Unit 4.1
First Conditional
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Introduction
A conditional sentence is usually composed of two parts: the if-clause (or conditional clause) that expresses the condition, and the main clause that expresses the consequence of that condition.
First conditional is used to express future conditions and consequences or to express something that is possible to happen.
Form
The first conditional is a sentence created by two clauses, the if-clause (we start the clause with if ) and the main clause.
We use the present simple in the if-clause (although we are talking about a future condition), and the future simple in the main clause.
The order of the sentences doesn’t change the meaning, therefore there are two ways of forming these expressions:
| If-clause (condition) | (,) | Main Clause (consequence) |
|---|---|---|
| If + Present Simple | , | Simple Future |
or
| Main Clause (consequence) | If-Clause (condition) |
|---|---|
| Simple Future | if + Present Simple |
NOTE: We can not use when instead of if in the If-clause in First Conditional.
Example
- If you are optimistic, you will be happier in your life.
- If it snows, I will go skiing.
- If we win the lottery, we will buy a new car.
- Your mother will be disappointed if you don’t pass your exams.
- She will miss you if you go.
- Nobody will judge you if you make a mistake.
Use
We use the first conditional (if) to express something that is really possible or is bound to happen in the future. The result of the condition (if) is uncertain.
Summary
A conditional sentence is composed of two parts: the if-clause (condition), and the main clause (consequence of the condition).
The first conditional is used to express the result of conditions that are not certain but very likely to happen or that are bound to happen in the future.
The structure is:
We start with the word if followed by a present simple clause, a comma and a future simple clause. We can also start with a future simple clause followed by the word if and a present simple clause (we don’t use a comma here).
For example:
— “If you tell me what to buy, I will go to the supermarket.” = The first part of the clause is the condition that makes the result, expressed in the second one, possible.
— “I will go to the supermarket if you tell me what to buy.” = The first part of the clause is the result of the condition expressed in the second one.
NOTE: We do not use When.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.
Exercises
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