First conditional
Exercise 1
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Second conditional
Third conditional
Mixed conditional
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First conditional

Conditionals

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.
IMG UNIT 25-01
If you don't put on repellent, you'll get bitten.
IMG UNIT 25-02
If you study hard, you'll get good marks.

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.

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.
    IMG UNIT 25-03
    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.
    IMG UNIT 25-04
    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.

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.