Part of the ELS Conditionals Learning Path. Start with the complete conditionals guide, or study the exact area you need below.
Will after if
❌ If it will rain, we’ll cancel. ✅ If it rains, we’ll cancel.
Would in the if-clause
❌ If I would know, I’d tell you. ✅ If I knew, I’d tell you.
Wrong third conditional
❌ If I knew yesterday, I would help. ✅ If I had known, I would have helped.
Confusing real and hypothetical meaning
Choose first conditional for a real possibility and second conditional when you deliberately present the situation as unlikely or imaginary.
Continue the Conditionals learning path
Zero ConditionalLearn when and how to use the zero conditional for facts, routines and general truths.First ConditionalMaster the first conditional for real and possible future situations.Second ConditionalUse the second conditional accurately for hypothetical, unlikely and imaginary present or future situations.Third ConditionalLearn the third conditional for unreal past situations, regrets and alternative past results.Mixed ConditionalsUnderstand mixed conditionals when the condition and result refer to different times.Unless, Provided That, As Long As & Other Alternatives to IfGo beyond if: learn unless, provided that, as long as, even if, in case and other conditional linkers.If vs WhenLearn when English uses if and when in conditional and future clauses.If I Were YouUnderstand why English often says “If I were you” and when “was” is possible.Conditionals ExercisesPractise all English conditional forms with targeted questions, corrections and answers.Conditionals TestTest zero, first, second, third and mixed conditionals and identify what to study next.
Test before you move on
Use the diagnostic test to find out whether your problem is form, meaning, time reference or conditional linkers.
Take the Conditionals diagnostic →