First Conditional: Real Possibility

The first conditional is used to talk about

possible future states or events.
Form: if/when + present simple/continuous +
will/be going to + verb.
Examples:
• If you go away to study, you’ll meet new people.
• I’m going to start without him if he doesn’t
come soon.
 First Conditional

IF Condition Result
present simple WILL + verb
If I see Mary I will tell her.
If Mary is free tomorrow he will invite her.
If they do not pass their exam their teacher will be sad.
If it rains tomorrow will you stay at home?
If it rains tomorrow what will you do?
 First Conditional

IF Condition Result
present simple Be + going to
If I see Mary
If Mary is free tomorrow
If they do not pass their exam
If it rains tomorrow
If it rains tomorrow
Second Conditional: Unreal Possibility
The second conditional is used to talk about
unlikely or imaginary states or events in the
present or future.
Form: if + past simple/continuous + would / could /
should / might + verb.
Examples:
• If she spoke Spanish, she could apply for the job
in Madrid.
• They would leave their jobs and travel if they had
money.
 Second Conditional

IF condition result
past simple WOULD/COULD/SHOULD/
MIGHT + verb
If John married Mary he would be happy.
If Sheila became rich he might marry her.
If I won a million dollars I could stop working.
If it snowed next July what would you do?
If It doesn’t rain tomorrow we should have a picnic.