FIRST OR SECOND CONDITIONAL? EXERCISE 2 (ESL)
B1–B2 · IntermediateThe 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.
Need a refresher? Review the grammar ↓
Choose the correct verb form to complete each conditional sentence.
1. If we go to Melbourne, you _________ my grandparents.
Correct answer: will meet — first conditional — if we go = real possibility → will.
2. If we went to Melbourne, you _________ my grandparents.
Correct answer: would meet — second conditional — if we went = hypothetical → would.
3. If William _________ more, he'd be more rested.
Correct answer: slept — second conditional — he'd be in the result signals past simple in the if-clause.
4. Tim ________ if we end up going.
Correct answer: will let you know — first conditional — real possibility → will.
5. I ________ a different color if I were you.
Correct answer: would choose — second conditional — if I were you = hypothetical → would.
6. If they ________ talking, I'd be able to think more clearly.
Correct answer: stopped — second conditional — I'd be able to signals past simple in the if-clause.
7. Charlotte ________ to the party if her ex-boyfriend is there.
Correct answer: won't go — first conditional — real possible situation → won't (= will not).
8. The audience ________ more if his jokes were funnier.
Correct answer: would laugh — second conditional — if his jokes were = hypothetical → would.
9. I _________ on vacation if I don't save more money.
Correct answer: won't go — first conditional — real condition (if I don't save) → won't.
10. If we ________ slower, my mom wouldn't worry so much.
Correct answer: drove — second conditional — wouldn't worry signals past simple in the if-clause.
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.
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER CONDITIONAL EXERCISES:
First or second conditional? 1 (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? 1 (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)
