If I could…: conditionals (Si pudiera…)

Conditionals let you imagine: what will happen *if* it rains, what you would do *if* you had more time. In English there are a few set patterns, and once you see the logic they are easy to reuse.

The real future: first conditional

When a situation is possible or likely, use **if + present, … will + verb**:

If it **rains**, I **will stay** home. If you **study**, you **will pass**.

The *if*-clause describes a real condition; *will* describes the probable result. You can also flip the order: «I will stay home if it rains» — no comma when *if* comes in the middle.

The imagined present: second conditional

To talk about something unlikely or imaginary, shift the tenses back: **if + past simple, … would + verb**:

If I **had** a car, I **would travel** more. *(but I don't have one)* If I **were** you, I **would apologize**.

Notice *were* even with *I* or *he/she*: «If I **were**…» is the standard form for wishes and advice. *Would* here is often shortened: *I'd*.

Zero conditional: always true

For facts that never change, use **if/when + present, … present**:

If you **heat** water to 100 °C, it **boils**. When it **rains**, the streets **get** wet.

Choosing the right one

Ask yourself: is this *possible* (first), *imaginary* (second), or *always true* (zero)? Write one sentence of each kind about your own life: a real plan, a dream, and a personal truth.