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 have decided, shall we order? | Sollen wir dann bestellen? |
It would be the first time, if it happens. | Es wäre das erste Mal, dass das vorkommt. |
If he is okay with dogs. | Wenn er keine Probleme mit Hunden hat. |
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. |
Alright, if you want to learn something, watch carefully then... | Okay, wenn du etwas lernen möchtest, dann pass jetzt gut auf... |
Let's get them both and we can share if you want. | Lass uns beides bestellen und wir können teilen, wenn du möchtest. |
What about if I put my head out the window and smoke? | Was ist wenn ich meinen Kopf während des Rauchens beim Fenster herausstrecke? |
What if we can't find any tickets to come back? | Was ist, wenn wir keine Fahrscheine für den Rückweg finden können? |
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. |
It's up to you, if you want, we can just go and see it. | Wie du willst. Wir können es uns ansehen, wenn du möchtest. |
You can have a rest, if you want to... | Du kannst dich ausruhen, wenn du möchtest... |
I guess I did, I'm just reading it, if you let me... | Ich denke schon. Ich lese gerade darüber, wenn du mich lässt... |
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. |
If it's in zone-9 with no tube, maybe you can find something... | Wenn es in Zone 9 ist, ohne U-Bahn, dann kannst du vielleicht etwas finden... |
What ever can go wrong, will go wrong. | Was immer schiefgehen kann, wird schiefgehen. |
Excuse me madam, if you are ready, can I take your order? | Entschuldigung gnädige Dame. Kann ich Ihre Bestellung aufnehmen, wenn Sie bereit sind? |
If you are wrong, you are going to take me out for dinner! | Wenn du falsch liegst, dann wirst du mich zum Essen einladen! |
If it's not a secret, can you tell me what you are talking about, then? | Kannst du mir dann sagen worüber du redest, falls es kein Geheimnis ist? |
Girls, if you've finished, can we clean the table? | Mädels, wenn ihr fertig seid, können wir den Tisch sauber machen? |
We can buy some breast, if you like. | Wir können ein paar Hühnerbrüste kaufen, wenn du möchtest. |