Grammar Assignments for March 25th-First and Second Conditionals

Hi Students. Many students feel confused by this grammar. It is tricky. This is an instructional video I put on You Tube to help you complete the assignments today.

Please watch this video on first conditionals. It has an excellent explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7EQd2RfT38

First Conditional: Real Possibility

If +subject+present tense verb, subject+will+base verb. If she studies a lot, she will pass the exam.

                                             or

Subject+will+base verb... if +subject+present tense verb. (no comma in this structure) They will go on vacation if they have the time.

Second Conditional: Unreal Possibility

If+subject+past tense verb, subject+would+base verb.
                                         or
Subject+would+base verb...if+subject+past tense verb

We use the second conditional in 3 different ways:

1. To say what is impossible or unlikely.

Example: If we had class this week, we would have a BIG party! (This is impossible because the Governor has closed schools until May 1st )

*By using the second conditional, I'm telling the listener that I don't think it's possible.

2. Giving advice

We give advice using the second conditional by saying "If I were you, I would...

This is an unreal condition because I am not you.

Examples: If I were you, I would wash my hands.

                  If I were you, I would visit Yellowstone National Park.

3. Just for fun!

Use the second conditional to imagine a different future.

Examples: If I had a million dollars, I would hire a chef.

                    If I could go back in time, I would learn another language as a child.

These are impossible situations, but fun to think about.

*Using Might and Could

Might or could can replace “would” in the second conditional. When these words are used, it can have a slight change of meaning:

• would = impossible or unlikely
• might = unlikely but possible
• could = ability (would be able to)

Assignment #1: 

1. Write likely (probable) or unlikely (not probable) next to each sentence.

2. Make a conditional sentence for each situation. If you put Likely-use the first conditional. if you put unlikely, use the second conditional.

Examples: A tiger walks into this room.-unlikely

                If a tiger walked into this room, I would scream!

               It rains this weekend.-likely

               If it rains this weekend, I will stay inside and watch Netflix.

Assignment #2

First Conditional Practice

Answer the questions using the first conditional (If I can't sleep tonight, I will read a book.)

 What will you do if you can’t sleep tonight?

 If your TV breaks next week, what will you do?

 What will you eat if you are hungry at midnight tonight?

 If you have some free time on Saturday, what will you do?

 If it rains tomorrow, will you bring an umbrella?

Assignment #3

Second Conditional Practice

Answer the questions about you. Use the second

conditional in your answers. (If I traveled back in time, I would talk to my grandfather.)

1. Who would you talk to if you traveled back in time?

 _________________________________________________________

2. Where would you go on holiday if you traveled back in time?

 __________________________________________________________

3. How would you feel if you were the only person on earth?

 _________________________________________________________

4. What would you buy if you were very, very rich?

 _________________________________________________________

5. What would you do if you found $500?

 ________________________________________________________