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 can't use them all, I can still stirfry the rest later. | Si tu ne peux pas tous les utiliser, je peux poêler le reste plus tard. |
Alright! Let me know if you need anything. | Très bien ! Faites-moi savoir si vous avez besoin de quoique ce soit. |
I guess I did, I'm just reading it, if you let me... | Je pense que oui, je suis entrain de lire, si tu peux me laisser... |
What about if I put my head out the window and smoke? | Qu'en est-il si je mets ma tête en dehors de la fenêtre et que je fume ? |
Doesn't matter, we can share if you want. | Peu importe, on peut partager si tu veux. |
If he is okay with dogs. | S'il n'a rien contre les chiens. |
What if she goes mental again and does something to Pogo or Bear? | Et si elle redevenait folle, et qu'elle faisait quelque chose à Pogo et Bear? |
What about if we don't smoke? | Et que se passe-t-il si l'ont ne fume pas ? |
What about when you are not home, then? | Qu'en est-il si tu n'es pas à la maison, du coup ? |
If you are not eating, who am I cooking the food for, then? | Si tu ne manges pas, pour qui je fais de la nourriture du coup? |
Shall we go to the checkout, if you've finished getting everything? | Devrions-nous partir à la caisse, si tu as fini de tout prendre ? |
I can cook for you one day, if you like. | Je pourrai cuisiner pour toi un jour, si ça te tente. |
Won't you feel guilty if something happens to them? | Tu ne te sentirais pas coupable si quelque chose leur arrivait? |
We can walk till the end, if you want. | Nous pouvons marcher jusqu'à la fin si tu veux. |
What I mean is, if we get a house, she can rent one of the rooms. | Je veux dire, si on pouvait avoir une maison, elle pourrait louer l'une des chambres. |
I can order you some mussels and a beer, if you want. | Je peux vous commander des moules et une bière, si vous voulez. |
If you can come at 20:30, I will keep a table for you. | Si vous pourrez venir à 20h30, je garderai une table pour vous. |
Why don't you get some mussels, too, if they're really good? | Pourquoi ne prendrais-tu pas des moules aussi, si elle sont si bonnes? |
If you don't mind preparing something while I'm getting ready, that would be great. | Si ça ne te dérange pas, tu peux me préparer quelque chose pendant que je me prépare, ça serait bien. |
There is some butter at home, if you want. | Il y a du beurre à la maison, si tu veux. |