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1. The first conditional
In English, there are several types of conditionals, among them, the first conditional. This type of conditional is used in situations where if a condition is met, a certain result is likely to occur.
If you don't put on repellent, you'll get bitten.
If you study hard, you'll get good marks.
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2. The structure of the first conditional
The first conditional has the following structure:
If + subject + present simple, subject + future simple
For the sentence in the future we mostly use the future simple with will, but you can also use the future simple with going to or a modal verb: can, might, should, or must.
| FIRST CONDITIONAL | |
|---|---|
| WILL | If the weather is nice on Sunday, we'll go on a picnic. |
| GOING TO | If I don't have to go to work tomorrow, I am going to visit my parents. |
| CAN | If the meeting finishes early, we can go for a drink. |
| MIGHT | If I have time this afternoon, I might wash my car. |
| SHOULD | If they invite you, you should go. |
| MUST | If you have any problems, you must call me. |
The order of the two sentences that make up the conditional structure can be changed. If we start with the If condition, we will separate them with a comma. If we start with the sentence that expresses the result, then we don't put a comma.
If the plane is delayed, she will be late.
She will be late if the plane is delayed.
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3. How is the first conditional used?
- The first conditional is used to express future plans, threats, warnings, promises or to convince someone about something.
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If the weather is fine tomorrow, we will go cycling.There's a chance the weather will be good tomorrow. If this condition is met the two boys will go by bike.![]()
Your sister will go mad if you touch her things.There's a chance that this little girl might touch her sister's things. If this happens the result will be that her sister will get angry.
For the sentence in the future it can be used the future simple with will, with going to and with modal verbs like can and might, among others.
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Remember!
The first conditional is a type of conditional that is used to express a condition-result relationship in particular situations that occur in the future (future plans, threats, warnings, promises, persuading, etc.).
| STRUCTURE |
|---|
| IF + PRESENT SIMPLE + FUTURE SIMPLE |
| USES | EXAMPLES |
|---|---|
| To express future plans, threats, warnings, promises, or to convince someone about something. | If I try hard, I'll succeed. |
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