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 possible, can we make an appointment for Saturday, before 2? | Falls möglich, könnten wir den Termin für Samstag vor 14 Uhr festlegen? |
If you are not eating, who am I cooking the food for, then? | Wenn du nichts davon isst, für wen koche ich dann das Essen? |
What about if I put my head out the window and smoke? | Was ist wenn ich meinen Kopf während des Rauchens beim Fenster herausstrecke? |
We can walk till the end, if you want. | Wir können bis zum Ende gehen, wenn du möchtest. |
If you can come at 20:30, I will keep a table for you. | Wenn Sie um 20:30 Uhr kommen können, dann werde ich Ihnen einen Tisch freihalten. |
If you don't have a cigarette, why the f*ck are you asking to smoke? | Wenn du keine Zigarette hast, warum zum Teufel fragst du mich dann, ob wir rauchen gehen? |
If you give me the keys, I can open it for you. | Wenn Sie mir die Schlüssel geben, dann kann ich die Türe für Sie öffnen. |
When he realises, he won't stay this calm. | Wenn er es merkt, wird er nicht so ruhig bleiben. |
Yes, that's the one, if it's still available, can we see it? | Ja, das ist es. Ist es noch verfügbar und können wir es uns ansehen? |
If he is okay with dogs. | Wenn er keine Probleme mit Hunden hat. |
Girls, if you've finished, can we clean the table? | Mädels, wenn ihr fertig seid, können wir den Tisch sauber machen? |
Hmm... Okay, let me see if there is anything I can do. | Hmm... Okay, lassen Sie mich sehen, ob ich etwas für Sie tun kann. |
Why don't you get some mussels, too, if they're really good? | Warum bestellst du dir nicht auch Muscheln, wenn sie so gut sind? |
If you don't mind preparing something while I'm getting ready, that would be great. | Wenn es dir nichts ausmacht mir etwas zu kochen, während ich mich fertig mache, dann gerne. |
Yeah, it's good, maybe you should take it if you really Iike it. | Ja, es ist schön. Du solltest es wahrscheinlich nehmen, wenn du es wirklich magst. |
What ever can go wrong, will go wrong. | Was immer schiefgehen kann, wird schiefgehen. |
But, maybe you can leave Pogo with me sometimes. | Aber du kannst Pogo vielleicht manchmal bei mir lassen. |
You can pick me up from here, if you want. | Du kannst mich von hier abholen, wenn du möchtest. |
Alright! Let me know if you need anything. | Okay! Lass mich wissen, wenn du etwas brauchst. |
What about if we don't smoke? | Was ist wenn man nicht raucht? |