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 | |
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I don't know, I can talk to him if you want. | Non so, posso parlargli se vuoi. |
You can pick me up from here, if you want. | Puoi passare a prendermi qui se vuoi. |
Let's get them both and we can share if you want. | Prendiamo entrambi e possiamo dividere se vuoi. |
If you are wrong, you are going to take me out for dinner! | Se tu sbagli, mi porti fuori a cena! |
What if she goes mental again and does something to Pogo or Bear? | E se perde le staffe di nuovo e fa qualcosa a Pogo o Bear? |
Hmm... Okay, let me see if there is anything I can do. | Hmm… Ok, mi faccia vedere se posso fare qualcosa. |
But, maybe you can leave Pogo with me sometimes. | Ma, magari puoi lasciare Pogo da me qualche volta. |
If you are not in the mood, we can just go back. | Se non sei dell’umore giusto, possiamo tornare indietro. |
If he is okay with dogs. | Se va d’accordo con i cani. |
What if we can't find any tickets to come back? | E se non riusciamo a trovare biglietti per ritornare? |
That's okay, you can have some of mine, if you want. | Va bene, puoi avere un po' del mio, se vuoi. |
When he realises, he won't stay this calm. | Quando se ne accorgerà, non rimarrà così calmo. |
I guess I did, I'm just reading it, if you let me... | Penso di sì, sto leggendo, se mi lasci… |
If you want, we can walk to the station from here. | Se vuoi possiamo camminare fino alla stazione da qui. |
Now? We can if you want. | Ora? Possiamo farlo se vuoi. |
If possible, can we make an appointment for Saturday, before 2? | Se possibile, possiamo prendere appuntamento per sabato, prima delle 2? |
Okay love, I'll give you a call if I can finish early. | Ok tesoro, ti chiamo se finisco presto. |
Yeah it is stressful, but I'm right here if you need any help. | Sì è stressante, ma io sono qui se ti serve aiuto. |
It's up to you, if you want, we can just go and see it. | Sta s te, se vuoi, possiamo andare a vederla. |
Shall we go to the checkout, if you've finished getting everything? | Andiamo alla cassa, se hai finito di prendere tutto? |