first and second conditional
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First and Second Conditionals
Conditionals consist of two clauses: a subordinate clause (a condition introduced by if) and a main clause (result):
1. First ConditionalIf you study hard, you’ll pass the exam. You’ll pass the exam if you study hard.
Structure: If + Present tense / will + infinitive (without ‘to’)When do we use it? To talk about future situations which the speaker feels are possible.
Other modal verbs such as might/ could in the main clause:If you study hard, you’ll/ could/ might pass the exam.
2. Second ConditionalIf you studied hard, you would pass the exam.You would pass the exam If you studied hard.
This actually means: You don’t study hard, that's why I think you won't pass the exam.
Structure: If + Past Simple / would + infinitive (without ‘to’) When do we use it? To talk about hypothetical situations (different from what is actually in reality) and how things would/ could/ might be different.
Other modal verbs such as might/ could in the main clause:If you studied hard, you would/ could/ might be able to pass the exam.
By hypothetical situations, we understand they can be:- improbable: If I saw a bear, I would run away straightaway. - impossible: If I were/ was you, I would apply for this job.- possible, but not true at the moment: If I had a garden, I would grow spices.
Contrasting First and Second Conditional:John and Emma are the final two people in a competition to win a car from their local supermarket. Emma is an optimist and John is a pessimist.
If I win the car, I’ll drive to London. (Emma regards ‘winning the car’ as real)If I won the car, I’d drive to London. (John regards ‘winning the car’ as hypothetical)
Other conditional expressions: proving, provided (that), as/so long as, suppose (that), supposing, what if …, unless.
1. Providing (more frequent in spoken language), provided that (more frequent in writing) may be both for real and unreal conditions:
You can borrow my bike providing/ provided you bring it back.
2. As/So long as (frequently in informal spoken contexts) – can be used for real and unreal situations:As long as it doesn’t rain, we’ll have a great time.
Contributed by Al Rip© The British Council 2011
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.
First and Second Conditionals
3. Suppose (that), supposing, assuming can be used to imagine unreal conditions:Supposing you fell in love with your boss, what would you do?
4. What if …? is used to imagine unreal situations and to pose questions about their possible outcomes:
What if she doesn’t turn up? What shall I do?
5. Unless is used to say that something can only happen or be true in a particular situation.
You won't get paid for time off unless you have a doctor's note.You won't get paid for time off if you don’t have a doctor's note.
Practice:First Conditional refers to possible future situations which depend on a condition.
1. Complete the gaps in the first conditional sentences and answer the questions below:
a. We __________ (go) to the mountains next weekend if I ________ (get) paid this week, all right? Is it possible for me to get paid this week?
b. If you ____________ (come) with us now, I’m sure you ________________ (have) a good time. Is it possible for you to come with us?
c. If the weather ___________ (not/ be) good, we _____________(have to stay) at home, unfortunately. Is it possible for the weather to be bad?
d. Don’t worry! I ______________(help) them if they _________________ (need) anything. Is it possible for them to need anything?
2. Read the sentences below and then rewrite them using first conditional sentences:
a. We want to go to the Black Sea but it depends on the weather.
We ________________________________________________________________________
b. I would like to apply for the job but it depends on how high the salary is.
I ___________________________________________________________________________
c. I want to buy this house but it depends on its price.
If ___________________________________________________________________________
d. I want to come to the party but it depends when I finish work.
If I __________________________________________________________________________Contributed by Al Rip
© The British Council 2011
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.
First and Second Conditionals
Second Conditional refers to general or present hypothetical situations.
1. Complete the gaps in the second conditional sentences and answer the questions below:
a. I ______________ (join) you if I _________ (not/be) so ill at the moment. Am I ill?
b. Your son ______________ (make) better progress, if you __________ (not/ be) so rude to him.Are you rude to your son?
c. I _____________________ (definitely/ apply) for this job, if I ____________________ (be) you. Am I you?
d. If our boss ___________ (not/complain) so much, everyone _______________ (work) better! Does our boss complain much?
2. Read the sentences below, imagine the opposite (hypothetical) situations and then complete the gaps with second conditional sentences:
a. She is so successful because she works hard.
She ____________________________successful if she __________________ so hard.
b. We are tired because it is very hot today.
We _______________________ tired if it __________________ (not/be) so hot today.
c. I go to restaurants because I can’t cook.
I ______________________restaurants if I ______________________.
d. I have a wonderful family, that’s why I’m so happy.
If I ___________________ such a wonderful family, I ___________________ so happy.
e. I’m working at the moment so that’s why I can’t talk to you.
If I _____________________at the moment I _____________________ to you. f. The dog barks a lot every night, that’s why we can’t sleep well.
If the dog __________________ so much every night we ________________ (sleep) a lot better!
Contributed by Al Rip© The British Council 2011
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.