FIRST OR SECOND CONDITIONAL? EXERCISE 1 (ESL)
B1–B2 · IntermediateBoth the first and second conditional describe hypothetical situations, but they differ in how probable those situations are. The first conditional uses if + present simple + will for real or likely situations; the second uses if + past simple + would for imaginary or unlikely ones. The grammar review below explains the key difference with clear examples.
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Choose the correct verb form to complete each conditional sentence.
1. If we go to Louisiana, you _________ real Cajun food.
Correct answer: will eat — first conditional — if we go = real/possible situation → will.
2. If you went to Louisiana, you _________ real Cajun food.
Correct answer: would eat — second conditional — if you went = hypothetical/unlikely → would.
3. If he _________ more, he'd play better.
Correct answer: practiced — second conditional — hypothetical present requires past simple in the if-clause.
4. I ________ you if I hear anything.
Correct answer: will call — first conditional — if I hear = possible → will in the result.
5. If the neighbors ________ making noise, I'll call the police.
Correct answer: don't stop — first conditional — present simple (not will) in the if-clause.
6. If they ________ this skirt in a smaller size, I'd buy it.
Correct answer: made — second conditional — I'd buy in the result signals past simple in the if-clause.
7. I ________ that donut if you don't.
Correct answer: will eat — first conditional — real offer/intention → will.
8. He ________ better if he had his glasses.
Correct answer: would be able to see — second conditional — if he had his glasses = hypothetical → would.
9. If I end up going, I _________ you.
Correct answer: will call — first conditional — if I end up going = real possibility → will.
10. If he ________ more, he'd have bigger muscles.
Correct answer: exercised — second conditional — he'd have in the result signals past simple in the if-clause.
Grammar review
First conditional vs second conditional: structures and meanings
Both the first and second conditional describe situations and their possible results, but they differ in how likely or real the situation is.
FIRST CONDITIONAL
Structure: If + present simple, will + base verb
Use for real, possible, or likely situations, the condition could genuinely happen.
“If it snows tonight, the schools will close.” (snow is possible)
“If she calls me back, I'll tell her the news.” (realistic outcome)
SECOND CONDITIONAL
Structure: If + past simple, would + base verb
Use for unreal, hypothetical, or unlikely situations, the condition is imaginary or not expected to happen.
“If I had a bigger kitchen, I would cook more often.” (not currently true)
“If he spoke French, he would get the job.” (hypothetical)
Key rule: Never use would in the if clause of either conditional.
✗ If I would have more time… ✓ If I had more time…
Both the first and second conditional describe situations and their possible results, but they differ in how likely or real the situation is.
FIRST CONDITIONAL
Structure: If + present simple, will + base verb
Use for real, possible, or likely situations, the condition could genuinely happen.
“If it snows tonight, the schools will close.” (snow is possible)
“If she calls me back, I'll tell her the news.” (realistic outcome)
SECOND CONDITIONAL
Structure: If + past simple, would + base verb
Use for unreal, hypothetical, or unlikely situations, the condition is imaginary or not expected to happen.
“If I had a bigger kitchen, I would cook more often.” (not currently true)
“If he spoke French, he would get the job.” (hypothetical)
Key rule: Never use would in the if clause of either conditional.
✗ If I would have more time… ✓ If I had more time…
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER CONDITIONAL EXERCISES:
First or second conditional? 2 (I)
First conditional 1 (B)
First conditional 2 (B)
First conditional 3 (B)
Second conditional 1 (I)
Second conditional 2 (I)
Third conditional 1 (I/A)
Third conditional 2 (I/A)
Mixed conditionals 1 (I)
Mixed conditionals 2 (I)
Conditional or future? 1 (I)
Conditional, future, or present? 1 (I)
First or second conditional? 2 (I)
First conditional 1 (B)
First conditional 2 (B)
First conditional 3 (B)
Second conditional 1 (I)
Second conditional 2 (I)
Third conditional 1 (I/A)
Third conditional 2 (I/A)
Mixed conditionals 1 (I)
Mixed conditionals 2 (I)
Conditional or future? 1 (I)
Conditional, future, or present? 1 (I)
