First and Second Conditional 3

First and Second Conditionals

🔄First and Second Conditionals

📝Conditional sentences talk about if something happens, then something else will happen (or would happen).

1️⃣The First Conditional (Real Future)

🔮We use the first conditional to talk about real and possible situations in the future.

👉Form: If + Present Simple, … will + base verb

  • 🌧️If it rains, we will stay at home.
  • 📚If you study, you will pass the test.
  • 👋If I see her, I will say hello.

This conditional is for real possibilities.

2️⃣The Second Conditional (Unreal / Hypothetical Present or Future)

💭We use the second conditional to talk about imaginary or unlikely situations in the present or future.

👉Form: If + Past Simple, … would + base verb

  • 🎰If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world.
  • 🏀If he were taller, he would play basketball.
  • If we had more time, we would visit you.

This conditional is for dreams, wishes, or unreal situations.

3️⃣Comparison Table

ConditionalUseFormExample
Real future possibilitiesIf + Present, will + verbIf you study, you will pass.
Unreal / imaginary situationsIf + Past, would + verbIf I had wings, I would fly.

4️⃣Common Mistakes ❌✅

  • If it will rain, we will stay home.
    If it rains, we will stay home.
  • If I would be rich, I would buy a car.
    If I were rich, I would buy a car.
  • If she studies, she would pass the exam.
    If she studies, she will pass the exam. (First Conditional)
    If she studied, she would pass the exam. (Second Conditional)

Quick Tip

  • 🎯Use the First Conditional when it's real and possible.
  • 💭Use the Second Conditional when it's imaginary or unlikely.

📝More Examples

1️⃣First Conditional Examples (Real Possibilities):

  • 🌤️If the weather is nice, we will go to the park.
  • 💼If I get the job, I will move to London.
  • 📱If you call me, I will answer immediately.
  • 🚗If we leave early, we won't be late.

2️⃣Second Conditional Examples (Imaginary/Unlikely):

  • 👑If I were a king, I would help poor people.
  • 🦸If I had superpowers, I would save the world.
  • 🏰If we lived in a castle, we would feel like royalty.
  • 🌍If everyone spoke the same language, communication would be easier.

🔧Formation Rules

1️⃣First Conditional:

  • If + Present Simple, Subject + will + base verb
  • Example: If it rains, I will stay home.
  • Negative: If it doesn't rain, I won't stay home.
  • Question: What will you do if it rains?

2️⃣Second Conditional:

  • If + Past Simple, Subject + would + base verb
  • Example: If I won the lottery, I would buy a house.
  • Negative: If I didn't win the lottery, I wouldn't buy a house.
  • Question: What would you do if you won the lottery?

⚠️Special Notes

  • 👤In Second Conditional, use "were" for all persons: If I were you, If he were here, If she were rich
  • 🔄You can reverse the order: I will call you if I need help.
  • 📝No comma when the main clause comes first
  • 🚫Don't use "will" in the if-clause of First Conditional
  • 🚫Don't use "would" in the if-clause of Second Conditional

💭Remember

  • 1️⃣First Conditional = Real future possibility (likely to happen)
  • 2️⃣Second Conditional = Imaginary situation (dreams, wishes, unlikely)
  • 📖First uses Present Simple in if-clause, will in main clause
  • 📖Second uses Past Simple in if-clause, would in main clause
  • 👤Always use "were" (not "was") in Second Conditional with "be"