Zero, First, Second & Third Conditionals

Concept

Zero: if + present, present (general truth). First: if + present, will + base (real future). Second: if + past, would + base (unreal present/future). Third: if + had + V3, would have + V3 (unreal past).

الصفري لحقيقة عامة، والأول لاحتمال واقعي، والثاني لفرض غير واقعي في الحاضر، والثالث لفرض مستحيل في الماضي.

Rules & forms

• Zero: If you heat water, it boils.

  • • If you press this button, the machine stops.

• First: If it rains, we will stay at home.

  • • If you study, you will pass.

• Second: If I had more time, I would travel.

  نستخدم were مع كل الضمائر في الشرط الثاني.

  • • If I were you, I would apply.

• Third: If she had studied, she would have passed.

  • • If we had left earlier, we wouldn't have missed the flight.

• Never use will or would directly after if in the condition clause.

  • • If he comes (not: will come), I will tell him.

Common mistakes & STEP traps

• ❌ If it will rain, we will stay home.

  ✅ If it rains, we will stay home.

  The if-clause uses the present, not will.

• ❌ If I would have known, I would have called.

  ✅ If I had known, I would have called.

  The third conditional if-clause uses had + V3.

• ❌ If I was you, I would refuse.

  ✅ If I were you, I would refuse.

  Were is used for all subjects in unreal conditions.

• ❌ If she studied, she would have passed the exam yesterday.

  ✅ If she had studied, she would have passed.

  A past unreal result needs the third conditional.