Ana's ESL blog: 1st and 2nd type conditional sentences

1ST TYPE CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

MEANING & USE

The first conditional is also called the "real" conditional because it is used for real, or possible, situations. These situations take place if a certain condition is met.

In the first conditional we can salso use unless, which means "if... not". In other words, "... unless he hurries up" could also be written, "... if he doesn't hurry up."

If it rains, we will stay at home.
He will arrive late unless he hurries up.
Sophie will buy a new car, if she gets her raise.

FORM
The first conditional is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a comma and a future simple verb (will + infinitive) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If he finishes on time, we will go to the movies.

We will go to the movies if he finishes on time.

EXERCISES

These sheet contains a summary of first, second and third type conditional sentences.

2nd TYPE CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

MEANING

2nd type conditional sentence

The second conditional is used to talk about situations or actions in the present or future which are not likely to happen or are imaginary, hypothetical or impossible.

If I were a rich woman, I would travel around the world. I think it is very unlikely that I will be rich. However, in this unlikely condition, I will travel around the world.
If I weren't / wasn't watching TV now, I would be playing tennis. I am watching TV, but I am imagining an alternative activity I would be doing if I wasn't watching TV
If I were an alien, I would be able to travel around the universe. It is impossible for me to be an alien. However, I am imagining what I would do in this situation.