Mastering Conditional Sentences

If I have a cold, I usually stay at home.

• Zero Conditional

• First Conditional

• Second Conditional

• Third Conditional

Answer explanation

The statement "If I have a cold, I usually stay at home" describes a general truth or habitual action, which is characteristic of the Zero Conditional. It indicates that whenever the condition is met, the result always follows.

If you had told me about the event, I would have come.

• Zero Conditional

• First Conditional

• Second Conditional

• Third Conditional

Answer explanation

The sentence "If you had told me about the event, I would have come" refers to a hypothetical situation in the past that did not happen. This structure is characteristic of the Third Conditional, which expresses regret or unreal past situations.

If she passes her exams, she will go on vacation.

• Zero Conditional

• First Conditional

• Second Conditional

• Third Conditional

Answer explanation

The sentence uses the First Conditional, which expresses a real possibility in the future. It states that if she passes her exams (condition), she will go on vacation (result). This structure is typical of the First Conditional.

If I were rich, I would travel around the world.

• Zero Conditional

• First Conditional

• Second Conditional

• Third Conditional

Answer explanation

The sentence "If I were rich, I would travel around the world" uses the structure of the Second Conditional, which expresses hypothetical situations in the present or future. It indicates an unreal condition and its possible result.

If he had saved more money, he could buy a car now.

• Zero Conditional

• First Conditional

• Second Conditional

• Mixed Conditional

Answer explanation

The sentence uses a past unreal condition ('If he had saved more money') and a present result ('he could buy a car now'), indicating a mixed conditional. This structure combines elements of the second and first conditionals.

If it rains, I stay indoors. (Change to first conditional)

• If it rains, I will stay indoors.

• If it had rained, I would have stayed indoors.

• If it rains, I would stay indoors.

• If it rained, I would stay indoors.

Answer explanation

The first conditional is used for real and possible situations. The correct form is 'If it rains, I will stay indoors,' indicating a likely future action based on a present condition.

If he works harder, he will be promoted. (Change to second conditional)

• If he worked harder, he would be promoted.

• If he works harder, he would be promoted.

• If he worked harder, he will be promoted.

• If he had worked harder, he would be promoted.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'If he worked harder, he would be promoted.' This uses the second conditional structure, indicating a hypothetical situation in the present or future.

If they had known about the delay, they would have canceled the trip. (Change to first conditional)

• If they knew about the delay, they would cancel the trip.

• If they know about the delay, they will cancel the trip.

• If they had known about the delay, they would cancel the trip.

• If they know about the delay, they would have canceled the trip.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'If they know about the delay, they will cancel the trip.' This is a first conditional structure, indicating a real possibility in the present or future.

If I were younger, I would join the dance club. (Change to zero conditional)

• If I am younger, I join the dance club.

• If I was younger, I joined the dance club.

• If I am younger, I would join the dance club.

• If I am young, I join the dance club.

Answer explanation

The zero conditional is used for general truths. The correct choice is 'If I am younger, I join the dance club,' as it states a fact about a present condition leading to a present result.

If she had been there, she could have helped. (Change to mixed conditional)

• If she is there, she could help.

• If she were there, she could have helped.

• If she was there, she would help.

• If she had been there, she will help.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'If she is there, she could help.' This is a mixed conditional that indicates a present situation affecting a potential outcome, contrasting with the original past scenario.