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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What about when you are not home, then? | Então, e quando você não está em casa? |
If you can't use them all, I can still stirfry the rest later. | Se você não conseguir usá-los todos, eu posso saltear o restante depois. |
We can walk till the end, if you want. | Podemos caminha até ao fim se você quiser. |
Now? We can if you want. | Agora? Podemos ir, se você quer. |
If he is okay with dogs. | Se ele gostar de cães. |
Let's get them both and we can share if you want. | Podemos pedir os dois e partilhamos se você quiser. |
I see... How much is it going to be, if she stays? | Estou vendo... Qual será o valor se ela ficar? |
Alright! Let me know if you need anything. | Certo! Me diga se precisar de alguma coisa. |
Yes, that's the one, if it's still available, can we see it? | Sim, é essa, se ainda estiver disponível, podemos vê-la? |
Excuse me madam, if you are ready, can I take your order? | Desculpe, senhora, se estiver pronta, posso anotar seu pedido? |
If you are not in the mood, we can just go back. | Se não lhe apetecer, podemos regressar. |
Girls, if you've finished, can we clean the table? | Meninas, se já terminaram, podemos limpar sua mesa? |
If we eat the rice with forks, it could be enough. | É suficiente, se a gente comer o arroz com garfo. |
It's up to you, if you want, we can just go and see it. | Você é que sabe, se desejar, podemos ir vê-la. |
When he realises, he won't stay this calm. | Quando ele perceber, ele não vai estar assim tão calmo. |
Yeah it is stressful, but I'm right here if you need any help. | Sim, é estressante, mas eu estou aqui se você precisar de qualquer ajuda. |
If it's not a secret, can you tell me what you are talking about, then? | Se não é segredo, podes me dizer de que estamos falando, então? |
If possible, can we make an appointment for Saturday, before 2? | Se possível, podemos fazer a marcação para sábado, antes das 2? |
Hmm... Okay, let me see if there is anything I can do. | Hum... Muito bem, deixe eu ver se posso fazer alguma coisa. |
You should ask me first if my offer is still valid! | Você devia perguntar se minha oferta ainda era válida! |