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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Alright, if you want to learn something, watch carefully then... | De acuerdo, si quieres aprender algo, mira con atención... |
Okay love, I'll give you a call if I can finish early. | Bien amor, te llamaré si puedo terminar temprano. |
Let's get them both and we can share if you want. | Pidamos ambos y podemos compartir si quieres. |
It would be the first time, if it happens. | Sería la primera vez, si ocurriera. |
What if we can't find any tickets to come back? | ¿Qué pasa si no podemos encontrar billetes para volver? |
You should ask me first if my offer is still valid! | ¡Deberías preguntarme antes si mi oferta sigue vigente! |
If you don't have a cigarette, why the f*ck are you asking to smoke? | Si no tienes un cigarrillo, ¿por qué car*jo estás invitándome a fumar? |
If possible, can we make an appointment for Saturday, before 2? | De ser posible, ¿podemos hacer una cita para el sábado antes de las 2? |
If you are wrong, you are going to take me out for dinner! | Si tú estás equivocada, ¡me vas a llevar a cenar! |
Yeah it is stressful, but I'm right here if you need any help. | Sí, sé que es estresante, pero estoy aquí si necesitas ayuda. |
I see... How much is it going to be, if she stays? | Ya veo... ¿Cuánto más costaría si ella se queda? |
Alright! Let me know if you need anything. | ¡Bien! Hazme saber si necesitas algo. |
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. |
Why don't you get some mussels, too, if they're really good? | ¿Por qué no tomas también unos mejillones, si son realmente buenos? |
I can cook for you one day, if you like. | Puedo cocinar para ti un día, si quieres. |
What about if we don't smoke? | ¿Y qué pasa si no fumamos? |
What ever can go wrong, will go wrong. | Lo que pueda salir mal, saldrá mal. |
If you give me the keys, I can open it for you. | Si me da las llaves, puedo abrirla por usted. |
Now? We can if you want. | ¿Ahora? Podemos si quieres. |
We can walk till the end, if you want. | Podemos caminar hasta el final si quieres. |