When do we use the first conditional?
A real possibility in the future.
A First Conditional sentence connects two future actions,
where one must take place before the second is possible.
If this happens, then that will happen to (probably / most likely)
Match the sentence beginnings and endings.
| 1 How will she get there | A we won't give her a present. |
| 2 I'll go to university | B if his parents go away. |
| 3 Will your sister take the job | C if they offer it to her? |
| 4 If Lucy doesn't invite us to her wedding, | D if I pass my exams. |
| 5 Jack will have a party on Friday | E if she can't get a flight? |
| 6 If the local shop's closed, | F we'll go to the supermarket. |
First conditional form
If + present verb , will + present verb.
Either of the two clauses can come first: (but watch and pronounce the comma!)
Remember there is no 'will' in the 'if' part of the sentence.
'Will' comes in the other part of the sentence.
'If' can be replaced by other modal verbs like 'can' or 'may'.
- IF Condition, Result. / Result IF Condition
- IF it rains,we will get wet We will get wet if it rains
- If he gets a new job,we'll move to London
We'll move to London if he gets a new job.
- If it's sunny,we'll go to the beach.
We'll go to the beach, if it's sunny.
- If I have time,I'll meet you at work.
If I have time, I'll meet you at work.
IF Condition
present simple |
Resulting situation
Will (OR OTHER MODIFIER) + base verb |
| If she gets good grades |
,she will go to university. |
| If she gets good grades |
,she could go to university. |
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Will is a modal verb expressing certainty, although often we mean that it is very likely.
Will is not the only modal verb that can be used in the
result clause and if can be replaced by other
modal verbs in the if clause.
Other modal verbs can also be used to show various degrees
of certainty. The most certain are at the top and
the least certain at the bottom.
Modals can be used in the result clause
to indicate future possibilties, permission and advice.
- If you like Asian food, you'll love this restaurant.
(If you like Asian food then it's 100% certain that you will love the restaurant.)
- If you like Asian food, you should like this restaurant.
- If you like Asian food, you might like this restaurant.
- If you like Asian food, you probably won't like this restaurant.
- If you like Asian food, you won't like this restaurant. (0%)
- If you finish your homework, you can go out and play.
- You should see a doctor if you continue to feel bad.
- If you arrive early, you might give Tom a call.
- If you finish your homework, you can go out and play.
- You should see a doctor if you continue to feel bad.
- If you arrive early, you might give Tom a call.
Use a comma when the IF clause is first, but not when the if clause is the second clause.
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