Conditional Sentences!  Conditionals are sentences which are also known as if clauses. These types of sentences can be seen throughout the English language and it is an important concept for anyone learning the language to understand.

There are various different types of conditionals and each of them has its own rules and reasons for use. In this section, we are going to be looking at the various different types of of conditionals and giving you all the information you will need to use each of them.

Types of Conditionals in English

Conditionals are sentences with two clauses, an if clause and a main clause, that are closely related. Generally, conditional sentences are often divided into different types.

Zero Conditional

(Present Real Conditional)

In general, zero conditional refers to conditional sentences that express a factual implication, rather than describing a hypothetical situation or potential future circumstance. The grammar term is used particularly when both clauses are in the present tense, however such sentences can be formulated with a variety of tenses/moods, as appropriate to the situation.

How to use: We use the zero conditional to talk about things that are always true, like a scientific fact.

For example:

• If you mix blue and red, you get purple.
• If it rains, the grass gets wet.
• If I go to bed early, I always get up very early.
• If you want to come, call me before 5:00.
• If I make a silly mistake, I laugh.

Conditionals: 04 Types of Conditional Sentences – Image 1