1st Conditional

The Grammar HELP!  Student Handbook - Online!

In today's Grammar  - Online! lesson we continue our unit on Conditional Sentences

All the examples you see below were contributed by ESL students in their writing and reading classes. We bring you only authentic writing.

When Do We Use the 1st Conditional?

Use the 1st conditional when the if Clause is true in the present or the future.

Even when both parts refer to the future, the 'if' clause uses the present tense and the 'result' clause uses the future tense.

How Do We Form the 1st Conditional?

1st Conditional
"if" clause - Simple Present Tense "result" clause: Present or Future Tense
   

In each 1st conditional sentence below, the main verb is in bold.

Notice that the verb in the 'if' clause is always in present tense.

Problem:    If you will call me, I will try to talk to you.
Solution:    If you call me, I will try to talk to you.

Main Clause: Present Time Reference
  • People earn this right only if they give something in return.
  • He is wondering what will happen if he enlists.
Main Clause: Future Time Reference
  • If you take this into serious consideration, then they won't need to end the marriage.
  • If they are found guilty, they will be put in prison for five to ten years.
  • If the girl insists on paying, I won't ask her out a second time.
  • I sense that if Adam doesn't join the militia, he will feel that he's not taking on the responsibilities his father left him with.

Main Clause: Modals for Future Time Reference

  • He taught me that if I like the person for whom he is before I marry him, then I shouldn't dislike him just because I'm now his wife.
  • My father said, "If you didn't go*  to college in Russia, you can't study in America."

    * The past tense can be used here because it is untrue in the past but its consequences are in the present and the future.

Next...2nd Conditional

Continue with our next lesson, "2nd Conditional."

All material is copyrighted, Software for Students.  Copying for PERSONAL USE ONLY. All others must contact Software for Students for permission to use in schools or other educational institutions.