Mastering English Conditionals and Modal Verbs

Posted on Sep 6, 2025 in English

Zero Conditional: General Truths and Facts

The Zero Conditional is used to talk about general truths, scientific facts, or situations where the result is always the same.

Structure: If + Subject + Simple Present, Subject + Simple Present

  • Example: You get tired if you run a lot.

First Conditional: Probable Situations

The First Conditional is used to talk about probable situations in the present or future.

Structure: If + Subject + Simple Present, Subject + Will/Won’t + Infinitive

  • Example: If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.

Second Conditional: Hypotheses and Improbable Situations

The Second Conditional is used to talk about hypothetical or improbable situations in the present or future.

Structure: If + Subject + Simple Past, Subject + Would/Wouldn’t + Infinitive

Important Note on “To Be” in Second Conditionals

When the verb in the condition clause is “to be,” use “were” with all subjects (including I, he, she, and it).

  • Example: If I won the lottery, I would buy a yacht.
  • Example: I wouldn’t do that if I were you.

Third Conditional: Impossible Past Situations

The Third Conditional is used to talk about hypothetical situations in the past that did not happen.

Structure: If + Subject + Past Perfect, Subject + Would Have + Past Participle

  • Example: We would have won the match if you had played better.

Common English Modal Verbs

Here are some of the most commonly used modal verbs in English:

  • Can
  • Could
  • May
  • Might
  • Will
  • Would
  • Must
  • Shall
  • Should
  • Ought to

Unit 384: Grammar – Using Modal Verbs

  • Can: Expresses ability/skill or asks in an informal way.
  • Could: Asks in a formal way.
  • May: Asks for permission.
  • Must: Expresses strong obligation, logical deduction, or strong advice (often in a formal context).
  • Have to: Expresses obligation (e.g., “tener que” in Spanish).
  • Should: Expresses a suggestion.
  • Ought to: Similar to “should” but more formal.
  • Might: Expresses polite, formal permission or possibility.

Vocabulary: Personality and Getting Involved

  • Charity: An organization helping those in need (e.g., NGO).
  • Aggression: Aggressive (e.g., “agresivo” in Spanish).
  • Campaign: An organized course of action to achieve a goal.
  • Assertiveness: Assertive (e.g., “asertivo” in Spanish).
  • Raise money: To collect funds (e.g., “recaudar dinero” in Spanish).
  • Donation: The act of giving, or something given; Donate (e.g., “donación” in Spanish).
  • Confidence: Confident (e.g., “seguro” in Spanish).
  • Volunteer: A person who offers to do something without being forced or paid (e.g., “voluntario/a” in Spanish).
  • Defensiveness: Defensive (e.g., “defensivo” in Spanish).
  • To take part: To participate (e.g., “tomar parte” in Spanish).
  • Frustration: Frustrated (e.g., “frustrado” in Spanish).
  • Raise awareness: To increase public knowledge or understanding (e.g., “crear conciencia” in Spanish).
  • Impatience: Impatient (e.g., “impaciente” in Spanish).
  • Nervousness: Nervous (e.g., “nervioso” in Spanish).
  • Fundraising event: An event organized to collect money for a cause (e.g., “evento de recaudación” in Spanish).
  • Appeal: A formal request or plea (e.g., “apelación” in Spanish).
  • Shyness: Shy (e.g., “tímido/a” in Spanish).
  • Donate: To give money or goods for a good cause (e.g., “donar” in Spanish).
  • Sensitivity: Sensitive (e.g., “sensible” in Spanish).
  • Openness: Open (e.g., “abierto” in Spanish).
  • Sponsor: A person or organization that provides funds for a project or activity (e.g., “patrocinador” in Spanish).
  • Self-consciousness: Self-conscious.
  • Innocence: Innocent (e.g., “inocente” in Spanish).

Modal Perfects

Modal perfects combine a modal verb with “have” and a past participle to talk about past possibilities, regrets, or deductions.

  • Could have
  • Should have
  • Would have
  • Might have
  • Can have
  • May have

Conditional Sentences: Quick Reference

Zero Conditional

  • Structure: If + Simple Present, Simple Present
  • Usage: To express general truths or scientific facts.
  • Example: If you mix red and blue, you get purple.

First Conditional

  • Structure: If + Simple Present, Will + Verb
  • Usage: To talk about real possibilities in the present or future.
  • Example: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

Second Conditional

  • Structure: If + Simple Past, Would + Verb
  • Usage: For hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present/future.
  • Example: If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world.

Third Conditional

  • Structure: If + Past Perfect, Would Have + Past Participle
  • Usage: For hypothetical situations in the past that did not happen.
  • Example: If she had known about the meetings, she would have attended.

Opinion Essay Structure

  • Paragraph 1: Introduce the general opinion or topic.
  • Paragraph 2: Provide reasons and supporting arguments.
  • Paragraph 3: Conclusion (summarize and restate your opinion).

Useful Vocabulary for Writing

Transition Words for Essays

  • To introduce points: First of all, Secondly, In addition, Moreover, Furthermore, What’s more.
  • To conclude: In conclusion, To sum up, All in all.

Formal Email Structure

  • Paragraph 1: Clearly state the purpose of your email.
  • Paragraph 2: Explain your interest or provide necessary background information.
  • Paragraph 3: Ask specific questions or make clear requests.
  • Paragraph 4: Request further information or provide a concise closing statement.

Formal Email Phrases

  • Salutations: Dear Sir/Madam, To Whom It May Concern,
  • Opening/Context: Regarding, With reference to, I am writing to inquire about…
  • General Formal Terms: Believe, Currently, Appreciate,
  • Closings: Faithfully, Sincerely, Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely.