First conditional and second conditional

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Conditionals introduce hypothetical situations that can be either realistic or unrealistic.

The first conditional is used for realistic situations that may happen. First conditional sentences are formed with the simple present in the if-clause and the future with will in the main clause.

To predict what will happen in the future if a realistic condition is realized: If you are polite, you will make a good impression on clients.

If I don’t book my flight today, it will get more expensive.

If I leave the house in thirty minutes, I won’t be at work on time.

The second conditional is used for unrealistic situations that might happen. Second conditional sentences are formed with the simple past in the if-clause and the modal auxiliary would or could in the main clause.

To predict what would happen in the future if an unrealistic condition were realized:

To express what would happen in the present if an unreal condition were realized:

 If moved to Moscow, I would learn Russian.
(I don’t think I will ever move to Russia.)

If I worked at the Ritz-Carlton, I would earn a bigger salary. (I don’t work at the Ritz-Carlton).

Telephone communication – Grammar