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 don't have a cigarette, why the f*ck are you asking to smoke? | Se non hai una sigaretta, perché c*zzo mi chiedi di fumare? |
Doesn't matter, we can share if you want. | Non importa, possiamo fare a metà se vuoi. |
If you can come at 20:30, I will keep a table for you. | Se può venire alle 20:30, terrò un tavolo per lei. |
If it's in zone-9 with no tube, maybe you can find something... | Se nella zona 9 senza metro, magari puoi trovare qualcosa… |
Girls, if you've finished, can we clean the table? | Ragazze, se avete finito, possiamo pulire il tavolo? |
What if she goes mental again and does something to Pogo or Bear? | E se perde le staffe di nuovo e fa qualcosa a Pogo o Bear? |
We can get some snacks, if you like. | Possiamo prendere degli snack se vuoi. |
Hey, if we are all drinking wine, why don't we get a bottle then? | Ehi, se beviamo tutti vino, perché non prendiamo una bottiglia allora? |
Hmm, okay, what about if you are wrong? | Hmm, ok, ma se sbagli tu? |
What about if we don't smoke? | E se non fumiamo? |
I can cook for you one day, if you like. | Posso cucinarti qualcosa qualche volta, se ti va. |
Yeah, it's good, maybe you should take it if you really Iike it. | Sì, è bella, magari dovresti prenderla se ti piace davvero. |
What ever can go wrong, will go wrong. | Qualsiasi cosa possa andare storta, andrà storta. |
If you wash the mushrooms, I can cut them. | Se tu lavi i funghi, io posso tagliarli. |
We can walk till the end, if you want. | Possiamo passeggiare fino alla fine se vuoi. |
If you don't mind preparing something while I'm getting ready, that would be great. | Se non ti dispiace preparare qualcosa mentre mi preparo, sarebbe fantastico. |
Yes, if you want to blow the kitchen up! | Sì, se vuoi fare saltare in aria la cucina! |
Alright, if you want to learn something, watch carefully then... | Va bene, se vuoi imparare qualcosa, guarda con attenzione… |
You can have a rest, if you want to... | Tu puoi riposare, se vuoi… |
Let's get them both and we can share if you want. | Prendiamo entrambi e possiamo dividere se vuoi. |