Which conditional is the best option in the following situations?
Remember:
We use the first conditional (if sentences type 1) when we think that something is possible.
We use the second conditional (if sentences type 2) when we think that something is unlikely or impossible.
Situation: You've just bought a new TV. Now you haven't got enough money to go on holidays. You say:
If I had enough money, I would fly to Hawaii.
If I have enough money, I will fly to Hawaii.
Situation: Sarah wanted to get a new job but there were people who also applied* and were far better than her. She says:
*(to apply = sich bewerben)
If I had the job, I would earn a lot of money.
If I have the job, I will earn a lot of money.
Claudia is waiting at the back entrance of a concert hall. She knows that "The Young Meatheads" must enter the building through that door in order to play their concert. She says:
I could ask them a lot of questions if they went by.
I can ask them a lot of questions if they go by.
Mary watches the concert of "The Young Meatheads" on TV. She says:
I could ask them a lot of questions if I actually met them.
I can ask them a lot of questions if I actually meet them.
Mark is taking his diving test. He has practised a lot and his driving instructor thinks that Mark is very good at driving. The instructor tells Mark:
If you passed the test today, you would get your driving licence.
If you pass the test today, you will get your driving licence.
Carl wants to take his driving test, although he has never even seen a car from the inside. The driving instructor says to him:
If you passed the test today, you would get a driving licence.
If you pass the test now, you will get a driving licence.
Tim and Nora are planning a picnic. The weather report says that it will rain.