Part of the ELS Conditionals Learning Path. Start with the complete conditionals guide, or study the exact area you need below.
Form
Use if + past simple, would + base verb. The past form marks distance from reality rather than past time.
When to use it
Use it for hypothetical situations, unlikely future events, dreams and advice.
Examples
If I had more time, I would learn Japanese.
If she lived closer, we would see her more often.
If I were you, I’d apply.
If she lived closer, we would see her more often.
If I were you, I’d apply.
Common mistake
Avoid would in the if-clause: ❌ If I would have more time... ✅ If I had more time...
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.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.Conditional SentencesFix the conditional errors English learners make most often.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 →