First conditional vs second conditional

First conditional vs second conditional

1. First conditional

   • This is used to talk about probable, real situations in the future
     • Its structure is as follows:
       • If + subject + present simple , subjetc + will/won't + infinitive.
         • To make the first conditional, it’s simple. We use the present simple verb in our 'if' clause and use the future tense 'will' in our main sentence, so we use 'will' together with a verb in simple infinitive. For example:
           • If you don’t clean the house, you‘ll (will) sleep on the sofa./ If I sleep on the sofa, I won’t (will not) sleep well.

2. Second conditional

   • This is also used to talk about the future but in this case the condition is hypothetical or unlikely to happen
     • It also serves to speak of expressing impossibility and to give advice
       • Its structure is as follows:
         • If + subject + past simple, subject + would/wouldn't +infinitive
           • If the verb 'to be' is in the conditional sentence, we use 'to be' and not 'to be' for all singular and plural persons. For example:
             • If I won the lottery, I would move to Japan./ If he were his father, I wouldn’t allow such behaviour.