NI1 - Units 8B and 9A: 1st and 2nd type of conditionals

Although most of you have learnt conditional sentences as zero conditional, 1st, 2nd and 3rd type, I'd rather give them a "name" which helps them to be identified more easily:

• general truth 
• probable or possible conditional
• improbable  or hypothetical conditional
• impossible conditional

If you want a good explanation about all types of conditional you have this link, but we are going to work with the first 3 types:

TYPE	MEANING	IF-CLAUSE	MAIN CLAUSE
TYPE 0	General truth; it always happens. You can use WHEN instead of IF	Present If you heat some ice	present it melts
TYPE 1	Very probable. When the condition occurs, there will be a reaction.	Present If you have a problem,	future – present – imperative I'll help you the teacher can help you call me, please
TYPE 2	Improbable but still possible to happen. The possibility is more uncertain. There is a special use with WERE	Past simple If you had a problem *If I were you	Simple conditional I could help you the teacher would help you I wouldn't go out today

Here you are some exercises if you want to practise with this grammar point:

• a link with all the types, but you can choose what you want to do: click here
• another link with many exercises: click here
• this is a useful presentation about the use of conditionals: click here
• if you prefer a video, click here
• if you like music, here you have a video with examples of songs which use conditionals
• this video is with songs and grammar expalantions as well: click here

But the best way is to practise by speaking and using them in your daily life, especially some expressions such as:

• If I were you, I wouldn't do it
• What would you change if you could?
• I'd love to do it if I could
• If you need further information, please let me know
• Don't worry; I'll do it (if I can)