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Module 7 · Grammar Precision · Lesson 26

Conditionals & What If

From general truths (zero) to unreal pasts affecting the present (mixed), master all conditional forms and the natural alternatives (unless, provided that, as long as) that FCE loves to test.

CEFR B260 minConditionalsCore

Get talking · Section 1

5 min

discussion
If you could…

If you could change one rule at your school/work, what would it be?

reflection
Real vs unreal

Compare: 'If it rains, I take an umbrella' vs 'If it rained, I'd take an umbrella'. What's different?

activity
Mixed time travel

'If I had studied harder, I would be a doctor now.' Which part is past, which is present?

Grammar focus · Section 2

8–10 min

Five conditional forms, one logical system

Grammar focus

Conditionals link a condition (if-clause) to a result. The tense combination tells us whether the situation is a general truth, a real future possibility, or something imaginary — in the present, past, or a mix of both.

Quick Rule

If + [condition tense], [result tense]

Match the if-clause to the time/reality of the condition, and the main clause to the result.

When to Use

  • General truths and habits
  • Real future possibilities
  • Imaginary present/future
  • Imaginary past
  • Mixed-time hypotheticals

Pattern Builder

if-clause

If I had studied

+

comma

,

+

result clause

I would be a doctor now

Conditional types

TypeIf-clause / resultMeaning
Zeropresent simple → present simplealways true
Firstpresent simple → will + basereal future
Secondpast simple → would + baseunreal present/future
Thirdpast perfect → would have + p.p.unreal past
Mixedpast perfect → would + baseunreal past → present result

Common Mistake

Using 'would' in the if-clause: 'If I would have more time' should be 'If I had more time'.

Memory Tip

Unless = if not. 'Unless you hurry, you'll miss it' = 'If you don't hurry, you'll miss it'.

Natural English

Provided that you finish on time, it's fine. As long as you're happy, that's what matters. I'll take a jacket in case it gets cold.

Examples

  • → Zero: If you heat ice, it melts. (general truth)

  • → First: If it rains tomorrow, we'll cancel the picnic. (real possibility)

  • → Second: If I won the lottery, I would travel the world. (unreal, present/future)

  • → Third: If I had left earlier, I wouldn't have missed the train. (unreal, past)

  • → Mixed: If I had studied medicine, I would be a doctor now. (unreal past cause → unreal present result)

  • → Mixed reverse: If she weren't so shy, she would have spoken up yesterday. (unreal present state → unreal past result)

Open Grammar Reference

Question 1.If you heat water to 100°C, it ___.

Question 2.If I ___ more time, I would learn Japanese.

Question 3.If she had left earlier, she ___ the train.

Question 4.If I had taken that job, I ___ in London now.

Question 5.___ you hurry, you'll be late.

Answer all items, then check.
Conversation Builder
Say it naturally

Build the sentence → spot the natural chunks → say it aloud → reply like a real conversation.

1.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.

Step 1 · Build
Tap words below to build the sentence…

2.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.

Step 1 · Build
Tap words below to build the sentence…

3.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.

Step 1 · Build
Tap words below to build the sentence…

Quick check 1.'Unless' means…

Quick check 2.Mixed conditional often combines…

Quick check 3.Never use 'would' in…

Answer all items, then check.

Vocabulary · Section 3

5–7 min

Words & phrases to own

Open Vocabulary Bank
1

unless

if not.

"Unless you apologise, she won't forgive you."

Use it now

Make a warning using 'unless'.

2

provided that

on the condition that.

"You can borrow the car, provided that you fill it up."

Use it now

Give permission using 'provided that'.

3

as long as

on the condition that (informal).

"As long as you're careful, it's fine."

Use it now

Say a rule using 'as long as'.

4

in case

because something might happen.

"Take an umbrella in case it rains."

Use it now

Give advice using 'in case'.

5

on condition that

formal equivalent of 'if'.

"I'll help you, on condition that you help me next time."

Use it now

Make a formal offer.

6

hypothetical

imagined, not real.

"Let's consider a hypothetical situation."

Use it now

Describe a hypothetical scenario.

7

to regret

to feel sorry about a past action — common with third conditional.

"I regret not studying abroad."

Use it now

Share a regret using 'if only'.

8

otherwise

or else; if not.

"Leave now, otherwise you'll miss the bus."

Use it now

Give a warning with 'otherwise'.

9

supposing

used to introduce a hypothetical idea.

"Supposing you won the lottery, what would you do?"

Use it now

Ask a hypothetical question.

10

even if

regardless of whether.

"Even if it rains, we'll go."

Use it now

Make a determined statement.

Activate · use it within minutes

Activate · Complete the sentence
Finish the condition

Complete each sentence naturally.

  • Unless it stops raining, …

  • You can stay up late, provided that …

  • I always carry a charger in case …

  • Even if I won a lot of money, I would still …

Tick each word as you use it

Activate · Speak for 30 seconds
Supposing…

Ask your partner 3 'Supposing…' questions and discuss.

  • Supposing you could live anywhere, where would you go?

  • Supposing you had an extra day off, what would you do?

  • Supposing you met your future self, what would you ask?

Tick each word as you use it

Categorise
Sort these conditional connectors by function.
Answer all items, then check.

Pronunciation · Section 4

3–4 min

Contractions and weak forms in conditionals

Say it aloud

  • • 'd = would/had: 'If I'd known' (had), 'I'd go' (would) — context tells you which.
  • • 'wouldn't've' — three sounds blur into one fast chunk in speech.
  • • Stress the CONTENT words, not 'if' or 'would': if I WON the LOTTERY, I'd TRAVEL.
  • • Practise: 'If I'd known, I would've come' — say it in one breath.

Reading · Section 5

8–10 min

Mixed conditionals: the form B2 learners avoid

Read the passageTap to open

Ask most B2 learners to produce a third conditional and they'll manage it: 'If I had studied harder, I would have passed.' Ask them for a MIXED conditional and most freeze, or default back to a full third conditional even when the meaning calls for something different.

The mixed conditional exists because real regret often spans two different times. Consider: 'If I had taken that job in Berlin, I would be fluent in German now.' The condition — taking the job — is a past, unreal event (it didn't happen). The result — being fluent — is a PRESENT state, not a past one. A standard third conditional ('I would have been fluent') would wrongly suggest the fluency was also in the past and is now over. The mixed form keeps the result honestly in the present.

The reverse mixed form is rarer but just as useful: 'If she weren't so stubborn, she would have accepted the apology yesterday.' Here the CONDITION is a present, ongoing state (being stubborn), while the RESULT is a specific past event. Native speakers use this shape constantly in real complaints and explanations, but it rarely appears in textbooks beyond a single example.

The examiner's perspective is simple: candidates who can handle mixed conditionals accurately are demonstrating genuine control of the tense system, not memorised formulas. In Speaking Part 3 and 4, mixed conditionals appear naturally whenever someone explains how a past decision shapes their present life — 'if I hadn't moved here, I wouldn't have met my partner' is standard third conditional, but 'if I hadn't moved here, I wouldn't be who I am today' is mixed, and noticeably more sophisticated.

The fix is a simple two-question check before speaking or writing: is the CONDITION in the past or the present? Is the RESULT in the past or the present? If they don't match, the sentence needs the mixed form, not a uniform third conditional.

Question 1.Why does the mixed conditional exist?

Question 2.'If I had taken that job, I would be fluent now' — the result is in the…

Question 3.In the reverse mixed form, the CONDITION is typically…

Question 4.What does mastering mixed conditionals demonstrate to examiners?

Question 5.The suggested fix involves asking…

Answer all items, then check.
True / False / Not Given
Decide if each statement is True or False

Q1.A standard third conditional always correctly expresses a present result.

Q2.Mixed conditionals can have a past condition and a present result.

Q3.The reverse mixed form has a present condition and a past result.

Q4.Mixed conditionals are considered a beginner-level structure.

Answer all items, then check.

Listening · Section 6

8–10 min

A career-change conversation

Listening audio

Tap play to listen. Drag the timeline to jump anywhere.

Show transcript

Daniel:Do you ever regret not going to art school?

Sophie:Honestly, all the time. If I had gone, I'd probably be a full-time illustrator now.

Daniel:You could still switch careers, though.

Sophie:True. Provided that I save enough money, I'm planning to take a year out next year.

Daniel:That's brave. What if it doesn't work out?

Sophie:Well, if it doesn't work out, I'll just go back to my old job — nothing to lose really.

Daniel:Unless your old job's been filled by then!

Sophie:Fair point. As long as I give proper notice, I think they'd take me back.

Daniel:If I were you, I'd start building a portfolio now, just in case.

Sophie:Good idea. If I'd started that a year ago, I'd already have enough work to show.

Daniel:Exactly. Even if you're busy, ten minutes a day adds up.

Sophie:You're right. Otherwise I'll keep putting it off forever.

Daniel:Supposing you do become an illustrator — what would you actually draw?

Sophie:Honestly, if I had total freedom, I'd draw wildlife. That's always been the dream.

Question 1.What does Sophie regret?

Question 2.What is Sophie's condition for taking a year out?

Question 3.What does Daniel suggest she start now?

Question 4.What would Sophie draw with total freedom?

Answer all items, then check.

Question 1.Which conditional type best describes: 'If I had gone, I'd probably be a full-time illustrator now'?

Answer all items, then check.

Exam skills · Section 7

5 min

Use of English Part 4 — Key Word Transformations with conditionals

🎯 Conditionals in Part 4

Rewrite sentences using UNLESS, PROVIDED, or conditional forms while keeping the exact meaning.

  • Check whether the condition/result pair is real, unreal-present, or unreal-past
  • Convert 'if not' phrasing to 'unless' and vice versa carefully
  • Watch verb form changes: had/would have/would
  • Keep meaning identical — don't shift the timeframe by accident

Complete the FCE Exam Practice transformations below.

Quick Tip

'Unless' cannot be used with a negative if-clause — 'unless you don't hurry' is wrong; just 'unless you hurry'.

Exam Hack

For mixed conditionals, ask: is the RESULT clause about now or about the past? That decides 'would' vs 'would have'.

Common Mistake

Don't use 'would' inside the if-clause itself — a very common Part 4 error.

Your task

Complete the 6-item Part 4 transformation set in FCE Exam Practice below.

Example

Original: 'I don't have enough money, so I can't buy it.' Key word: UNLESS. Target: I ___ ___ ___ enough money. Answer: can't buy it unless I have

Open Exam Strategy Centre

Practice · Section 8

8–10 min

Fill in the blank

Question 1.If water freezes, it ___.

Question 2.If I ___ rich, I would travel constantly.

Question 3.If she had asked, I ___ helped.

Question 4.___ you finish your homework, you can watch TV.

Question 5.If I hadn't missed the bus, I ___ late now.

Answer all items, then check.
Sentence transformation
Type a short answer (1–3 words)

Q1.'Unless' means 'if ___'.

Q2.Mixed conditional: past condition → ___ tense result (present or past?)

Q3.Formal synonym for 'if' meaning 'on the condition that' (2 words):

Answer all items, then check.

Writing · Section 9

5 min

Put it in writing

Your task

Write a short reflective paragraph (80–100 words) using at least one example each of second, third, and mixed conditional about a decision that shaped your life.

Show model answer

If I hadn't moved to this city five years ago, I wouldn't have my current job. At the time it felt risky — if I had stayed home, life would probably be simpler, but far less interesting. If I hadn't taken that first uncomfortable step, I wouldn't be the person I am now. Looking back, if I could choose again, I would still take the same leap, even knowing how hard the first year was.

Speaking · Section 10

10–15 min

Make it a real conversation

Open Useful Expressions

Roleplay

1:1 online discussion. Teacher asks a series of 'What if…' and 'Supposing…' questions covering all conditional types; student answers using the correct form each time.

Useful phrases

  • • If I were in that situation, I'd…
  • • Provided that…, I would…
  • • If I hadn't…, I wouldn't have…
  • • Unless…, I won't…
Dialogue completion
Complete each response with the correct conditional form.
  • AWhat would you do if you found a wallet full of cash?
  • B_______________
  • AWhat would have happened if you'd missed the flight?
  • B_______________
Answer all items, then check.

Teacher notes

Optional · Teacher-led

Teacher Activities

Two fast drills that force students to choose the right conditional type under time pressure. ~14 min total

FCE Exam Practice · Section 11

20–30 min

Real FCE tasks

Cambridge B2 First · Use of English · Part 4. Complete the second sentence using the key word, keeping the meaning the same.

Cambridge B2 First · Reading & Use of English · Part 4 · Key Word Transformations
Key Word Transformations — Conditionals

  1. 1.I don't have enough money, so I can't buy the tickets.

    UNLESS

    I

  2. 2.You can borrow my car if you fill up the tank.

    PROVIDED

    You can borrow my car

  3. 3.I didn't study, so I failed the exam.

    HAD

    If I

  4. 4.She didn't take the job in Paris, so she's not fluent in French now.

    WOULD

    If she had taken the job in Paris, she

  5. 5.I'm not tall enough to reach the shelf.

    WERE

    If I

  6. 6.Leave now or you'll miss the train.

    UNLESS

Answer all items, then check.

Homework · Section 12

Take-home

Take it home

grammar
Task 1

Conditional transformation set

Rewrite each pair of ideas into the conditional type indicated.

Match tense to reality/time exactly.

  1. (zero) You mix red and blue paint. You get purple.
  2. (first) It might snow tomorrow. We might not travel.
  3. (second) I don't have wings. I can't fly.
  4. (third) I didn't check the map. I got lost.
  5. (mixed) I didn't learn to swim as a kid. I can't swim now.
Finish the homework, then check.
speaking
Task 2

Record 3 hypotheticals

Record yourself answering 3 'Supposing…' questions using second, third, and mixed conditionals.

Vary the conditional type across your three answers.

  1. Supposing you woke up in a different country tomorrow…
  2. Supposing you had chosen a different degree/job…
  3. Supposing your best friend moved abroad…

Recap · Section 13

2–3 min

What you've learned

  • Five conditional types: zero, first, second, third, mixed.
  • Match tense to TIME + REALITY of the condition and result.
  • Mixed conditionals combine unreal past causes with present results (or vice versa).
  • Unless = if not; provided that / as long as = on condition that.
  • Never use 'would' inside the if-clause.
Lesson 25 · Reported SpeechLesson 27 · Passive & Causative