Grammar 1 First and second conditionals

1. First and second conditionals

a) first conditional

If + present simple, will/won't + infinitive. We use the first conditional to talk about a possible or probable situation in the future.

Example: If global warming continues, the consequences will be very serious.

b) second conditional

If + past simple, would/wouldn't + infinitive. We use the second conditional to talk about a hypothetical situation, or to give advice ('If I were you...').

Example: If the Thames Barrier failed, it would be a real disaster.

2. Complete the first conditional sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.

1. If the earth gets hotter, more countries will suffer droughts.
2. Southern Europe will become a desert if global warming continues.
3. If we do not do something soon, this problem will get worse.
4. People will die if they can't grow food.
5. If the ice melts, polar bears will not survive.

3. Complete the second conditional sentences with the correct form of these verbs.

have live be build give

1. If we had more money to Water Aid, they would be able to help more people.
2. If Water Aid built more wells, more people would have clean water.
3. Their life would be better if they didn't have to walk so far to collect water.
4. If people had clean water, they wouldn't get ill so often.
5. If they didn't get ill, they would live longer.

4. Choose the correct words in the conditional sentences.

1. If scientists found a cure for AIDS, it would save lives around the world.
2. If diseases don't exist, more people would reach their 100th birthday.
3. If we use up all the world's oil, we will need more renewable energy.
4. If oil prices continue to rise, petrol will get more expensive too.
5. If scientists made human clones, I think the world would be a dangerous place.

5. Change the sentences using I wish... so that the meaning remains the same.

1. I wish I had enough money to buy these shoes.
2. I wish I didn't have so much homework to do.
3. I wish I knew more about recycling.
4. I wish I had lived in the 19th century.
5. I wish I were in the Antarctic now.

6. Your voice. Work in pairs. Make five sentences of your own using I wish ....

1. I wish I could fly.

2. I wish it would stop raining.

3. I wish I had more free time.

4. I wish I knew how to play the guitar.

5. I wish I lived in a different city.

Pronunciation: intonation

a Listen. Does the intonation go up in the if- clause or the consequence clause?

1. If I won the lottery, I'd go on holiday. (Intonation goes up in the if- clause.)
2. If I go to England, I'll visit London. (Intonation goes up in the if- clause.)

b Listen and repeat. Practise the intonation.

Language Guide p71