First conditional vs Second conditional

First conditional vs Second conditional

1. First Conditional

   • Is real
     • We use it to talk about things that are possible in the future
       • There´s a likely chance of it happening
   • Use of present simple verb in the "if" clause
     • Use of "Will" in the main clause, with a bare infinitive verb
     • If + present simple, will + verb
       • EXAMPLE: If I get lost I will call my mom
   • + WILL
     • - WON´T

2. Second Conditional

   • Unreal
     • The action is quite unlikely
       • Basically to talk about imaginary situations in the PRESENT OR THE FUTURE
         • NOT AN ACTUAL SITUATION
   • UNREAL TENSE
   • Use of past simple in the "if" clause
     • Use of "Would" with the bare infinitive verb
       • If + past simple, would +verb
         • EXAMPLE: If they missed their flight, they wouldn't come to see us.
   • + WOULD
     • - WOULDN´T
   • SOMETHING I WOULD DO HYPOTHETICALLY IF......
     • Used when there are things you can´t change like the height, dates, etc.
       • EXAMPLE: If today were Christmas, I would give you a gift
     • Use of could
       • Verb in Infinitive form, not in past simple
   • Use of were, breaking rules
   • TO GIVE ADVICE
     • EXAMPLE:If I were you, I´d eat everything
     • TO GIVE REASONS WHY
       • to imagine that LIFE IS DIFFERENT

3. Each type of sentence changes the meaning noticeably

4. Other words can also be used in both conditionals

   • UNLESS
     • "If not" or "Except if"
     • Can be used in 1st and 2nd conditional
     • Can´t be used to talk about past situations
       • EXAMPLE: Unless they fired me, I wouldn´t leave the company
     • AS LONG AS
       • "If and only if "
         • Usually used in 1st conditional
           • Because the result is expected
             • EXAMPLE: As long as you're here with me, I'll feel safe
       • SUPPOSING (THAT)
         • Tell the listener to imagine
           • Very similar to "if"
             • Used in 1st and 2nd conditional