conditional

First Conditional

7Sections

The first conditional is used to talk about real and possible situations in the future. It describes things that are likely to happen if a specific condition is met.

Description

The first conditional is used to talk about real and possible situations in the future. It describes things that are likely to happen if a specific condition is met.

Structure

{"ifClause":"If + present simple","resultClause":"...will + infinitive (without to)","formula":"If + present simple, will + V"}

Form

{"tense":"Present simple in if-clause, will + infinitive in result clause","examples":["If I finish (present) early, I will go (will + V) to the cinema","If she comes (present), we will have (will + V) dinner","If you study (present) hard, you will pass (will + V) the exam"]}

Signal Words

  • If
  • Unless
  • When
  • As soon as
  • Will
  • Won't

Uses

  • {"situation":"Used for real and possible future situations","probability":"Likely or possible","examples":["If I finish work early, I will go to the cinema","If you study hard, you will pass the exam","If we hurry, we will catch the train"]}

Common Mistakes

  • {"mistake":"If I will go there, I will call you","correction":"If I go there, I will call you","explanation":"Don't use 'will' in the if-clause. Use present simple."}
  • {"mistake":"If it rain tomorrow, I will stay home","correction":"If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home","explanation":"Use the correct present simple form (rains, not rain) for he/she/it."}
  • {"mistake":"If I see him, I tell him","correction":"If I see him, I will tell him","explanation":"Use 'will' in the result clause for future meaning."}

Examples

  • If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home
  • If it snows, we will go skiing
  • If the weather is nice, we will have a picnic
  • If it gets too hot, we will turn on the air conditioning
  • If I finish work early, I will go to the cinema
  • If I get the job, I will move to London
  • If the meeting finishes early, I will call you
  • If you work hard, you will get a promotion
  • If I don't get a raise, I will look for another job
  • If you study hard, you will pass the exam
  • If I get good grades, I will get into university
  • If she doesn't practise, she won't improve
  • If you don't do your homework, you will fail the course
  • If we hurry, we will catch the train
  • If the flight is cancelled, we will stay another night
  • If I save enough money, I will visit Japan
  • If we leave now, we will arrive on time
  • If you eat too much, you will feel sick
  • If you don't rest, you won't recover
  • If you exercise regularly, you will feel better
  • If you don't take your medicine, you won't get better
  • If you come to the party, you will meet my friends
  • If she doesn't call me, I will be upset
  • If he apologises, I will forgive him
  • If you don't invite them, they will be offended
  • If you update your software, it will run faster
  • If I don't back up my files, I will lose them
  • If you restart the computer, it will fix the problem
  • If you spend all your money, you won't have any left
  • If I sell my car, I will buy a new one
  • If we don't save, we won't be able to afford it
  • If I have time, I will help you
  • If you arrive late, you will miss the beginning
  • If you wake up early, you will have more time
  • If we don't leave now, we will be late
  • If you finish your vegetables, you will get dessert
  • If you don't hurry, you will miss the bus
  • If you practise every day, you will improve quickly
  • If he doesn't study, he will fail the test
  • If you drive carefully, you will arrive safely
  • If I see her, I will tell her the news

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