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Conditional sentences express what happens (or would happen) if a certain condition is met. They have two parts: the IF clause and the MAIN clause.
🔹 TYPE 1 — Real / Possible condition (present or future) :
• Used for situations that are possible or likely to happen.
• Structure: If + present simple, will + base verb
• Examples:
- If it rains, we will stay at home.
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
- If she arrives early, we will start the meeting.
🔹 TYPE 2 — Unreal / Hypothetical condition (present/future) :
• Used for imaginary situations that are unlikely or impossible now.
• Structure: If + past simple, would + base verb
• Examples:
- If I had a lot of money, I would travel the world.
- If he studied more, he would get better grades.
- If I were the president, I would build more schools.
⚠️ Note: After 'if' in type 2, we use 'were' for all persons (not 'was') in formal English:
- If I were rich... / If she were here...
🔹 Common mistakes :
• ❌ If I will study, I will pass. → ✅ If I study, I will pass.
• ❌ If I would have money, I would travel. → ✅ If I had money, I would travel.
🔹 The IF clause can come second:
• I will come if you invite me. (no comma needed)
📝 Complete with type 1 or type 2 :
1. If it ___ (rain) tomorrow, we ___ (cancel) the match.
→ rains / will cancel (type 1 — possible)
2. If I ___ (be) a bird, I ___ (fly) to Paris.
→ were / would fly (type 2 — imaginary)
3. If you ___ (eat) healthy food, you ___ (feel) better.
→ eat / will feel (type 1)
4. If he ___ (have) more time, he ___ (learn) English.
→ had / would learn (type 2)
5. If she ___ (study) regularly, she ___ (pass) the BFEM.
→ studies / will pass (type 1)
What is the structure of a type 1 conditional?
Correction
If + present simple, will + base verb. Example: If you work hard, you will succeed.
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 conditionals?
Correction
Type 1 is for real, possible situations (If it rains, I will take an umbrella). Type 2 is for imaginary, unlikely situations (If I were rich, I would buy a house).
Correct the mistake: 'If I will see her, I will tell her.'
Correction
If I see her, I will tell her. (No 'will' after 'if' in type 1)
Write a type 2 conditional sentence about being the president of Senegal.
Correction
Example: If I were the president of Senegal, I would invest more in education and health.
Translate: 'Si tu travailles bien, tu réussiras.'
Correction
If you work hard, you will succeed.