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

Conditionals — those small “if” sentences — are one of the most misunderstood grammar points on the TOEIC test. They seem simple at first, but TOEIC loves to test the tense logic, hypothetical situations, and real vs. unreal outcomes these structures create.

This article breaks down how each type of conditional works and where students commonly make mistakes. If you’ve ever paused at a TOEIC question like “If I ____ more time, I would take the test again”, this guide is for you.

What Are Conditionals?

Conditionals are sentences that show a cause-and-effect relationship, usually using “if.” They express possibilities, hypothetical scenarios, or logical consequences.

There are four main types you need to know for TOEIC:

  • Zero conditional: facts and habits

  • First conditional: real future possibilities

  • Second conditional: unreal present or unlikely future

  • Third conditional: unreal past

Zero Conditional (If + present, present)

Used for facts, rules, and routines. The cause and effect are both real and certain.

📝 If it rains, the streets get wet.

In TOEIC, this might appear in instructions or office rules:
📝 If you press the green button, the machine starts.

First Conditional (If + present, will + base verb)

Used for real, likely future situations. One action depends on another.

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

This is the most common structure for workplace decisions, plans, and predictions on TOEIC.

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

Second Conditional (If + past, would + base verb)

Used for unreal or hypothetical situations in the present or future. It describes imaginary outcomes or unlikely situations.

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

TOEIC loves this for suggestions, advice, and daydreaming at work:

📝 If I were you, I’d ask the supervisor.

🟡 Grammar Trap: Many learners say “If I was you…”
✅ TOEIC expects: If I were you… (subjunctive form)

Third Conditional (If + had + past participle, would have + past participle)

Used for imaginary situations in the past — things that didn’t happen.

📝 If I had studied, I would have passed.

These conditionals are common in reviews, feedback, and regrets:

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

Mixed Conditionals

Sometimes, TOEIC mixes the condition and result from different timelines. For example:

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

This combines a past condition with a present result. It’s a higher-level trap.

How TOEIC Tests Conditionals

TOEIC Part 5 will often:

  • Remove the auxiliary verb (e.g., “If he ___ known…”)

  • Use incorrect tense sequences (e.g., “If I know, I would help”)

  • Confuse real vs. unreal time (e.g., using “will” in second conditionals)

You may see answer options like:
A. had
B. will have
C. have
D. would have

Even advanced learners stumble here. Understanding the time logic is key.

Common TOEIC Pitfalls

  • ❌ Using “will” in the if-clause:
    If he will come… → ✘
    ✅ If he comes…

  • ❌ Confusing past simple with past perfect:
    If she went earlier, she would have caught the train. → ✘
    ✅ If she had gone earlier…

  • ❌ Forgetting subjunctive “were”:
    If I was taller… → informal
    ✅ If I were taller… → TOEIC correct

Final Tip

TOEIC doesn’t test conditionals for creativity. It tests precision and logic. When you see an “if” question, ask:

  • Is this about a real future? (first)

  • A fake present? (second)

  • An imaginary past? (third)

  • A blend of timelines? (mixed)

If you train your eyes to see these patterns, your TOEIC score will thank you.

🔒 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.