Mastering Conditionals for TOEIC: If You Study This, You’ll Score Higher

Conditional sentences — the small “if” structures — are a favourite TOEIC grammar trap.


They look simple, but TOEIC tests whether you understand time logic, real vs unreal situations, and the exact verb sequence that matches the meaning.

🔹 What Are Conditionals?

Conditionals link a condition with a result.
They usually use if, but the key is how the verbs in each part match the time and reality of the situation.

🧩 The Four Main Types

0️⃣ Zero Conditional — Facts and Rules

Structure: If + present simple, present simple
Use: Facts, routines, instructions.

  • If it rains, the streets get wet.

  • If you press the green button, the machine starts.

1️⃣ First Conditional — Real Future Possibilities

Structure: If + present simple, will + base verb
Use: Likely future situations; one depends on the other.

  • If I pass the test, I’ll celebrate tonight.

  • If the report is late, the manager will be upset.

2️⃣ Second Conditional — Unreal Present or Unlikely Future

Structure: If + past simple, would + base verb
Use: Imaginary situations or unlikely possibilities.

  • If I had more money, I would travel abroad.

  • If I were you, I’d ask the supervisor. ✅ (were is the TOEIC-expected subjunctive form)

3️⃣ Third Conditional — Unreal Past

Structure: If + had + past participle, would have + past participle
Use: Imaginary past situations — things that didn’t happen.

  • If I had studied, I would have passed.

  • If the team had prepared better, the meeting would have gone smoothly.

🔄 Mixed Conditionals — Combining Timelines

Past condition + present result:

  • If I had taken that job, I would be in New York now.

🎯 How TOEIC Tests Conditionals

  • Removes part of the verb: If he ___ known…

  • Breaks tense sequence: If I know, I would help. ❌

  • Confuses real vs unreal time: using will in a second conditional.

You’ll often see answer sets like:
A) had
B) will have
C) have
D) would have

Only one matches the time logic.

⚠️ Common Pitfalls

  • Will in the if-clause → ❌ If he will come… → ✅ If he comes…

  • Wrong past form: ❌ If she went earlier, she would have caught the train. → ✅ If she had gone earlier…

  • Forgetting subjunctive were: ❌ If I was taller… → ✅ If I were taller…

🛠 Quick Identification Guide

When you see an if sentence, ask:

  • Real future? → First Conditional

  • Unreal present/future? → Second Conditional

  • Unreal past? → Third Conditional

  • Timeline mix? → Mixed Conditional

Final Word

Conditionals in TOEIC aren’t about creativity — they’re about precision. Once you can match the verb forms to the timeline and reality, you’ll answer quickly and confidently.

For more strategies and resources to master TOEIC grammar logic, visit the English Library Collection and start locking in conditional accuracy today.

🔒 Hidden FAQ (EN) — TOEIC: Conditionals Q1: What is a conditional sentence? A sentence that describes a cause-and-effect relationship, often using “if.” It shows what happens or could happen under certain conditions. Q2: How many main types of conditionals are there in English? Four: zero, first, second, and third conditionals. Mixed conditionals also exist, combining parts from different types. Q3: What does the zero conditional express? General truths, habits, or rules — things that are always true if a condition is met. Q4: What tenses are used in zero conditional sentences? Present simple in both the “if” clause and the result clause. Example: If you heat ice, it melts. Q5: What is the first conditional used for? Real and possible future situations. It shows likely outcomes. Example: If I study, I will pass. Q6: What tense combination is used in the first conditional? “If” clause: present simple. Main clause: “will” + base verb. Q7: What does the second conditional express? Unreal or imaginary situations in the present or future. It shows things that are unlikely or impossible now. Example: If I were rich, I would travel the world. Q8: What tenses are used in the second conditional? “If” clause: past simple (or “were” for all subjects). Main clause: “would” + base verb. Q9: Why do we say “If I were you” and not “If I was you”? “Were” is the correct subjunctive form used in formal or hypothetical situations. Q10: What is the third conditional used for? Imaginary past situations — things that didn’t happen. Example: If I had studied, I would have passed. Q11: What is the structure of the third conditional? “If” clause: had + past participle. Main clause: would have + past participle. Q12: What is a mixed conditional? A sentence that combines elements from different conditionals — often third + second. Example: If I had studied harder, I would be working abroad now. Q13: What’s the biggest TOEIC trap with conditionals? Using the wrong tense in the “if” clause or the result clause. Example: If I know the answer, I would tell you. → ❌ Correct: If I knew… Q14: Can “will” be used in the “if” clause? Usually no. Use present simple in the “if” clause, even for future events. ✘ If he will come → ✅ If he comes Q15: Can “would” appear in both parts of the sentence? No. Only the main clause uses “would.” ✘ If I would know, I would help → ✅ If I knew, I would help Q16: Do I always need a comma between the two parts? Use a comma only if the “if” clause comes first. ✅ If it rains, I’ll stay home. ✅ I’ll stay home if it rains. Q17: What happens when TOEIC removes the verb from the conditional? It tests your ability to match tenses correctly. Example: If she ___ the ticket, she would have attended. Correct answer: had bought Q18: Can conditionals appear without “if”? Yes. In formal writing, “had,” “were,” or “should” can invert the sentence. Example: Had I known, I would have helped. Q19: Is “should” ever used in conditionals? Yes, in more formal or polite conditional structures. Example: If you should need help, call me. Q20: Are conditionals common in TOEIC Part 6 or 7? Yes. They can appear in emails, reports, and decision-making scenarios — especially second and third conditionals.