







In English we use the first conditional to talk about possibilities in the present or in the future. The 'if clause' talks about things that are possible, but not certain, and the 'main clause' says what we think the result will be in this situation.
If the 'if clause' comes first, a comma is usually used. If the 'if clause' comes second, there is no need for a comma.
Example Sentences :
Future time clauses :
In English we can use sentences with 'when', 'as soon as', 'before', 'after' and 'until' to talk about the future using the same form as a first conditional. After these words we use the present simple, and in the main clause we use will + infinitive.
Example Sentences :
In English we use 'when' to say we are certain something will happen.
In English we use 'as soon as' to say something will happen immediately after something else.
In English we use 'until' to say something stops happening at this time.
Similarly to first conditionals, the future time clause can come first or second in the sentence.
eg. I'll call you when I get to the office. = When I get to the office, I'll call you.
Notes for use of first conditional :
In English we can use modal verbs in the main clause of conditionals.
Examples Sentences :
In English we can also use imperatives in the main clause of conditionals.
Example Sentences :
In English we can use 'in case' to say we are prepared for something that might happen.
'In case' and 'if' have different meanings.
In this sentence the person is definitely going to put on some sunscreen in preparation for a time in the future when it might be sunny.
In this sentence the person might put on some sunscreen, but only if it is sunny in the future.
In English we can use 'might' instead of 'will' to mean 'will perhaps' in first conditionals.
It is possible to use a variety of verb forms in conditional sentences, not just those in the four basic conditionals.
In English we can use the future with going to instead of the present to show future intention.
| First conditional example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Yes, that's the one, if it's still available, can we see it? | Ja, das ist es. Ist es noch verfügbar und können wir es uns ansehen? |
| When he realises, he won't stay this calm. | Wenn er es merkt, wird er nicht so ruhig bleiben. |
| We can buy some breast, if you like. | Wir können ein paar Hühnerbrüste kaufen, wenn du möchtest. |
| So, if we pay 600 each we can get a 5 bedroom house for 2,400... | Wenn also jeder von uns 600 bezahlt, dann können wir ein Haus mit fünf Schlafzimmern für 2400 mieten. |
| We can walk till the end, if you want. | Wir können bis zum Ende gehen, wenn du möchtest. |
| You should ask me first if my offer is still valid! | Du solltest mich erst fragen, ob das Angebot noch gültig ist! |
| What about when you are not home, then? | Was ist dann wenn du nicht zu Hause bist? |
| Okay love, I'll give you a call if I can finish early. | Okay, meine Liebe, ich rufe dich an, wenn ich früher fertig werde. |
| If you give me the keys, I can open it for you. | Wenn Sie mir die Schlüssel geben, dann kann ich die Türe für Sie öffnen. |
| If he is home, he would like to have some. | Wenn er zuhause ist, dann würde er sicher gerne ein bisschen davon haben. |
| Why don't you get some mussels, too, if they're really good? | Warum bestellst du dir nicht auch Muscheln, wenn sie so gut sind? |
| Hmm... Okay, let me see if there is anything I can do. | Hmm... Okay, lassen Sie mich sehen, ob ich etwas für Sie tun kann. |
| If you have decided, shall we order? | Sollen wir dann bestellen? |
| It's up to you, if you want, we can just go and see it. | Wie du willst. Wir können es uns ansehen, wenn du möchtest. |
| You can pick me up from here, if you want. | Du kannst mich von hier abholen, wenn du möchtest. |
| But, maybe you can leave Pogo with me sometimes. | Aber du kannst Pogo vielleicht manchmal bei mir lassen. |
| I can cook for you one day, if you like. | Ich kann mal für dich kochen, wenn du möchstest. |
| If you are wrong, you are going to take me out for dinner! | Wenn du falsch liegst, dann wirst du mich zum Essen einladen! |
| Shall we go to the checkout, if you've finished getting everything? | Sollen wir dann zur Kasse gehen, wenn du mit allem fertig bist? |
| That's okay, you can have some of mine, if you want. | Ist okay, du kannst ein bisschen von mir haben, wenn du willst. |