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'If' - How to use the First Conditional

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Sun, 07/05/2009 - 00:18 — Chris McCarthy

The first conditional is a structure we use when we want to talk about possibilities in the present or in the future. In this lesson we will learn how the first conditional is formed and when we use it.

The structure of the first conditional

"If" Clause Main Clause
If + present simple + comma Subject + will/other modal + base verb.
If it rains, I will stay home

If we put the main clause first then we don't need the comma.

Main Clause "If" Clause
Subject + will/other modal + base verb If + present simple.
I will stay home if it rains

Using the first conditional

We use the first conditional to talk about real possibilities in the future.

Example Explanation
If it is sunny tomorrow, I will have a picnic. It is possible that it will be sunny tomorrow. In this condition I will have a picnic..
If you come to the party, I will be very happy. It is possible that you will come to the party. In this condition I will be very happy.
If I win the lottery, I will buy a car! It is possible that I will win the lottery. In this condition I will buy a car.
I will be sad if my football team loses the match. It is possible that my team will lose the match. In this condition I will be sad.
I will stay home if it rains tomorrow. It is possible that it will rain tomorrow. In this condition I will stay home.

Now it's your turn!

 Lesson by: Paolo De Dominicis

Paolo is a teacher at EC London

Link: Past Simple or Past Participle?

 

  • If you study hard, you ___ the exam.




  • I will go the party if ___ time.




  • If we ___ the game, we ___.




  • What ___ if it rains?




  • If the weather ___ good, I ___ tennis.




  • If I ___ to the supermarket, I ___ some milk.




  • If I ___, I ___ the exam.




  • What ___ if you ___ to the cinema?




  • I ___ a green dress if I ___ to the party.