First Conditional Sentences With Examples

First conditional sentences are a type of conditional sentence that expresses a possible condition and its likely result in the future. They are a type of conditional sentence that follows a specific pattern, involving an if clause (condition) and a main clause (result).

Structure of a First Conditional Sentence

The structure of a first conditional sentence involves two main clauses: an “if” clause (condition) and a main clause (result).

If + present simple (condition), will + base form of the verb (result).

Here’s a breakdown of the structure:

If Clause (Condition):

1. Begins with the subordinating conjunction ‘if.’

This signals the beginning of the condition and introduces a hypothetical scenario.

2. Contains a verb in the present simple tense.

The use of the present simple tense in the “if” clause is a key feature of first conditional sentences.

Examples:

1. If it rains, we will stay at home.
   • If clause: If it rains (present simple)
   • Main clause: we will stay at home (will + base form)
2. If she calls me, I will answer.
   • If clause: If she calls me (present simple)
   • Main clause: I will answer (will + base form)
3. If you eat too much, you will feel sick.
   • If clause: If you eat too much (present simple)
   • Main clause: you will feel sick (will + base form)

Main Clause (Result):

1. Begins with ‘will’ or another modal verb (can, may, might, etc.).

The main clause expresses the result or consequence that is contingent on the condition stated in the if clause. It typically begins with the modal verb will.

2. Followed by the base form of the verb.

After the modal verb, the main clause includes the base form of the verb, which indicates the action that will happen if the condition is fulfilled.

Examples:

1. If it rains, we will stay at home.
   • If clause: If it rains (present simple)
   • Main clause: we will stay at home (will + base form)
2. If she calls me, I will answer.
   • If clause: If she calls me (present simple)
   • Main clause: I will answer (will + base form)

Distinction from Other Conditional Structures

First conditional sentences are distinct from other conditional structures primarily in terms of the type of condition they express and the likelihood of the outcome. Here’s a brief distinction from other conditional structures:

1. First Conditional vs. Zero Conditional:

• First Conditional: Used for real and possible future situations with a likely outcome. It has an if clause in the present simple and a main clause with will or a modal verb.
• Example: If it rains, we will stay at home.
• Zero Conditional: Used for general truths and facts. Both clauses are in the present simple.
• Example: If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.

2. First Conditional vs. Second Conditional:

• First Conditional: Used for real and possible future situations with a likely outcome. The if clause is in the present simple, and the main clause uses will or a modal verb.
• Example: If she studies, she will pass the exam.
• Second Conditional: Used for unreal or unlikely situations in the present or future. The if clause is in the past simple, and the main clause uses would or a modal verb.
• Example: If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.

3. First Conditional vs. Third Conditional:

• First Conditional: Used for real and possible future situations. The if clause is in the present simple, and the main clause uses will or a modal verb.
• Example: If they invite us, we might go to the party.
• Third Conditional: Used for unreal or hypothetical past situations. The if clause is in the past perfect, and the main clause uses would have or a modal verb.
• Example: If he had studied, he would have passed the exam.

How to Identify First Conditional Sentences

Identifying first conditional sentences involves recognizing specific structural elements that distinguish them from other types of conditional sentences. Here are key features to help identify first conditional sentences:

1. Presence of ‘If’:

• Look for the subordinating conjunction if at the beginning of the sentence. First conditionals always start with if.

2. Present Simple in the ‘If” Clause:

• Check for a verb in the present simple tense in the if clause. This is a defining characteristic of first conditionals.

3. Use of “Will” or Modal Verbs in the Main Clause:

• Examine the main clause for the presence of will or another modal verb (can, may, might, etc.) followed by the base form of the verb. This structure indicates the consequence of the condition.

4. Realistic or Possible Future Situations:

• Consider the context to determine if the sentence discusses a realistic or possible future situation based on a specific condition.

Examples:

1. If it rains, we will stay at home.
   • If clause: If it rains (present simple)
   • Main clause: we will stay at home (will + base form)
2. If she calls me, I will answer.
   • If clause: If she calls me (present simple)
   • Main clause: I will answer (will + base form)
3. If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
   • If clause: If you study hard (present simple)
   • Main clause: you will pass the exam (will + base form)

Common Mistakes to Avoid with First Conditional Rules

When using first conditional sentences, there are some common mistakes that learners often make. Here are a few to be mindful of and avoid:

1. Incorrect Verb Tense:

• Use present simple in the if clause, not future tense.

2. Comma Placement:

• Place a comma after the if clause.

3. Avoiding ‘Will’ in Both Clauses:

• Use will or a modal verb only in the main clause.

4. Steering Clear of Unreal Conditions:

• Use first conditional for real, possible situations, not unreal ones.

5. Present Simple vs. Present Continuous:

• Use present simple, not present continuous, in the if clause.

6. Correct Modal Verb Usage:

• Ensure proper use of modal verbs in the main clause.

7. Not Neglecting Modal Verbs:

• Include modal verbs in the main clause, not relying solely on will.

8. Appropriate Use of ‘If’ vs. ‘When’:

• Use if for conditional statements, not when.

Quiz:

1. If she ___ hard, she will pass the exam. a. studies b. will study
2. We ___ the game if it doesn’t rain. a. play b. will play
3. If you ___ your keys, I can lend you mine. a. will lose b. lose
4. If it ___ sunny tomorrow, we might go to the beach. a. is b. will be
5. If he ___ to the party, he’ll meet some new people. a. goes b. will go
6. If I ___ you, I would apologize. a. am b. were
7. We ___ at the restaurant if they have vegetarian options. a. will eat b. eat
8. If she ___ the early train, she’ll be on time. a. catches b. will catch
9. If you ___ more vegetables, you might feel healthier. a. eat b. will eat
10. I ___ to the concert if I finish my work on time. a. go b. will go
11. If it ___ cold, we’ll wear our jackets. a. is b. will be
12. If they ___ their flight, they’ll be late. a. miss b. will miss

Answers:

1. a. studies
2. b. will play
3. b. lose
4. a. is
5. a. goes
6. b. were
7. a. will eat
8. a. catches
9. a. eat
10. b. will go
11. a. is
12. a. miss

FAQS:

Q1: What is a first conditional sentence?

A first conditional sentence is a grammatical structure in English used to express a possible or likely future outcome based on a specific condition. It typically consists of an if clause in the present simple tense and a main clause with will or another modal verb, followed by the base form of the verb.

Q2: How do I form a first conditional sentence?

Form a first conditional sentence by starting with an if clause, using the present simple tense. Follow this with a main clause using will or a modal verb, along with the base form of the verb.

Q3: What is the purpose of first conditional sentences?

First conditionals are used to discuss real and possible future situations, expressing the likely consequences or results of specific conditions being met.

Q4: Can I use other modal verbs besides ‘will’ in the main clause of a first conditional sentence?

Yes, besides will, you can use other modal verbs such as can, may, might, etc., in the main clause of a first conditional sentence.

Q5: When do I use a first conditional sentence?

First conditional sentences are used when discussing future plans, predictions, or likely outcomes based on specific conditions. They are suitable for expressing possibilities and expectations.

Q6: What is the difference between first and zero conditionals?

First conditionals express real and possible future situations, while zero conditionals are used for general truths and facts. The if clause in a zero conditional also uses the present simple tense.

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