Present Conditionals

A. Present Real Conditional (Zero Conditional)

Structure:

If / When ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Present ...

... Simple Present ... if / when ... Simple Present ...

We use the Present Real Conditional (zero conditional) when talking about things which are always true, or generally true.

Examples:

 • I always listen to music if I jog.
 • If you heat something, it becomes hotter.
 • If you boil an egg, it becomes solid.
 • Ice melts when you heat it.
 • When I have a day off from work, I often go to the beach.
 • If the weather is nice, she walks to work.
 • Jerry helps me with my homework when he has time.
 • I read if there is nothing on TV.
 • If it rains, the grass gets wet.

We can use "when" instead of "if."

Examples:

 • When I see Peter I always feel better.
 • When she feels sick she lies in bed.
 • He starts yelling only when he gets really desperate.

B. Present Unreal Conditional (Second Conditional)

Structure:

If ... Simple Past ..., ... would + verb ...

... would + verb ... if ... Simple Past ...

We use the second conditional when talking about future events that are not likely to happen.

Examples:

 • If I won a million dollars, I would travel around the world.
   (There is a small possibility that I would actually win.)
 • If I met him again, I would tell him the truth.
   (There is a small possibility that I would actually meet him again.)
 • She would quit school if her parents agreed.
   (It is unlikely that her parents agree.)
 • I would be surprised if I saw pigs in the sky.
   (It is very unlikely for me to see pigs in the sky.)
 • If I owned a car, I would drive to work. But I don't own a car.
 • She would travel around the world if she had more money. But she doesn't have much money.
 • I would read more if I didn't watch so much TV.
 • Mary would move to Japan if she spoke Japanese.
 • If they worked harder, they would earn more money.

1. The verb BE

The verb BE has a special rule in this case.
Usually we say: I was, he was, she was, it was, we were, you were, they were. However, in these cases, we use: I were, he were, she were, it were, we were, you were, they were. In other words: "were" is the only form.

Examples:

 • If I were you I would apologize.
  (In reality I am not you.)
 • I would fight back, if I were you.
  (In reality I am not you.)
 • If he were French, he would live in Paris.
 • If she were rich, she would buy a yacht.
 • I would play basketball if I were taller.
 • I would buy that computer if it were cheaper.
 • I would buy that computer if it was cheaper. Wrong (But often said in conversation.)

2. Only use "If"
Only the word "if" is used with the Present Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. "When" cannot be used.

Examples:

 • I would buy that computer when it were cheaper. Wrong
 • I would buy that computer if it were cheaper. Correct

3. Conditional with Modal Verbs

There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:

would + can = could

would + shall = should

would + may = might

The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would." Instead, they must be used in these special forms.

Examples:

 • If I went to Egypt, I would can learn Arabic. Wrong
 • If I went to Egypt, I could learn Arabic. Correct

 • If she had time, she would may go to the party. Wrong
 • If she had time, she might go to the party. Correct

The words "could," should," "might" and "ought to" include conditional, so you cannot combine them with "would."

Examples:

 • If I had more time, I would could exercise after work. Wrong
 • If I had more time, I could exercise after work. Correct

 • If he invited you, you really would should go. Wrong
 • If he invited you, you really should go. Correct