1st conditional vs 2nd conditional

1st conditional vs 2nd conditional

They talk about what could happen now or in the future and what could have happened in the past.

First conditional

Second conditional

We use it to talk about things that are possible in the future and there's a likely chance of it happening.

We use the second conditional to talk about imaginary situations in the present (unreal situations or unlikely future results).

Talk about probable, real situations in the future.

Structure

lf + sujeto + present simple, sujeto + will/won't + infinitive

Examples

If I don't study, I won't get good grades.

If I get up early, I will get to school early.

If I do physical activity, my health will be good.

Structure

lf + subject + past simple, subject + would/wouldn't + infinitive

Examples

If I were taller, I would play basketball.

If I had a motorcycle, I would use it every day.

If I had more time, I would go to the gym every day.

Situations in the present that are impossible, give advice.

If the verb 'to be' is present in the sentence, we use 'were' for all singular and plural persons.

1st and 2nd conditional without 'IF'

Unless

As long as

Supposing (that)

It is followed by a verb in the present, past or "past perfect" (never a conditional). It is used instead of 'if + not' in conditional sentences of all types, when we use it, the order of the propositions does not matter.

So this is like saying if and only if the condition happens, so if the condition doesn't happen, the result is either not possible or not allowed. It is usually used with the first conditional.

It helps the listener to imagine a situation, it can be used in both the first and second conditionals, but it is much more comfortable in the second conditional because you are imagining well.

Unless she apologises, I will not forgive her.

Unless they fired me, I wouldn't leave the company.

Examples

Examples

Examples

As long as I get time off work, I'll come for a visit.

As long as it's not too crowded, we'll stay for dinner.

Supposing I can change my flight, I'll come a few days earlier.

Supposing you got a huge Christmas bonus, would you go on a holiday?