First and Second Conditionals

Conditionals consist of two clauses: a subordinate clause (a condition introduced by if) and a main
clause (result):
1. First Conditional
If you study hard, youll pass the exam.
Youll 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, youll/ could/ might pass the exam.
2. Second Conditional
If you studied hard, you would pass the exam.
You would pass the exam If you studied hard.
This actually means: You dont 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, Ill drive to London. (Emma regards winning the car as real)
If I won the car, Id 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 doesnt rain, well have a great time.
Contributed by Al Rip
The British Council 2011
The United Kingdoms 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 doesnt 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 dont 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, Im 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. Dont 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 Kingdoms 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 cant cook.
I ______________________restaurants if I ______________________.
d. I have a wonderful family, thats why Im so happy.
If I ___________________ such a wonderful family, I ___________________ so happy.
e. Im working at the moment so thats why I cant talk to you.
If I _____________________at the moment I _____________________ to you.
f. The dog barks a lot every night, thats why we cant sleep well.
If the dog __________________ so much every night we ________________ (sleep) a lot better!

Contributed by Al Rip
The British Council 2011
The United Kingdoms international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.