Grammar Point

1st and 2nd

Conditionals
Probable vs Improbable

by Jackie Proulx www.LTSPanama.net

Conditionals
Conditionals are sentences which outline
scenarios and describe possible outcomes.

They consist of 2 separate parts:

the "if" clause sets the condition
the "main" clause describes the outcome.

Today we will look at 2 different conditionals

that are used with present or future situations.
 But First - Let's Brainstorm!
Make lists of these kinds of situations at work.

common uncommon
or or
likely unlikely

keep these lists for later!

 First Conditional
When you are trying to determine which
conditional to use for a situation, ask yourself
these questions.

Is the situation you want to describe in the

present? the future?

Is this something that happens frequently

or has a good chance of happening?

If you answer yes to both, use the 1st conditional

1st Conditional High probability

Examples
IF MAIN If I have some extra time today, I will work on
my slides for the next regional meeting.

If Sharon doesn't approve the report before

simple present will + base we send it, she will be very upset.

If the client calls with questions, we will

prepare a briefing for her.
 Second Conditional
Is the situation you want to describe in the
present? the future?

Is this something that:

has a low probability of occurring?
is contrary to the truth?
is different from reality?

If you answer yes to these, use the 2nd conditional.

2nd Conditional Low probability

Examples
IF MAIN If Bill had the opportunity to move to another
country for work, he would definitely go.

If the company were in better financial

simple past would + base shape, we could make better decisions
were for "be" about personnel and benefits.

If you didn't spend so much time doing less

important tasks, you would be more
productive.
 Let's compare

1st 2nd
present / will past / would
high chance of happening low chance of happening
Common Mistakes
Using "will" in both parts of the sentence. (1st)
If she will arrive early, she will call you back. (X)
If she arrives early, she will call you.

Using the past tense doesn't mean you are referring to a past
event or situation. (2nd)
If they offered us a merger, we would accept. (now/future)
 Fill in the blank
If we (become) _______________ more efficient, our profits
1st
(rise) _______________________.

We (choose) _________________ that agency if their proposal

1st
(be, not) ______________________ too high.

If production (slow down) _______________, we (have, not) _____________

1st
enough product for our distributors.
 Fill in the blank
If I (be) _______________ the CEO, I (evaluate) __________________
2nd
the efficiency of all our departments and the leadership teams.

Our new commercial (be) ____________________ more successful

2nd
if we (include) ___________________ better visuals.

If her boss (give) _____________ clear instructions about priorities,

2nd
she (get) _________________ more accomplished.
You got
this!