FIRST OR SECOND CONDITIONAL? EXERCISE 2 (ESL)
level: Intermediate (B1/B2)
The key to first vs. second conditional is deciding whether the situation is real and possible (first conditional: will) or hypothetical and unlikely (second conditional: would). This is exercise 2 in the first/second conditional mixed series — try exercise 1 if you haven't already.
GRAMMAR REVIEW! First or second conditional — how to choose
The key question when choosing between the first and second conditional is: how real or likely is the situation?
First conditional (real / possible):
If + present simple → will + base verb
Use when the situation could genuinely happen.
If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
Second conditional (hypothetical / unlikely):
If + past simple → would + base verb
Use when the situation is imaginary or very improbable.
If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.
The test: Ask yourself — is this something that could actually happen? If yes → first conditional. If it’s imaginary or unlikely → second conditional.
Watch out for: The second conditional uses the past simple in the if clause, but the meaning is present or future — not past. If I were you is the standard form (not was) in formal writing.
The key question when choosing between the first and second conditional is: how real or likely is the situation?
First conditional (real / possible):
If + present simple → will + base verb
Use when the situation could genuinely happen.
If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
Second conditional (hypothetical / unlikely):
If + past simple → would + base verb
Use when the situation is imaginary or very improbable.
If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.
The test: Ask yourself — is this something that could actually happen? If yes → first conditional. If it’s imaginary or unlikely → second conditional.
Watch out for: The second conditional uses the past simple in the if clause, but the meaning is present or future — not past. If I were you is the standard form (not was) in formal writing.
Choose the correct verb form to complete each conditional sentence.
