Mastering 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Mixed Conditionals in English 

A Guide for B2+ Learners

Conditionals in English are a vital part of its grammar, allowing us to discuss possibilities, hypothetical situations, and their consequences. At the B2+ level, it's essential to master five types of conditionals: the Zero Conditional, 1st Conditional, 2nd Conditional, 3rd Conditional, and Mixed Conditionals. Let's delve into each of these and see how they can enhance your English fluency.

Zero Conditional: Facts

If you put your hand in a fire, what happens? Well, you get burnt of course! This is a fact and you can't argue with it. It is a 100% solid fact, so the zero conditional uses present simple with present simple to express absolute facts. 

1st Conditional: Real Present/Future Possibilities

The 1st Conditional is used for real and possible situations in the present or future. These situations are very probable, like 95%. The structure is "If + present simple, will + infinitive." For example, "If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic." This conditional is perfect for making plans and discussing likely outcomes based on current conditions. You can also express 100% certainty by replacing "If" with "When", for example, "When I go to the beach, I will go swimming".

2nd Conditional: Hypothetical Present/Future Situations

The 2nd Conditional explores hypothetical situations in the present or future that are unlikely or nearly impossible. It follows the structure "If + past simple, would + infinitive." For instance, "If I had more free time, I would learn another language." This conditional is useful for imagining different scenarios and their potential outcomes.

You might express less possibility with this, like 40-70%, as in "If I went to the bar tonight, I would have a beer, but I have a lot of work, so I probably won't go". The situation probably won't happen, but then again, you never know. 

You can also give advice with this conditional as in "If I were you, I would study more". 

3rd Conditional: Hypothetical Past Situations

The 3rd Conditional deals with past events that didn't happen and their hypothetical results. The structure is "If + past perfect, would have + past participle." An example is, "If I had seen you at the party, I would have said hello." This conditional allows us to reflect on past events and imagine how different actions could have changed the outcome.

Mixed Conditionals: Combining Different Times

Mixed Conditionals can combine elements of the 2nd and 3rd Conditionals to discuss situations where a past event affects the present or future. For example, "If I hadn’t broken my leg, I would go skiing next week." Here, we use "If + past perfect" to refer to a past condition, and "would + infinitive" to indicate a present or future result.

On the other hand, you could use "If + past simple" (2nd) with "would + present perfect" (3rd) to indicate a never-changing reality with a past result. For example, "If I were more intelligent, I would have gone to university". 

Would, could and might

Depending on what you want to say, you have the choice in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and mixed conditionals with which modal verb you use. Might and could express opportunity or possibility, so "if I went (or "go", depending on likelihood) to the bar tonight, I might have a beer". It might be an opportunity to relax but really, how sure are you about going or not? 

Conditionals in English: Practice makes perfect

Understanding and using these conditionals correctly can significantly enhance your ability to express complex ideas and hypothetical scenarios in English. Practice using each type in different contexts to gain confidence and fluency, especially controlled practice with a teacher. Remember, conditionals not only make your language richer but also more precise, allowing you to communicate with greater nuance and clarity. 

Just make sure to be patient when you are building your fluency with conditionals as you have to remember all of the sentence elements. The structure isn't complicated, but there are quite a few elements to remember!

Now try our Sporcle quiz on conditionals: