Conditional sentences use if (or unless, provided that, should) to talk about real and unreal situations. This quiz tests all the main patterns with an explanation after each answer.
1. If you heat ice, it ___.
Zero conditional: a general truth uses the present simple in both clauses.
2. If it rains tomorrow, we ___ the picnic.
First conditional: a real future possibility uses if + present, then will + verb.
3. If I ___ a million dollars, I would travel the world.
Second conditional: an unreal present situation uses if + past simple.
4. If she had studied harder, she ___ the exam.
Third conditional: an unreal past situation uses if + past perfect, then would have + past participle.
5. I wouldn 't have missed the bus if I ___ earlier.
Third conditional again: the if-clause takes the past perfect (had left).
6. ___ you need help, call me.
"Should you need…"is a formal inversion meaning "If you should need…".
7. Unless you hurry, you ___ late.
"Unless "means "if not "and works in first conditional sentences: unless + present, will + verb.
8. If I had taken that job, I ___ in Dubai now.
Mixed conditional: a past condition (had taken) with a present result (would live now).
9. I 'll lend you the car provided that you ___ it carefully.
"Provided that "works like "if "and takes the present simple for future meaning.
10. Which sentence is correct?
Second conditional: if + past simple, would + base verb. Never use "would "in the if-clause.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of conditionals are there?
Grammar books usually teach four: zero, first, second and third. Mixed conditionals combine a past condition with a present result, or the reverse.
What is the difference between the second and third conditional?
The second conditional is for unreal present or future situations (If I had money, I would travel). The third is for unreal past situations (If I had had money, I would have travelled).
Can I use would in the if-clause?
Not in standard conditionals. Say If I had time, I would help, not If I would have time. The exception is a polite request such as If you would sit down, I will start.
