Guide to English Conditionals – TOEIC® Preparation

English conditional structures are used to express situations and their potential outcomes. They hold a central place in the TOEIC®, as they convey realities, possibilities, as well as hypothetical scenarios. This guide explores in detail the different types of conditionals, their grammatical structure, their contexts of use, and their linguistic subtleties.

But what exactly is a conditional structure?

As mentioned earlier, a conditional structure is a construction used to state a condition. This construction consists of two elements:

• The conditional clause (known as the 'if clause'): it states the condition.
• The main clause: it indicates the result or the effect produced.

The general pattern for this construction is: “If + condition, consequence”

• If it rains, I will stay home. (S'il pleut, je resterai à la maison.)

The order of the two clauses can be reversed without altering the meaning, but the comma then becomes optional:

• I will stay home if it rains.

There are 5 types of conditionals in English:

1. Zero Conditional
2. First Conditional
3. Second Conditional
4. Third Conditional
5. Mixed Conditional

Depending on the situational context, tense, level of probability, etc., one conditional form will be preferred over another. The following sections detail each of these categories.

1. The Zero Conditional

The zero conditional expresses general truths, universal laws, or predictable consequences. It is frequently used to talk about scientific phenomena, established rules, or habitual behaviors.

To construct the zero conditional, we apply the following pattern:

If + simple present, simple present.

• If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.(Si tu chauffes l'eau à 100°C, elle bout.)
• If people don't exercise, they gain weight.(Si les individus ne pratiquent pas d'activité physique, ils grossissent.)
• If you press this button, it turns off.(Si tu appuies sur ce bouton, il s'éteint.)

To identify a sentence in the zero conditional, simply substitute “if” with “every time”. This form indeed expresses a systematic truth, as the condition is invariably true.

2. The First Conditional

The first conditional expresses possible or likely situations in the future. It is used when the condition remains realistic.

To construct the first conditional, we apply the following pattern:

If + simple present, will + base form of the verb (infinitive).

• If it rains, I will stay at home.(S'il pleut, je resterai chez moi.)
• If she studies, she will pass the test.(Si elle révise, elle réussira l'examen.)
• If they arrive on time, we will start the meeting.(S'ils arrivent à l'heure, nous démarrerons la réunion.)

You can consult our lesson on the simple present to master the formation of the simple present.

A. Prohibition of « will » after an « if »

As we discussed in the lesson on the future (accessible here), when a sentence starts with “if”, you can never insert “will” into that same clause:

❌ If I will go to London, I will visit Big Ben.

✅ If I go to London, I will visit Big Ben.

B. The First Conditional with « should » instead of « if » in formal registers

In the first conditional, it is possible to substitute “if” with “should” in a formal register. The use of “should” signals that the event is plausible but remains hypothetical.

• Should you need any help, I will assist you.(Si jamais tu as besoin d'assistance, je t'aiderai.)
• Should the meeting be postponed, we will inform all attendees.(Si la réunion venait à être reportée, nous en informerions tous les participants.)

3. Particularities of the Zero and First Conditionals

The zero and first conditionals are the most frequent in English because they express concrete situations or established truths. However, several specificities and nuances characterize their use.

A. Using other forms or tenses in the « main clause » in the zero and first conditional

A.a. Using modals in the « main clause »

In the zero and first conditionals, it is possible to replace "will" with modals such as "can", "may", "might", or "should" to nuance the statement.

• "Can": Expresses ability or possibility.
  • If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.(Si tu termines tes devoirs, tu peux regarder la télé.)
• "May" / "Might": Expresses an uncertain eventuality.
  • If you study hard, you may pass the exam.(Si tu travailles sérieusement, tu réussiras peut-être l'examen.)
  • If we leave early, we might catch the train.(Si nous partons tôt, nous attraperons peut-être le train.)
• "Should": Expresses a recommendation or advice.
  • If you feel sick, you should see a doctor.(Si tu te sens malade, tu devrais voir un médecin.)

A.b. Using the imperative in the « main clause »

In the zero and first conditionals, using the imperative in the main clause allows for the expression of instructions or commands. This gives the sentences a more direct tone.

• If you see Jane, tell her to call me.(Si tu croises Jane, demande-lui de m'appeler.)
• If it rains, take an umbrella.(S'il pleut, prends un parapluie.)

B. In the zero and first conditionals, you can use a tense other than the simple present in the « if clause »

B.a. Replacing the simple present with the present perfect in the « if clause »

To emphasize that an action must be completed before a future consequence, the present perfect can be used in the if clause. The goal is to highlight the fact that the condition relies on an action already performed before the consequence.

• If you have finished your work, we'll go out for dinner.(Si tu as fini ton travail, nous sortirons dîner.)
• If he has called, I'll let you know.(S'il a téléphoné, je te préviendrai.)

B.b. Replacing the simple present with the present continuous in the « if clause »

The present continuous in the if clause is used to refer to an ongoing or temporary action. This allows for the introduction of conditions that depend on a momentary or progressive situation.

• If you're getting tired, you should take a break.(Si tu commences à être fatigué, tu devrais faire une pause.)
• If it's raining, we'll stay indoors.(S'il est en train de pleuvoir, nous resterons à l'intérieur.)

C. In the zero and first conditionals, you can replace "if" with other expressions

C.a. Replacing "if" with "when"

In the zero and first conditionals, it is possible to use “when” instead of “if” to introduce the condition (or the moment the action occurs).

• When the water reaches 100°C, it boils.(Quand l'eau atteint 100°C, elle bout.)

However, one must remain vigilant about the meaning of the sentence, because substituting "if" with "when" can change the meaning:

• "If" expresses an uncertain condition, which might not happen.
  • If she gets pregnant, they will move to a bigger house.(Si elle tombe enceinte, ils déménageront dans une maison plus spacieuse. – Pregnancy is not certain.)
• "When", conversely, presumes that the event will certainly occur.
  • When she gets pregnant, they will move to a bigger house.(Quand elle tombera enceinte, ils déménageront dans une maison plus spacieuse. – Pregnancy is considered inevitable; it’s just a matter of time.)

C.b. Replacing "if" with "unless" to express "if not"

In the zero and first conditionals, “if” can be substituted with “unless” to formulate a negative condition. “Unless” means “à moins que” (unless/if not) and serves the same function as “if not”, but more concisely.

• If you don't study, you won't pass the exam.(Si tu n'étudies pas, tu ne réussiras pas l'examen.)
• Unless you study, you won't pass the exam.(À moins que tu n'étudies, tu ne réussiras pas l'examen.)

Important Points

• Negative Meaning: Unlike "if", "unless" directly expresses a restriction or exception.
  • Unless he apologizes, I won't forgive him.(À moins qu'il ne présente ses excuses, je ne lui pardonnerai pas.)
• Grammatical Subtlety: With "unless", it is unnecessary to add a negation to the sentence (unlike with "if not").
  • ❌ Unless you don't study, you won't pass the exam. (incorrect – superfluous double negative)
  • ✅ Unless you study, you won't pass the exam.
• "Not + unless" to emphasize a condition: "not + unless" is frequently used, meaning "only if", to stress an indispensable condition. This structure is equivalent to "only ... if".
  • The company will only approve my application if I provide additional documents.
  • The company will not approve my application unless I provide additional documents.(L'entreprise n'approuvera ma candidature que si je fournis des documents supplémentaires.)
• Certainty Nuance: The use of "unless" can sometimes lend a more categorical or absolute nuance than a simple "if".

C.c. Replacing "if" with "if and only if"

In the zero and first conditionals, it is possible to replace « if » with expressions like « so long as », « as long as », « on condition that » and « providing » / « provided that », which indicate a strict or specific condition. These alternatives emphasize the absolute necessity of the condition.

• "So long as" / "As long as" (tant que, à condition que)
  • You can stay here so long as you keep quiet.(Tu peux rester ici tant que tu gardes le silence.)
  • As long as you work hard, you will succeed.(Pourvu que tu travailles dur, tu réussiras.)
• "On condition that" (à condition que)
  • I'll lend you my car on condition that you return it before 8 PM.(Je te prêterai ma voiture à condition que tu la ramènes avant 20 h.)
• "Providing" / "Provided that" (à condition que)
  • I will let you take a day off provided that you finish your tasks first.(Je t'accorderai un jour de congé à condition que tu achèves tes tâches d'abord.)
  • Providing the weather is good, we'll go for a hike.(Pourvu que le temps soit clément, nous ferons une randonnée.)

C.d. Replacing "if" with "so that" or "in case"

In certain contexts, "if" can be replaced by "so that" (afin que) or "in case" (au cas où) to express an intention or a precaution:

• "So that" is used to show that the action aims for a desired goal or consequence:
  • I'll explain it again so that everyone understands.(Je vais l'expliquer à nouveau afin que tout le monde comprenne.)
• "In case" expresses a preventive measure taken for a possibility:
  • Take an umbrella in case it rains.(Prends un parapluie au cas où il pleuvrait.)

C.e. Other expressions that can replace « if »

Here are other expressions not previously mentioned that can replace « if » in the zero and first conditionals. Among these expressions are:

• "before" (avant que)
• "until" (jusqu'à ce que)
• "as soon as" (dès que)
• "the moment" (au moment où)
• "after" (après que)

4. The Second Conditional

The second conditional describes hypothetical situations or those unlikely to occur in the present or future. It is also used to formulate advice or imagine unreal scenarios.

To construct the second conditional, we apply this structure:

If + simple past, would ('d) + base form of the verb (infinitive).

Example for expressing an improbable or unrealistic situation in the present:

• If I had a car, I would drive to work every day.(Si j'avais une voiture, je me rendrais au travail en voiture tous les jours.)

In this example, I do not own a car currently; it is an assumption contrary to my present reality.

Example for expressing an improbable or unrealistic situation in the future:

• If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would buy a mansion.(Si je remportais la loterie demain, j'achèterais une propriété luxueuse.)

Here, "winning the lottery tomorrow" is perceived as highly improbable, hence the use of the second conditional.

Be careful, there is never any "would" in the conditional clause (if-clause)!✅ If I had a car, I would drive to work every day.❌ If I'd have a car, I would drive to work every day.

You can consult our lesson on the simple past to master the formation of the simple past.

A. Replacing « would » with « could » or « might »

In the second conditional, it is possible to substitute "would" with "could" or "might" to express different semantic nuances:

• "Could": Expresses ability or possibility in a hypothetical scenario.
  • If I had more money, I could buy a new car.(Si j'avais davantage d'argent, je pourrais acquérir une nouvelle voiture.)
  • This indicates that the action becomes achievable in this hypothetical context.
• "Might": Expresses probability or uncertainty.
  • If she studied harder, she might pass the exam.(Si elle étudiait plus intensément, elle réussirait peut-être l'examen.)
  • Here, passing the exam is conceivable but not guaranteed.

B. « If I were » and not « If I was »

In the second conditional, it is customary to use "were" for all subjects (including "I", "he", "she", "it") instead of "was", because this reflects the hypothetical dimension of the sentence.

The use of "were" is considered more correct in formal or written hypothetical constructions. However, in everyday language, one sometimes hears "If I was", but this is less elegant or sophisticated.

In summary: "If I were" is the standard and recommended form in the second conditional, especially in an academic or formal context.

• If I were rich, I would travel the world.(Si j'étais riche, je voyagerais à travers le monde.)
• If he were taller, he could play basketball professionally.(S'il était plus grand, il pourrait jouer au basket-ball professionnellement.)

C. Expressing a preference in the first and second conditionals with « rather »

"Rather" can be used in the first and second conditionals to indicate a preference between two actions or situations.

• First conditional: If it rains tomorrow, I'd rather stay at home than go out.(S'il pleut demain, je préférerais rester à la maison plutôt que de sortir.)
• Second conditional: If I had more free time, I'd rather read a book than watch TV.(Si j'avais plus de temps libre, je préférerais lire un livre plutôt que de regarder la télévision.)

D. Using « wish » in the second conditional

In the second conditional, « wish » can be used to express wishes or regrets concerning unreal or improbable present or future situations. The past simple or could is used after « wish ».

• If I spoke Spanish, I would apply for the job.→ I wish I spoke Spanish so I could apply for the job.
• If she had more free time, she would travel the world.→ I wish she had more free time so she could travel the world.

You must never place a modal after wish, as wish is already a modal. Use the past simple directly after wish.❌ I wish I would have more time.✅ I wish I had more time.

To learn more about the modal wish, you can consult our lesson on modals.

5. Particularities of the First and Second Conditionals

A. Expressing a prerequisite condition in the first and second conditionals with « be to »

The expression "be to" is used in the first and second conditionals to indicate a condition that must be met before the main action can take place. This lends a more formal or authoritative tone to the condition.

• First conditional:
  • If you are to pass the exam, you must study harder.(Si tu veux réussir l'examen, tu dois travailler plus assidûment.)
• Second conditional:
  • If she were to accept the job offer, how would she manage the relocation?(Si elle devait accepter l'offre d'emploi, comment gérerait-elle la relocalisation ?)
  • Here, "were to" adds a more formal hypothesis.

B. How to choose between the first and second conditional?

The choice between the first and second conditional depends on the degree of probability or the reality of the situation:

• First conditional: Used for situations that are highly probable in the future.
  • If it rains tomorrow, I'll stay home.(S'il pleut demain, je resterai à la maison.)
• Second conditional: Used for hypothetical, unlikely, or impossible situations in the present or future.
  • If I had a million dollars, I'd buy a mansion.(Si j'avais un million de dollars, j'achèterais une villa.)

6. The Third Conditional

The third conditional refers to hypothetical situations in the past, often used to express retrospective regret. It describes events that did not happen and their imaginary consequences. It is important to remember that the third conditional is only used to talk about unreal or imaginary past facts.

To construct the third conditional, we apply this structure:

If + past perfect, would have + past participle.

For more detail, you can consult our lesson on the past perfect.

• If I had known, I would have helped you.(Si j'avais su, je t'aurais aidé.)
• If she had not ignored the instructions, she would have avoided the mistake.(Si elle n'avait pas négligé les instructions, elle aurait évité l'erreur.)
• If they had left earlier, they wouldn't have missed the flight.(S'ils étaient partis plus tôt, ils n'auraient pas manqué leur vol.)

Be careful, as with the second conditional, there is never any "would" in the conditional clause (if-clause)!✅ If she had worked harder, she would have succeeded.❌ If she would have worked harder, she would have succeeded.

A. Replacing « would » with « could » or « might »

In the third conditional, it is also possible to substitute "would" with "could" or "might" to express different nuances:

• "Could" expresses ability or possibility in an unreal past situation.
  • If I had saved more money, I could have bought a house.(Si j'avais économisé davantage d'argent, j'aurais pu acheter une maison.)
    • This indicates that buying a house would have been feasible in this hypothetical scenario.
• "Might" expresses probability or uncertainty in a past scenario.
  • If she had taken the earlier train, she might have arrived on time.(Si elle avait pris le train précédent, elle serait peut-être arrivée à l'heure.)
  • Here, arriving on time is a possibility, but not a certainty.

B. Using « wish » in the third conditional

In the third conditional, « wish » can be used to express regrets concerning past events that did not turn out as hoped. It is followed by the past perfect to indicate that one is imagining an alternative past.

• If I had studied harder, I would have passed the test.→ I wish I had studied harder so I could have passed the test.
• If we had arrived earlier, we would have seen the performance.→ I wish we had arrived earlier so we could have seen the performance.

You must never place a modal after wish, as wish is already a modal. Use the past perfect directly after wish.❌ I wish I would have studied harder✅ I wish I had studied harder.

To learn more about the modal wish, you can consult our lesson on modals.

7. The Mixed Conditional

Mixed conditionals combine elements of the second and third conditionals. They are used to express situations where a past action has repercussions in the present, or vice versa.

To construct the mixed conditional, we apply this structure:

If + past perfect, would + base form of the verb (infinitive).

• If I had studied medicine, I would be a doctor now.(Si j'avais étudié la médecine, je serais médecin maintenant.)
• If I had worked harder at school, I would have a better job now.(Si j'avais travaillé plus dur à l'école, j'aurais un meilleur emploi actuellement.)
• If she hadn't missed the train, she would be here with us.(Si elle n'avait pas raté le train, elle serait ici avec nous.)

Conclusion

In summary, conditional structures are essential for expressing complex ideas, hypotheses, probabilities, or regrets. They are omnipresent in the TOEIC® and in daily communication, so mastering them allows you to communicate with greater precision and be more nuanced. With regular practice, you will be comfortable using them in many situations, whether in a professional or personal context!

Other courses to prepare for the TOEIC®

• 🔗 Complete course to prepare for the TOEIC®

Ready to take action?

Every conditional rule you have just learned here, FlowExam helps you transform into concrete points for the TOEIC®, thanks to an intelligent method focused on your real weaknesses. Do you know the structures but are still hesitating between the first and second conditional? Do you confuse tenses in mixed conditionals? FlowExam analyzes, corrects you, and guides you toward the most profitable areas for progress. Your training becomes targeted, strategic, and effective.

Some superpowers of the FlowExam platform:

• 150 exclusive tips based on the experience of over 200 candidates who scored over 950 on the TOEIC®: clear, concrete, tested, and validated in the field.
• Automatic analysis of your most penalizing errors so you can practice where you lose the most points, without wasting energy.
• Intelligent training system that adapts exercises to your profile and helps you progress faster, without going in circles.
• Automatically generated flashcards from your own mistakes, optimized by the Spaced Repetition System (SRS) for lasting memorization and zero forgetting.
• Personalized learning path, built from your results, to save you time and lead you directly to quick +X point gains.