Conditional forms are used to discuss things that happen based on the condition that something else happens. There are three main conditional forms.
The first conditional is used to consider real, possible events in the present or future:
If it rains, I'll take an umbrella.
The second conditional is used to speculate about unreal, improbable events in the present moment or future:
If I had a million dollars, I'd buy a big house.
The third conditional concerns imaginary (unreal) outcomes of past events:
If he had spent more time studying, he would have passed the exam.
First Conditional
If + S + present simple + objects, S + will + verb + objects
-> If the boys finish their homework early, they will play baseball.
Second Conditional
If + S + past simple + objects, S + would + verb + objects
-> If he bought a new car, he would buy a Ford.
Third Conditional
If + S + past perfect + objects, S + would have + past participle + objects
-> If she had seen him, she would have discussed the issues with him.
Here is a detailed guide to all conditional forms with examples, important exceptions to the rules and a structure guide. The alternate guide provides options for advanced level learners.
Once you've studied the rules - or if you already know the rules - test your knowledge:
For advanced level learners here is a reading dialogue comprehension exercise that focuses on using the third conditional.
This first and second conditional forms lesson employs reading comprehension about emergencies to help students discover and review the forms. Once students are comfortable with the form, they discuss other difficult or unusual situations using the first and second conditional
This conditionals tic-tac-toe is a great game to help students review all three conditional forms.
Finally, here is a printable conditional form quiz to use in class.
Practice the conditional forms with grammar chants. Using these chants, you and your classes can practice the structure so that it becomes natural and easy to remember.
