Speaking: Grammar in Speaking B1 - Lesson 4: Using 1st & 2nd Conditionals

Speaking: Grammar in Speaking B1

Using 1st & 2nd Conditionals

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to distinguish between the First and Second Conditionals and use them to talk about real possibilities and imaginary situations.

Real vs. Unreal Situations

A conditional sentence has two parts: the 'if' clause (the condition) and the 'result' clause. Let's compare the two types.

✅ First Conditional

For a real possibility in the future.

If it rains this weekend, we will watch a movie at home.

💭 Second Conditional

For a hypothetical or imaginary situation.

If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world.

Pronunciation & Structure

🗣️ Pronunciation: Using Contractions

To sound fluent when using conditionals, we almost always use contractions in spoken English.

• will → 'll: "If I finish my work, I'll call you."
• would → 'd: "If I had more time, I'd learn the guitar."
• would not → wouldn't: "If I were you, I wouldn't do that."

💡 Grammar Structures & Functions

First Conditional: Real Possibility

Structure: If + Present Simple, ... will + base verb.

Use this for things that could really happen. It's great for making plans.

• If I get paid tomorrow, I'll buy that new shirt.
• If the weather is nice on Sunday, we'll go for a picnic.

Second Conditional: Unreal/Imaginary Situation

Structure: If + Past Simple, ... would + base verb.

Use this for dreaming, imagining, or giving advice about something that isn't real now.

• If I could speak any language, I'd learn Spanish.
• If I were you, I'd apologize to her. (Used for giving advice).

Practice Your Conditionals 🎯

Activity 1: First or Second?

Read the situation. Which conditional should you use to talk about it?

1. Talking about your dream to be a famous movie star. (→ Second Conditional)
2. Talking about what you will do if your friend visits this weekend. (→ First Conditional)
3. Giving a friend advice about their problem. (→ Second Conditional - "If I were you...")

Activity 2: Complete the Sentence

Work with a partner. One person reads the "if" clause, and the other finishes the sentence with their own idea.

• Student A: "If I have free time tomorrow,..."
  Student B: "...I'll watch a movie."
• Student A: "If I were the leader of Cambodia,..."
  Student B: "...I'd build more parks and libraries."

Key Grammar Terms

• Conditional Sentence | ល្បះលក្ខខណ្ឌ
  A sentence with an "if" part and a "result" part.
• First Conditional | លក្ខខណ្ឌទីមួយ
  For real future possibilities. (If + present simple, ... will + verb)
• Second Conditional | លក្ខខណ្ឌទីពីរ
  For unreal/imaginary situations. (If + past simple, ... would + verb)
• Hypothetical | ជាការសន្មត
  Imaginary; not real or not likely to happen.

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

This week, your mission is to think about the future in two different ways.

1. Write one First Conditional sentence about a real plan you have for this weekend. (e.g., "If my friend is free, we will go to a café.")
2. Write one Second Conditional sentence about an imaginary dream. (e.g., "If I had a lot of money, I would buy my parents a new house.")

Practice saying both sentences aloud, using contractions ('ll and 'd).