First and Second Conditional
The first and second conditionals are used to talk about possible situations and their results. In this lesson, we will go over a brief overview of each one.
First Conditional
Structure: If + present simple, will + base verb
Usage: The first conditional is used for real or possible situations in the future. It expresses a condition that is likely to happen and its possible result.
Example:
If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors.
Here, the condition is “if it rains tomorrow,” and the result is “we will stay indoors.”
Find out more in the next presentation.
Second Conditional
Structure: If + past simple, would + base verb
Usage: The second conditional is used for hypothetical or unreal situations in the present or future. It describes a situation that is unlikely or impossible and its imagined result.
Example:
If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world.
In this case, the condition “if I had a million dollars” is not true or very unlikely, and the result is “I would travel the world.”
SOMETHING IMPORTANT! In the second conditional, we use “were” instead of “was” after the subject, even with I/he/she/it. This is different from the usual past tense form, where we would say “was.” So, if you ever see the word “were”, you can be sure the sentence uses the second conditional.
In the following presentation, discover more information regarding the second conditional.
Learning Activities
Activity #1: Conditional Chain Story
- In pairs or small groups, one student will start with a sentence using the first or second conditional (e.g., “If I win the lottery, I will buy a car”). The next student continues the story, also using a conditional sentence (e.g., “If I buy a car, I will go on a road trip”). This continues, with you and your classmates building a chain of conditionals.
Activity #2: Role Play “If I Were…”
- You will all be assigned different scenarios or roles. For example, “If I were the president, I would…” or “If I had a superpower, I would…”. Everyone will have to explain their decisions using the second conditional. We will then have a class discussion or vote on the best ideas.
Activity #3: Fortune Teller Game
- You will be given paper fortune tellers (origami style) where the outcomes are based on first conditional sentences. For example, one flap might say, “If you study hard, you will pass the test.” You will all take turns using the fortune tellers to predict their future.
Activity #4: “What Would You Do If?” Discussion
- Hypothetical situations will be given to the class and discussed in pairs or groups. For example, “What would you do if you found a wallet on the street?” or “What will you do if it rains tomorrow?” Use either the first or second conditional, depending on the situation.