CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

ZERO CONDITIONAL: This conditional refers to a situation which is always true (universal truths): If you freeze water, it turns Into ice.

FORM:

If clause + Main clause
If + Present tense

FOR EXAMPLE:

If clause Main clause
If you freeze water it turns into ice.

FIRST CONDITIONAL: condition possible to fulfill

FORM: if clause + main clause
Simple Present + will-future (or Modal + infinitive)

Example:

if clause + main clause
If I study + I will pass the exam.

SECOND CONDITIONAL: condition in theory possible to fulfill

FORM:

if clause + main clause
Simple Past + would + infinitive

EXAMPLE:

if clause + main clause
If I studied + I would pass the exam

THIRD CONDITIONAL: condition not possible to fulfil

FORM:

if clause + main clause
Past Perfect + would + have + past participle

EXAMPLE:

if clause + main clause
If I had studied + I would have passed the exam.