When we use First conditional
- First conditional
- We use First conditional for POSSIBLE FUTURE situations. We say what we will do IF SOMETHING HAPPENS IN THE FUTURE.
An example of first conditional use in context.
![If you eat too much you will feel sick. First conditional use illustrated in context.](https://www.thecodds.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/if-you-eat-too-much-you-will-feel-sick-8.png)
If he eats too much, he will feel sick.
How we form first conditional
If + present simple, future (will + verb).
Other examples of first conditional use in a sentence
- If it rains, I will take an umbrella.
- If she says she loves me, I’ll ask her to marry me.
- I’ll be happy if we win.
First conditional is used not only with the word “If”. It can also be used with other words:
- When
- Before
- After
- Unless (if not)
- As soon as
- As long as
Example sentences with first conditional used with words other than “if”
- When I finish work, I’ll call you.
- Before she comes, I’ll have to clean the house.
- I’ll call you after she leaves.
- I’ll go to the beach unless it rains.
- We’ll go to the cinema as soon as I finish.
- As long as you love me, I’ll be happy.
First conditional used with modal verbs like can, must, should, might, may
When there’s a modal verb in a first conditional sentence, we use present simple instead of will (they still describe a possible future event).
If + present simple, modal verb in present simple.
Example sentences with first conditional used with modal verbs like can, must, should, might, may
- If I finish work, I can come.
- You should leave immediately if the fire alarm rings.
- When she calms down, she might call you.
- You must tell me if the baby starts crying.
First conditional used with imperative
We don’t use “will” when the first conditional sentence uses the imperative form (they still describe a possible future event).
Example sentences with first conditional used with imperative
- Tell me if she calls you.
- Call me when you finish.
- If they come, tell them to leave.
- Give me the document as soon as you get it.