1st and 2nd conditionals

1st and 2nd conditionals

USE

We use 1st conditional to talk about things that are likely to happen

If you pay all your taxes, you won't have problems.

If you pay attention, you may understand the activities.

Form

If + condition in simple present tense + , + the result expressed in future (certain or less uncertain) will/may/might/can

If you pay all your taxes, you won't have any problems.

If you pay attention, you may understand the activities.

You may change the order of the sentence, and erase the comma.

You won't have any problems if you pay all your taxes.

You may understand the activities if you pay attention

SECOND CONDITIONAL

USE

1. To talk about things that are unlikely/highly unlikely/impossible to happen.

If I ran the company, I would make a lot of changes

2. To talk about imaginary situations.

If I were the president, I would change everything...

3. To be more polite

What would say if I asked you to come with me to the trip?

4. To give some advice

If I were the manager, I would improve working conditions (probably talking to the manager)

FORM

If + condition in Past simple + , + the result using would/could (verb in infinitive form)

If I ran the company, I would make a lot of changes

If I were the teacher, I wouldn't leave any homework.

Unless, when, as soon as

Use unless to mean if not or except.

Unless you wear a tie, they won't let you into the restaurant.

If you don't wear a tie, they won't let you into the restaurant.

Use when and as soon as when you are more certain of something to happen.

Liz will call if the clients arrive. <-- not sure this is going to happen.

Liz will call when the clients arrive. <-- it is more likely to happen

Liz will call as soon as the clients arrive. <-- it is more likely to happen