Zero conditional
We use the zero
conditional to talk about things that are always true.
Structure
The present simple is used in both clauses.
Example:
If you heat water, it
boils.
When the sun goes
down, it gets dark.
It lights up if you
push that button.
First conditional
We use the first
conditional when we talk about real and possible situations.
Structure
if + present simple and will + infinitive
Example:
I’ll go shopping on
the way home if I have time.
If it’s a nice day
tomorrow we’ll go to the beach.
Second conditional
The second
conditional is used to talk about unreal or impossible things.
Structure
if + past simple and would + infinitive.
could
might
Example:
If I won a lot of
money I’d buy a big house in the country.
Where would you live
if you could live anywhere in the world?
If you didn’t smoke
so much you’d feel a lot better.