First and Second Conditional in English

First Conditional

Use

The first conditional is used to talk about real and possible situations in the future. It’s used to express a likely outcome if a certain condition is met.

Structure

If + present simple, will + infinitive

• If clause: The condition that needs to be met.
• Main clause: The likely outcome.

Examples:

• If it rains, I will stay home.
• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• If she calls, I will answer.

Variations

• Modal verbs: Instead of “will,” you can use other modal verbs like “can,” “may,” “might,” or “should” to express different degrees of certainty or possibility.
  • If you’re late, you might miss the bus.
  • If you need help, you can ask me.
• Unless: “Unless” can be used instead of “if…not.”
  • Unless it rains, we will go to the park. (Same as: If it doesn’t rain, we will go to the park.)

Second Conditional

Use

The second conditional is used to talk about unreal or improbable situations in the present or future. It’s used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, or dreams.

Structure

If + past simple, would + infinitive

• If clause: The hypothetical condition.
• Main clause: The hypothetical outcome.

Examples:

• If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.
• If I were you, I would apologize.
• If she had more time, she would learn to play the piano.

Variations

• “Were” for all subjects: In formal English, “were” is often used instead of “was” with all subjects in the “if” clause.
  • If he were taller, he would be a basketball player.
• Modal verbs: Instead of “would,” you can use other modal verbs like “could” or “might” to express different degrees of possibility.
  • If I had more money, I could buy a new car.

Key Differences

Feature	First Conditional	Second Conditional
Use	Real and possible situations	Unreal or improbable situations
Time	Future	Present or future
Structure	If + present simple, will + infinitive	If + past simple, would + infinitive
Example	If it rains, I will stay home.	If I won the lottery, I would travel.

Practice

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb:

1. If I (have) _____ time, I will go to the gym.
2. If she (study) _____ harder, she would get better grades.
3. If they (not come) _____ to the party, I will be disappointed.
4. If he (be) _____ taller, he could reach the top shelf.
5. Unless you (hurry) _____, you will miss the train.

Answers:

1. have
2. studied
3. don’t come
4. were
5. hurry