How many types of conditionals are there in English?

There are 4 main types : zero conditional (general truths), first conditional (likely situations), second conditional (hypothetical situations), and third conditional (past unreal). There are also mixed conditionals that combine different types.

Can you use would in the if-clause?

No, this is a very common mistake. You should never use would in the if-clause. Say If I had time, I would help (not *If I would have time ).

What is the difference between if and unless?

Unless means "if... not." Unless you hurry = If you don't hurry . Note: unless is already negative, so do not add not .

Are conditionals common on the TOEIC®?

Yes, they appear regularly in Part 5 (choosing the right tense) and Part 6 (text completion). The classic trap is using would in the if -clause.

What is a mixed conditional?

A mixed conditional combines two types of conditionals. For example: If I had studied harder (third - past unreal) + I would have a better job now (second - present unreal). It links a past cause to a present result.

ประโยคเงื่อนไข (If Clauses) ภาษาอังกฤษ: คู่มือฉบับสมบูรณ์สำหรับ TOEIC®

What Are Conditionals in English?

Conditionals (conditional sentences) express situations that depend on a condition. They typically use if to introduce the condition, followed by a result. The type of conditional depends on the degree of probability of the situation.

The 4 Types of Conditionals

Zero Conditional: General Truths

Used for facts that are always true, scientific laws, and habits. If + present simple, present simple.

If-clause	Result
If you heat water to 100°C,	it boils.
If employees work overtime,	they receive extra pay.
If the printer runs out of ink,	the light turns red.

First Conditional: Likely Situations

Used for real and probable situations in the future. If + present simple, will + infinitive.

If-clause	Result
If we finish early,	we will go to the restaurant.
If the client agrees,	we will sign the contract.
If it rains tomorrow,	we will cancel the event.

Second Conditional: Hypothetical Situations

Used for unreal or unlikely situations in the present or future. If + past simple, would + infinitive.

If-clause	Result
If I had more time,	I would learn Japanese.
If she were the manager,	she would change the policy.
If we had a bigger budget,	we would hire more staff.

Note: use were (not was) for all subjects in formal English: If I were you..., If she were here...

Third Conditional: Past Unreal

Used for situations that did not happen in the past. If + past perfect, would have + past participle.

If-clause	Result
If I had known earlier,	I would have told you.
If they had prepared better,	they would have won the contract.
If we had left earlier,	we would have caught the train.

Summary Table

Type	If-clause	Result
Zero	present simple	present simple
First	present simple	will + infinitive
Second	past simple	would + infinitive
Third	past perfect	would have + past participle

Alternatives to "if"

Expression	Meaning	Example
unless	if... not	Unless you register now, you will miss the deadline.
as long as	on the condition that	You can leave as long as you finish your work.
provided (that)	on the condition that	We will proceed provided that the budget is approved.
in case	as a precaution	Bring an umbrella in case it rains.

Common TOEIC® Traps

Conditionals are among the most frequently tested grammar points in TOEIC Part 5. Here are the key mistakes to avoid.

Would in the if-clause: never say *If I would have time. Use If I had time, I would...
Tense matching: do not mix types. If I have time (1st) does not go with would (2nd)
Unless + not: unless is already negative. Do not say *unless you don't
Were vs was: in formal English and on the TOEIC®, use were for all subjects in the second conditional: If I were...
Would have + past participle: in the third conditional, do not forget have. I would have gone (not *I would gone)

Preparation Tips

Memorize the structure of each type: the summary table is your best tool
Identify the context: is it a general truth, a likely situation, hypothetical, or past?
Watch out for unless: it is a frequent trap in Part 5
Train on Parts 5 and 6: conditionals are regularly tested there. Try our free TOEIC practice exercises to sharpen your skills

For a comprehensive approach, check out our TOEIC preparation guide covering all the essential grammar points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Master Conditionals with 990prep

Conditionals are an essential grammar point on the TOEIC®. Practice with 990prep exercises to never confuse conditional types again.

Realistic exercises Detailed explanations Progress tracking

Free, no credit card required