First and Second Conditionals
Talk about real future possibilities and imaginary situations using 'if' with the right tenses.
15 minIntermediate
1The grammar
Use the first conditional for a real possibility in the future: If the train is late, I will call you. The speaker thinks this could really happen. The if-clause uses a present tense, and the main clause usually uses will.
Use the second conditional for a situation that is imaginary or unlikely, now or in the future: If I had more time, I would learn to cook. The if-clause uses the past simple, but the meaning is not past. The main clause uses would.
The choice can depend on how the speaker sees the situation. 'If I get the job, I will move' means this is a real possibility. 'If I got the job, I would move' means the speaker thinks it is unlikely.
We do not normally use will or would in the if-clause. With I, he, she and it, the second conditional can use was or were: If she was/were here, she would help. Were is more formal, and 'If I were you' is the standard phrase for giving advice.
2Structure and formation
First conditional
If + present simple, will / won't + base verb
If the bank accepts our offer, we will sign tomorrow.
First conditional variants
If + present simple, may / might / can + base verb, or an imperative
If the taxi is late, call me.
Second conditional
If + past simple, would / wouldn't + base verb
If I lived closer, I wouldn't need a car.
Second conditional variants
If + past simple, could / might + base verb
If I spoke Italian, I could work in our Milan office.
Main clause first
will / would ... + if + clause (no comma)
We will cancel the event if it rains.
3Examples
If we leave now, we will catch the 8:15 train.
First conditional: a real possibility.
You might get a refund if you call them today.
First conditional with 'might' for a less certain result.
If I were you, I would talk to your manager.
Second conditional for advice. 'If I were you' is the standard phrase.
If I had a bigger budget, I would hire another designer.
Second conditional: the speaker does not have a bigger budget.
What would you do if you lost your passport abroad?
Second conditional question about an imaginary situation.
If the weather is good, we will have lunch outside.
First conditional. Use a present tense after 'if', not 'will'.
4Common mistakes
If she will call, I will tell her.
If she calls, I will tell her.
Use the present simple, not 'will', in a first conditional if-clause.
If I would earn more, I would travel more.
If I earned more, I would travel more.
Use the past simple, not 'would', in a second conditional if-clause.
If I had more time, I will learn Italian.
If I had more time, I would learn Italian.
A past simple if-clause about an imaginary situation needs 'would' in the main clause.
I will email you, if the results arrive.
I will email you if the results arrive.
When the main clause comes first, a comma is not normally used before 'if'.
5Practical usage
Plans and warnings
Use the first conditional to make plans and discuss results: 'If we don't reply today, we will lose the client.'
Advice
'If I were you, I would ...' is a polite way to give advice. You may hear 'If I was you' in informal speech, but 'If I were you' is the safer choice.
Imagining alternatives
Use the second conditional to discuss situations that are not real now: 'If we had an office in Spain, we could serve those clients more easily.'
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