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9.3 First or second conditional?

1 Both conditionals refer to the present and future. The difference is


about probability, not time.

If I get a promotion, I’ll earn more money. (it’s real and possible)

(I’ve applied for a promotion and there is a strong possibility I’ll get it)

If I got a promotion, I’d earn more money. (it probably won’t happen)

(I haven’t applied for a promotion, so I’m just speculating)

2 What’s the probability of these situations?

If I travel through South America, I’ll learn Spanish. It’s possible.


If Bob lent me his car, I’d get there quickly. It probably won’t happen.

© Oxford University Press

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