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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Okay love, I'll give you a call if I can finish early. | |
Hmm, okay, what about if you are wrong? | |
Now? We can if you want. | |
You can pick me up from here, if you want. | |
If you are not eating, who am I cooking the food for, then? | |
Alright! Let me know if you need anything. | |
If it's not a secret, can you tell me what you are talking about, then? | |
There is some butter at home, if you want. | |
That will happen if we start living together. | |
If we eat the rice with forks, it could be enough. | |
If you don't have a cigarette, why the f*ck are you asking to smoke? | |
I don't know, I can talk to him if you want. | |
We can walk till the end, if you want. | |
We can buy some breast, if you like. | |
If it's in zone-9 with no tube, maybe you can find something... | |
It's up to you, if you want, we can just go and see it. | |
If he is okay with dogs. | |
Yes, if you want to blow the kitchen up! | |
If he is home, he would like to have some. | |
What about if we don't smoke? |