In English we use the first conditional to talk about possibilities in the present or in the future. The 'if clause' talks about things that are possible, but not certain, and the 'main clause' says what we think the result will be in this situation.
If the 'if clause' comes first, a comma is usually used. If the 'if clause' comes second, there is no need for a comma.
Example Sentences :
Future time clauses :
In English we can use sentences with 'when', 'as soon as', 'before', 'after' and 'until' to talk about the future using the same form as a first conditional. After these words we use the present simple, and in the main clause we use will + infinitive.
Example Sentences :
In English we use 'when' to say we are certain something will happen.
In English we use 'as soon as' to say something will happen immediately after something else.
In English we use 'until' to say something stops happening at this time.
Similarly to first conditionals, the future time clause can come first or second in the sentence.
eg. I'll call you when I get to the office. = When I get to the office, I'll call you.
Notes for use of first conditional :
In English we can use modal verbs in the main clause of conditionals.
Examples Sentences :
In English we can also use imperatives in the main clause of conditionals.
Example Sentences :
In English we can use 'in case' to say we are prepared for something that might happen.
'In case' and 'if' have different meanings.
In this sentence the person is definitely going to put on some sunscreen in preparation for a time in the future when it might be sunny.
In this sentence the person might put on some sunscreen, but only if it is sunny in the future.
In English we can use 'might' instead of 'will' to mean 'will perhaps' in first conditionals.
It is possible to use a variety of verb forms in conditional sentences, not just those in the four basic conditionals.
In English we can use the future with going to instead of the present to show future intention.
First conditional example sentences | |
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If you give me the keys, I can open it for you. | |
If he is home, he would like to have some. | |
You should ask me first if my offer is still valid! | |
If you can't use them all, I can still stirfry the rest later. | |
Doesn't matter, we can share if you want. | |
If he is okay with dogs. | |
When he realises, he won't stay this calm. | |
What about if we don't smoke? | |
If it's in zone-9 with no tube, maybe you can find something... | |
What if she goes mental again and does something to Pogo or Bear? | |
I guess I did, I'm just reading it, if you let me... | |
Hmm, okay, what about if you are wrong? | |
I see... How much is it going to be, if she stays? | |
If you are wrong, you are going to take me out for dinner! | |
Shall we go to the checkout, if you've finished getting everything? | |
So, if we pay 600 each we can get a 5 bedroom house for 2,400... | |
What I mean is, if we get a house, she can rent one of the rooms. | |
We can buy some breast, if you like. | |
If you don't have a cigarette, why the f*ck are you asking to smoke? | |
Alright, if you want to learn something, watch carefully then... |