6-3 The First & Second Conditionals

I never play the lottery, but my grandmother does every week. I think winning is too unlikely, but she doesn't.

In Unit 9, we have learned about First and Second Conditionals. Remember, the difference in meaning gives the speaker's opinion.

First Conditional

As we studied in Grammar 9-1, the First Conditional expresses a real or possible situation.

The form is: if + Present Simple, will + base verb

If the bus doesn't come soon, I'll take a taxi home.

Will you help me if I make you dinner?

In Grammar 9-2, we learned to use the Second Conditional to describe unreal or unlikely situations.

The form is: if + Past Simple, would / could + base verb

If you were here with me, I'd be much happier.

We could barbecue the meat if we had some gas.

Which conditional you use depends on your opinion about the situation:

Phil thinks rain is possible, but James doesn't. Phil uses the First Conditional, and James uses the Second.

Phil thinks winning the lottery is possible, but James doesn't. Phil uses the First Conditional, and James uses the Second.

Open the exercise to begin the activity. Follow the instructions in the document.

keyboard_arrow_up