Page 103 - Handbuch Erasmus+ 2019.07._Neat

ERASMUS+ PROJEKT 2016-2019: EDUCATION – the key for your future!

Note 3: When differentiating between first and second conditional, the type we choose depends
on the attitude of the speaker. Is it a real possibility, or is it just an imaginary situation?

If an asteroid hits the earth, it will cause a new ice age. è Here the speaker thinks it’s
likely.

If an asteroid hit the earth, it would cause a new ice age. è Here the speaker doesn’t think
it’s likely.

Exercise 1: Put the verb in brackets into the correct form. Is it first or second conditional?

1. If you ______________________ (study) hard, you will pass the exam.
2. If the factory shuts, over 100 people ______________________ (lose) their jobs.
3. If he ______________________ (give) up smoking, he’d feel a lot better.
4. If I sold my grandpa’s gold ring, I ______________________ (get) a lot money for it.
5. Would Jason mind if I ______________________ (borrow) his bike?
6. If you ______________________ (go) to live in a different country, would you e-mail me?
7. He’s useless about football. If he ______________________ (be) any good, he
______________________ (be) in the school team.
8. Don’t worry, your secret is safe. If I ______________________ (see) John today, I
______________________ (not, tell) him.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using if clauses.

1. He may bring his chess set with him, so we can play a few games before dinner.
If he _______________________ (bring) his chess set with him, we _______________________ (can,
play) a few games before dinner.
2. He won’t bring his chess set with him, so we can’t play a few games before dinner.
If he _______________________ (bring) his chess set with him, we _______________________ (can,
play) a few games before dinner.
3. They may give me a rise soon. Then I won’t resign.
If they ________________________ (give) me a rise soon, I ________________________ (not resign)
from the job.
4. They won't give me a rise, so I will resign from the job.
If they ________________________ (give) me a rise, I ________________________ (not resign) from
the job.
5. Life is easier now compared with the past because there are electricity and electrical
appliances.
If there _________________ (be) no electricity and electrical appliances, life _________________
(not be) so easy now.
6. I contribute to that charity because I consider it worthwhile.
I ________________________ (not contribute) to that charity if I ________________________ (not
consider) it worthwhile.
7. They may require our help. In that case, they will contact us.

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