Intermediate › Grammar
Intermediate 📝 Grammar
First & second conditional
Conditionals are if-sentences.
1What is it?
Conditionals are if-sentences. First conditional: real possibility in the future (If it rains, I’ll stay home). Second conditional: imaginary or unlikely now (If I had a million rupees, I would travel).
2Why do we use it?
Plans, warnings, advice and dreams all need if: If you study, you’ll pass. If I were you, I’d take the job.
3The simple rule
First: if + Present Simple, will + verb. Second: if + Past Simple, would + verb. In the second conditional, “If I were” is the standard form.
4Formula
1st: if + present, will + verb · 2nd: if + past, would + verb
5Easy examples
If it rains, I will stay home.Real, possible
If you call, I’ll answer.
If I had wings, I would fly.Imaginary
If I were rich, I would buy a house.
6Everyday examples
If you’re late, they won’t let you in.
If I get the job, I’ll move to Kochi.
If I were you, I’d apologise.Advice
What would you do if you won the lottery?
7Kerala and India examples
If the strike is called off, the buses will run.
If it doesn’t rain, we’ll go to the beach.
If I lived in Munnar, I’d never leave.
If you learn English, you’ll get more opportunities.
8Common mistakes
If it will rain, I will stay.
If it rains, I will stay.
Why: No will after if.
If I would have money, I would travel.
If I had money, I would travel.
Why: No would after if.
If I was you…
If I were you…
Why: Standard form: If I were.
9Practice quiz
Question 1 of 4Multiple choice
If it ___ tomorrow, we’ll cancel the trip.
10Speaking challenge
Speaking challenge
Say 3 real plans (If… I’ll…) and 3 dreams (If I… I would…). Then give a friend advice: If I were you…
0:30
Say it out loud. Nobody is listening — that’s the point. Mistakes are allowed.