18 topics

Clauses & Conditionals

Clause types and conditional structures: zero, first, second, third, and mixed conditionals; relative clauses (defining and non-defining); noun clauses; gerunds and infinitives; participle clauses; wish and unreal past.

B1 B2 C1 C2

Topics in this Category

  1. 1
    B1

    Zero Conditional

    If/when + present simple, present simple — for general truths and scientific facts.
  2. 2
    B1

    First Conditional

    If + present simple, will + infinitive — for real and likely future situations.
  3. 3
    B1

    Second Conditional

    If + past simple, would + infinitive — for hypothetical present/future situations.
  4. 4
    B1

    Defining Relative Clauses

    Clauses with who, which, that defining exactly which person or thing is meant — no commas.
  5. 5
    B1

    Gerunds and Infinitives

    When to use the -ing form (gerund) versus to + infinitive after verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
  6. 6
    B2

    Third Conditional

    If + past perfect, would have + past participle — for hypothetical past situations and regrets.
  7. 7
    B2

    Mixed Conditionals

    Combining time frames: past hypothetical condition + present result, or present hypothetical + past result.
  8. 8
    B2

    Alternatives to If (Unless, Provided That, As Long As, In Case)

    Other conditional conjunctions: unless (if not), provided that, as long as (only if), in case (as a precaution).
  9. 9
    B2

    Non-Defining Relative Clauses

    Extra information clauses set off by commas: My sister, who lives in Paris, is a doctor.
  10. 10
    B2

    Noun Clauses (That-clauses and Wh-clauses)

    Clauses that function as nouns: I know that she left. Tell me what you want.
  11. 11
    B2

    Wish and If Only

    Expressing regret and desire for things to be different: I wish I had studied harder. If only I knew.
  12. 12
    B2

    Formal Subjunctive

    The subjunctive mood in formal English: I suggest that he be present. It is essential that she arrive on time.
  13. 13
    C1

    Advanced Conditionals (Inversion, Supposing, Assuming)

    Formal conditional inversion (Had I known…), and conjunctions: supposing, assuming, given that.
  14. 14
    C1

    Participle Clauses (Sentence Shortening)

    Reducing clauses with -ing, -ed, or having + past participle: Walking home, I saw an accident.
  15. 15
    C1

    The Unreal Past (Beyond 'Wish' and 'If')

    Expressing unreality with: it's time, I'd rather, as if/as though, would sooner, had better.
  16. 16
    C1

    Free Relatives (whoever, whatever, wherever)

    Clauses with whoever, whatever, whenever, wherever, however that act as noun or adverb phrases.
  17. 17
    C1

    What-Clauses

    Noun clauses with what as subject or complement: What surprised me was her reaction. What I need is help.
  18. 18
    C2

    Complex Sentence Architecture (Embedded, Absolute, and Verbless Clauses)

    C2-level clause structures: deeply embedded clauses, absolute constructions, verbless clauses in formal prose.