First and Second Conditional English

A set of practice flashcards covering the definitions, structures, and terminology associated with first and second conditional sentences and ESL instruction.

First Conditional

Used to talk about things that can easily happen in the future or are considered possible.

Second Conditional

Used to talk about things that are not possible or mostly won't happen.

First Conditional Structure

If/When + present simple clause, will + infinitive.

Second Conditional Structure

If + past simple clause, would + infinitive.

Clause Punctuation

A comma is used between the two clauses only when the sentence starts with 'if' or 'when'.

Wouldn't

The contraction for 'would not'.

ESL

English as a Second Language; the term most widely recognised globally for English language teaching.

Possible Future Examples

Scenarios such as rain today, getting a job next year, or a train being delayed.

Impossible/Unlikely Examples

Scenarios such as owning a private jet, winning a million dollars, or being a queen.

Present Simple

The verb tense used in the cause clause of a first conditional sentence.

Past Simple

The verb tense used in the condition clause of a second conditional sentence.

Infinitive

The base form of a verb used after 'will' in the first conditional or 'would' in the second conditional.

ELT

An acronym for English Language Teaching.

TEFL

An acronym for Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Result Clause (First Conditional)

The part of the sentence containing 'will' and an infinitive to show what happens if a condition is met.

Result Clause (Second Conditional)

The part of the sentence containing 'would' and an infinitive to show an imaginary outcome.

EFL

An acronym for English as a Foreign Language.

ELL

An acronym for English Language Learner.

EAL

An acronym for English as an Additional Language.

ESOL

An acronym for English for Speakers of Other Languages.