The World of If-Clauses
Conditional sentences are among the most important structures in English. They express conditions and consequences — from facts to dreams.
Zero Conditional — Facts
**If + Present Simple → Present Simple**
- If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
- If I drink coffee late, I can't sleep.
→ Always true. General truths and scientific facts.
First Conditional — Real Future
**If + Present Simple → will + infinitive**
- If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home.
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
→ Real, probable situations in the future.
Second Conditional — Unreal Present
**If + Past Simple → would + infinitive**
- If I had more money, I would travel the world.
- If she spoke German, she would move to Berlin.
→ Unreal, hypothetical situations. "What if…"
Common Mistakes
❌ If I will go to London, I will visit Big Ben.
✅ If I go to London, I will visit Big Ben. — No "will" in the if-clause!
❌ If I would have more time, I would read more.
✅ If I had more time, I would read more. — No "would" in the if-clause!
Summary Table
Practice with Mia
On BesserStudy, Mia is in London — and she uses all these conditionals. Practice with her story!