In this blog post, you will learn about the first conditional sentences in English, including their structure and usage. The first conditional is used to express real and possible situations in the future. By understanding its rules and practicing example sentences, you can improve your ability to communicate future possibilities and consequences in English.
What is the First Conditional?
The First Conditional is used to talk about real and possible situations in the future. It shows what will happen if a certain condition is met.
Structure:
If + Present Simple, will + Base Verb
Examples:
- If it rains, we will stay home.
- If you study, you will pass the test.
- If they call, I will answer the phone.
When Do We Use the First Conditional?
- To talk about future possibilities.
- To express warnings.
- To make promises.
- To give advice or plans.
Usage of First Conditional Sentences
First conditional sentences are used to talk about real and possible situations in the future. They are very useful for expressing predictions, warnings, offers, and promises. We use them when we believe the condition has a chance of happening, and if it does, the result is certain to happen.
Examples of Usage:
Prediction:
- If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
Warning:
- If you don’t study, you will fail the exam.
Offer:
- If you need help, I will give you a hand.
Promise:
- If I finish my work early, I will call you.
Chart of First Conditional Sentences
| Condition (If-clause) | Result (Main clause) |
|---|---|
| If you call me, | I will answer. |
| If I finish work early, | I will watch a movie. |
| If he runs fast, | he will win the race. |
| If they practise daily, | they will improve. |
| If we don’t eat breakfast, | we will feel tired. |
Example Sentences of First Conditional Sentences
- If you eat too much, you will feel sick.
- If he asks for help, I will help him.
- If we don’t leave now, we will be late.
- If you save money, you will afford a new phone.
- If she studies hard, she will pass the test.
- If it snows, we will build a snowman.
- If they invite us, we will go to the party.
- If you don’t hurry, you will miss the bus.
- If he exercises more, he will lose weight.
- If we don’t water the plants, they will die.
- If I see him, I will tell him the news.
- If you touch the stove, you will burn your hand.
- If it gets warmer, we will go to the beach.
- If they work hard, they will finish on time.
- If the weather is good, we will go hiking.
- If I find your keys, I will let you know.
- If he doesn’t apologize, she will not forgive him.
- If I finish my homework, I will watch TV.
- If you don’t call her, she will get angry.
- If we miss the train, we will take a taxi.
- If you sleep early, you will feel better tomorrow.
- If you don’t wear a coat, you will get cold.
- If we don’t book now, we will lose the tickets.
- If you don’t lock the door, someone will come in.
- If it doesn’t rain, we will have a picnic.
- If I have time, I will visit my grandmother.
- If she doesn’t study, she will fail the exam.
- If you drink this, you will feel refreshed.
- If we don’t go, we will miss the fun.
- If you take this medicine, you will feel better.
First Conditional Sentences
FAQs about First Conditional Sentences
What is the first conditional in English grammar?
The first conditional is a sentence structure used to talk about real future situations that are possible if a condition happens.
What is the structure of the first conditional?
The structure is If + Present Simple, will + Base Verb, e.g., If it rains, we will stay home.
Can we use “shall” or “may” in the first conditional?
Yes. Instead of will, we can use shall, may, might, can, or must to show different meanings.
What is the difference between zero and first conditional?
Zero Conditional is for general truths (If you heat ice, it melts).
First Conditional is for future possibilities (If it rains, we will stay home).
Why do we use the first conditional?
We use the first conditional to talk about future plans, warnings, promises, and possibilities.
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