First vs Second Conditionals — form & use
Quick difference
- First conditional → real/possible present or future situations and their results.
- Second conditional → unreal / imaginary present or future situations and their results.
- Choice depends on how probable you think the situation is.
Forms
| First conditional | Second conditional |
|---|---|
|
if + present simple → will + base If it rains, we will stay in. Main clause can also be imperative / can/may/might/should + base: If he calls, tell him. / If you study, you can pass. |
if + past simple (often were) → would/could/might + base If I had more time, I would learn Italian. If she were taller, she could play basketball. |
⚠️ Don’t use will/would in the if-clause.
Word order & commas
- If I see Sara, I’ll tell her. comma ✓
- I’ll tell her if I see Sara. no comma ✓
Useful connectors (First)
- unless = if not: We won’t go unless it’s sunny.
- as long as / provided (that): You can come as long as you’re on time.
- in case (+ present): Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Was or were? (Second)
- Both are possible in speech: If he was/were here, he’d help.
- Fixed advice phrase: If I were you … I’d talk to her.
Choosing between them
- Possible: If I find her, I ’ll tell her. (I think I might find her.)
- Unlikely: If I found her, I would tell her. (I think it’s improbable.)
- Request/imperative: If you see Mark, ask him to call me.
- Imaginary plan: If we won the lottery, we might move abroad.
Exercises:
First and second conditionals
Choose the correct form of the verbs to make first or second conditional sentences..
1
If it
later, we’ll cancel the picnic.
2
If I
more time, I would learn Italian.
3
I’ll call you when I
the results.
4
If she
harder, she will pass the test.
5
If we
closer to the beach, we’d go surfing every morning.
6
If you
the red button, the alarm will sound.
7
If I
you, I would back up the files.
8
We’ll go for a walk unless it
.
9
If they
a discount, we would place a larger order.
10
You’ll feel better if you
a little water.
First and second conditionals
Choose the correct form for each gap below to make either the first or the second conditional.
1
If you ____ the oven on, the smoke alarm will go off.
A.
B.
C.
2
I’d buy that jacket if it ____ cheaper.
A.
B.
C.
3
We’ll start without you unless you ____ here by six.
A.
B.
C.
4
If she ____ a day off tomorrow, she’ll join us.
A.
B.
C.
5
If I ____ more confident, I would apply for the lead role.
A.
B.
C.
6
I’ll text you when the plane ____.
A.
B.
C.
7
If we ____ now, we wouldn’t catch the last train.
A.
B.
C.
8
If you ____ the instructions, you’ll make fewer mistakes.
A.
B.
C.
9
I wouldn’t tell him if I ____ you.
A.
B.
C.
10
If they ____ the price, more customers will sign up.
A.
B.
C.
First and second conditionals
Fill in the gaps with the verbs in brackets present/past or with will/won’t/would/wouldn’t to make first or second conditional sentences.
—
JAMIE: Hey, Nora. Can you pick up Maya at the station?
NORA: Maybe — what time is she arriving?
1
JAMIE: If you (finish) early, could you swing by the station?
2
JAMIE: If she catches the 6 p.m. bus, she (arrive) at 6:45.
3
NORA: I (drive) her if I didn’t have a dentist appointment.
4
NORA: It would look unprofessional if I (call) an hour before.
5
NORA: The pitch is important. I (make) a bonus if everything goes well.
6
JAMIE: Ask Sam. If his meeting (finish) on time,
7
JAMIE: he (take) Maya from the station.
8
SAM: I (take) her if my bike wasn’t at the shop.
9
SAM: If my bike (not be) at the shop, I’d go now.
10
SAM: They’ve had it for days; unless a miracle happens, the mechanics (not fix) it today.