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 it's in zone-9 with no tube, maybe you can find something... | Si es en la zona-9 y sin metro, tal vez puedas conseguir algo... |
I don't know, I can talk to him if you want. | No lo sé, puedo hablar con él si eso quieres. |
There is some butter at home, if you want. | Hay algo de mantequilla en casa, si quieres. |
Hmm, okay, what about if you are wrong? | Hmm, de acuerdo, ¿pero y qué si tú eres el equivocado? |
Yeah, it's good, maybe you should take it if you really Iike it. | Sí, es un buen lugar, tal vez deberías tomarlo si en verdad te gusta. |
We can get some snacks, if you like. | Podemos conseguir algunos aperitivos si quieres. |
What about when you are not home, then? | ¿Y cuando tú no estés en casa? |
But, maybe you can leave Pogo with me sometimes. | Pero, quizá puedas dejar a Pogo conmigo a veces. |
If you don't mind preparing something while I'm getting ready, that would be great. | Si no te importa preparar algo mientras me preparo, sería genial. |
When you hear the whistle, you should immediately open the lid. | Cuando oigas el silbido, debes abrir inmediatamente la tapa. |
That will happen if we start living together. | Eso pasará si empezamos a vivir juntos. |
What if she goes mental again and does something to Pogo or Bear? | ¿Qué tal si vuelve a tener una crisis y le hace algo a Pogo o a Bear? |
If you have decided, shall we order? | Si has decidido, ¿pedimos ya? |
I can cook for you one day, if you like. | Puedo cocinar para ti un día, si quieres. |
What ever can go wrong, will go wrong. | Lo que pueda salir mal, saldrá mal. |
If you can come at 20:30, I will keep a table for you. | Si viene a las 20:30, guardaré una mesa para usted. |
Hey, if we are all drinking wine, why don't we get a bottle then? | Oye, si todas estamos bebiendo vino, ¿por qué no compramos una botella? |
Yes, that's the one, if it's still available, can we see it? | Sí, esa es la casa, si aún está disponible, ¿podemos verla? |
Girls, if you've finished, can we clean the table? | Chicas, si han terminado, ¿podemos limpiar la mesa? |
If he is okay with dogs. | Si se lleva bien con los perros. |