The first conditional is a structure we use when we want to talk about possibilities in the present or in the future. In this lesson we will learn how the first conditional is formed and when we use it.
| "If" Clause | Main Clause |
|---|---|
| If + present simple + comma | Subject + will/other modal + base verb. |
| If it rains, | I will stay home |
If we put the main clause first then we don't need the comma.
| Main Clause | "If" Clause |
|---|---|
| Subject + will/other modal + base verb | If + present simple. |
| I will stay home | if it rains |
We use the first conditional to talk about real possibilities in the future.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| If it is sunny tomorrow, I will have a picnic. | It is possible that it will be sunny tomorrow. In this condition I will have a picnic.. |
| If you come to the party, I will be very happy. | It is possible that you will come to the party. In this condition I will be very happy. |
| If I win the lottery, I will buy a car! | It is possible that I will win the lottery. In this condition I will buy a car. |
| I will be sad if my football team loses the match. | It is possible that my team will lose the match. In this condition I will be sad. |
| I will stay home if it rains tomorrow. | It is possible that it will rain tomorrow. In this condition I will stay home. |
Lesson by: Paolo De Dominicis
Paolo is a teacher at EC London
Link: Past Simple or Past Participle?
