First Conditional vs. Second Conditional

First Conditional vs. Second Conditional

1. First Conditional

   • We use the first conditional to talk about the result of an imagined future situation, when we believe the imagined situation is quite likely
     • Warning
       • We use the modal verb in the main clause, not in the conditional clause.
   • Structure
     • if + present simple modal verb with future meaning (shall/should/will/would/can/could/may/might)
   • Example
     • If Sheila rings, I might ask her to come over for dinner.
     • If he gets a job in Liverpool, he’ll have to get up early. It’s a long drive
     • If I do not finish my homework, I will not party.

2. What is difference between: First Conditional vs. Second Conditional

   • The first conditional also speaks of reality. It is used to talk about something that we think is likely to happen, both now and in the future.
     • In the second conditional we imagine a situation but we are not sure if it will happen or it seems unlikely. Although we use the past, we are still talking about unreal or unlikely possibilities in the present or the future.

3. Second Conditional

   • We use the second conditional to talk about the possible result of an imagined situation in the present or future. We say what the conditions must be for the present or future situation to be different.
     • Example
       • If there were more buses, we would leave the car at home.
       • If you asked her nicely, she would say yes, I’m sure.
       • If people complained, things would change.
   • Structure
     • if + past simple modal verb with future-in-the-past meaning (should/would/might/could)

4. Bibliography

   • https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/first-conditional.
     • https://www.ontraining.es/condicionales-en-ingles/
       • https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/second-conditional.html

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