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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Girls, if you've finished, can we clean the table? | Les filles, si vous avez fini, on peut nettoyer la table ? |
Yes, if you want to blow the kitchen up! | Oui, si tu veux faire exploser la cuisine! |
Hey, if we are all drinking wine, why don't we get a bottle then? | Hey, si nous buvons tous du vin, pourquoi ne prenons-nous pas une bouteille ? |
You should ask me first if my offer is still valid! | Tu devrais d'abord me demander si mon offre est encore valide! |
It's up to you, if you want, we can just go and see it. | Ça ne tient qu'à toi, si tu veux, on peut juste aller la visiter. |
If he is okay with dogs. | S'il n'a rien contre les chiens. |
You can pick me up from here, if you want. | Vous pouvez venir me chercher d'ici si vous voulez. |
When you hear the whistle, you should immediately open the lid. | Quand tu entends un sifflement, tu devrais imédiatement ouvrir le couvercle. |
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. |
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? |
If you wash the mushrooms, I can cut them. | Si tu laves les champignons, je peux les couper. |
Hmm... Okay, let me see if there is anything I can do. | Heu... Okay, laissez-moi voir s'il y a quelque chose que je puisse faire. |
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 ? |
If you want, we can walk to the station from here. | Si vous voulez, nous pouvons marcher jusqu'à la station. |
Excuse me madam, if you are ready, can I take your order? | Excusez-moi madame, si vous êtes prête, puis-je prendre votre commande ? |
If it's not a secret, can you tell me what you are talking about, then? | Si ce n'est pas un secret, peux-tu me dire de quoi donc tu es entrain de parler ? |
Now? We can if you want. | Maintenant ? On peut y aller si tu veux. |
If you are not in the mood, we can just go back. | Si tu n'es pas de bonne humeur, on peut rebrousser le chemin. |
If possible, can we make an appointment for Saturday, before 2? | Si possible, pouvons nous prendre rendez-vous pour Samedi, avant le 2? |
Won't you feel guilty if something happens to them? | Tu ne te sentirais pas coupable si quelque chose leur arrivait? |