English Conditionals Quiz — 0 to 3rd
12 multiple-choice questions covering all four conditional types. Identify the correct form, complete the sentence, and choose the right tense. B1–B2 level.
English Conditionals — FAQ
English has four main conditional types. Zero conditional (If + present simple, present simple) for facts and general truths. First conditional (If + present simple, will + infinitive) for real future possibilities. Second conditional (If + past simple, would + infinitive) for hypothetical present/future situations. Third conditional (If + past perfect, would have + past participle) for hypothetical past situations.
The second conditional uses 'if + past simple' in the condition clause and 'would + base infinitive' in the result clause. Example: If I had more money, I would travel the world. Note that 'were' is traditionally used instead of 'was' for all persons in formal writing (If I were you...).
The first conditional describes a real, possible situation in the future (If it rains, I will take an umbrella). The second conditional describes an unlikely, imaginary, or hypothetical situation (If I won the lottery, I would buy a house). The choice signals how probable the speaker thinks the situation is.
The third conditional uses 'if + past perfect' in the condition clause and 'would have + past participle' in the result clause. Example: If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam. It refers to hypothetical situations in the past — things that did not happen and cannot be changed.
A mixed conditional combines elements of different conditional types. A type 3+2 mixed conditional refers to a past condition with a present result: If I had taken that job, I would be rich now. A type 2+3 mixed conditional refers to a present condition with a past result: If I were braver, I would have spoken up.
Yes, 'unless' means 'if not' and can replace it in most conditional sentences. Example: Unless you hurry, you will be late = If you don't hurry, you will be late. 'Unless' cannot be used with already-negative conditions or in all third conditionals, so check the meaning carefully.
No. Other conjunctions include 'unless' (if not), 'provided/providing that' (only if), 'as long as' (on condition that), 'supposing' (imagine that), and 'in case' (as a precaution). These use the same tense patterns as standard if-conditionals.
Both 'was' and 'were' are used in spoken and informal English. However, the formally correct form is 'were' for all persons (If I were you, If she were here). In formal writing, exams, and the set phrase 'If I were you', always use 'were'.
In the first conditional, the 'if' clause uses the present simple tense, not the future. You say 'If it rains tomorrow' (NOT 'If it will rain tomorrow'). The future tense (will) goes in the result clause: 'If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.'
Ask: (1) Is the situation real/possible or hypothetical/imaginary? Real = first conditional. Hypothetical present/future = second. Hypothetical past = third. (2) What time frame? Past situations → third conditional. Present/future imaginary → second. Present/future genuinely possible → first.