.
     • Structure and example
       • If + Condition (sentence with verb conjugated in the past perfect) + would have + Result (sentence with verb conjugated in the past).
       • If I had studied medicine, I would have been a surgeon today