First Conditional Form : ( If + subject + present simple, subject + will + infinitive (verb 1) )

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 :

• If it rains, I'll stay at home.
• If I'm late again, I'll lose my job.
• If we don't hurry, we'll miss the plane.
• We'll get there on time if we take a taxi.
• I'll cook if you do the washing up.
• If I get the job, I'll pay for dinner. 

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 :

• When I retire, I'll move to the country.
• As soon as I get home, I'll go to bed.
• I'll have dinner at home before I go to the pub.
• After I finish school, I'll go to university.
• I won't leave until I see the manager.

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 :

• If you want to keep fit, you should join a gym.
• If you don't feel better soon, you must see a doctor.
• If you don't clean your room, you can't go to the party.
• If I finish work late, I might get a taxi home.
• If you study hard for the exam, you'll pass.

In English we can also use imperatives in the main clause of conditionals.

Example Sentences :

• If you see Donna, ask her to join us for dinner tonight.
• If you are going to be late, give me a call.
• If you don't understand the instructions, call the supplier.

In English we can use 'in case' to say we are prepared for something that might happen.

'In case' and 'if' have different meanings.

• I'll put on some sunscreen in case it is sunny.

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.

• I'll put on some sunscreen if it is 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.

• If you're going to buy a house, you'll need to get a mortgage. (variation of first conditional)