First Conditional Lesson

Dave is 18 and lives in Bath, England. He has decided to go to Moscow for a week. This will his first time abroad. He has also decided to travel alone. This is the conversation he has with his friend Pete.

Pete – How will you communicate with the Russians when you don’t even speak the language?

Dave – I’ve been practising and I’m taking this phrase book with me. If I can’t remember a word, I’ll look it up.

Pete – But you can’t read Russian. How will you know how to get around? If you see a sign, you won’t be able to read it.

Dave – Like I said, I’ve been practising. Besides, I can always show someone in the street where I want to go.

Pete – But you won’t be able to understand them. You can’t speak Russian.

Dave – I’m not worried. I’ll be OK.

Pete – I admire your optimism.

Dave – Don’t worry about me. Do you want anything from Moscow?

Pete – Yes, a furry Russian hat.

Dave – No problem. If I find one, I’ll buy it for you.

Pete – Great and when you come back, you’ll tell me all about it.

The first conditional is used to express the idea that if the first condition is met now or in the future the main clause will happen. So when Dave says ‘ If I find one, I’ll buy it for you’ he is using ‘if’+present simple’ – to express the condition in the future and ‘will+base form’ for the main clause.

When is used to express a situation that is sure to happen he uses ‘when’.

Unless is used to mean if not

Lesson by Tristan

Now choose the correct form for each sentence:

• 1 - Which is correct:
  
  If I will find a cheap flight, I will go to Madrid.
  If I find a cheap flight, I will go to Madrid.
  
  
• 2 - Which is correct:
  
  I’ll come to the musical if I can find a ticket.
  I come to the musical if I can find a ticket.
  
  
• 3 - Which is correct:
  
  If you take the train, you will arrive more quickly.
  If you will take the train, you arrive more quickly.
  
  
• 4 - Which is correct:
  
  She joins us if she has free time.
  She will join us if she has free time.
  
  
• 5 - Which is correct:
  
  If I pass the exam, I’ll go on holiday to New York to celebrate.
  If I will pass the exam, I’ll go on holiday to New York to celebrate.
  
  
• 6 - Which is correct:
  
  When the rain stops, we'll go out.
  When the rain will stop, we will go out.
  
  
• 7 - Which is correct:
  
  I won't come out unless you invite Sarah.
  I won't come out unless you will invite Sarah.
  
  
• 8 - Which is correct:
  
  When I will see John, I'll give him the good news.
  When I see John, I'll give him the good news.