Understanding the First Conditional in English Grammar

Questions and Answers

present simple in the if-clause and the future simple in the main clause

future events that are likely to happen or are planned

when the if-clause comes first Signup and view all the answers

hypothetical or uncertain situations Signup and view all the answers

both formal and informal writing and speech Signup and view all the answers

If + present simple,..., will + infinitive. Signup and view all the answers

If, unless, in case, as soon as, supposing. Signup and view all the answers

To give advice or make recommendations. Signup and view all the answers

Present simple. Signup and view all the answers

The consequence of the action in the if-clause is described using the future simple. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The first conditional is formed using the present simple in the if-clause and the future simple in the main clause.
The structure is: If + present simple, ..., will + base form of the verb
Examples:
- If it rains, I will take an umbrella.
- If I study hard, I will pass the exam.

The first conditional is used to talk about future events that are likely to happen or are planned.
It is used to express a realistic or possible future situation and its consequence.
It is often used to make predictions, give advice, or make plans.

The if-clause can come before or after the main clause.
When the if-clause comes first, a comma is used to separate the two clauses.
The verb tenses in the if-clause and the main clause cannot be changed.
The first conditional is not used to talk about hypothetical or uncertain situations (use the second or third conditional for those).
The first conditional can be used in both formal and informal writing and speech.

The first conditional is formed using the present simple in the if-clause and the future simple in the main clause.
The structure is: If + present simple, will + base form of the verb.

The first conditional is used to talk about future events that are likely to happen or are planned.
It is used to express a realistic or possible future situation and its consequence.
The first conditional is often used to make predictions, give advice, or make plans.

The if-clause can come before or after the main clause.
A comma is used to separate the two clauses when the if-clause comes first.
The verb tenses in the if-clause and the main clause cannot be changed.
The first conditional is not used to talk about hypothetical or uncertain situations (use the second or third conditional instead).
The first conditional can be used in both formal and informal writing and speech.

The first conditional is formed using the present simple in the if-clause and the future simple in the main clause.
The structure is: If + present simple,..., will + infinitive.

The first conditional is used to talk about likely or probable future events, plans or arrangements, predictions, and threats or warnings.
It is often used to give advice or make recommendations in situations where the outcome is likely or probable.

The present simple is used in the if-clause to describe an action that might happen in the future.
The future simple is used in the main clause to describe the consequence of the action in the if-clause.
The verb tenses in the first conditional are:
- If-clause: present simple
- Main clause: future simple