First Conditional, Explanations and Examples

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The First Conditional

In English, we use the First Conditional to express a possible situation with a result in the future.  It describes events that are likely to happen if certain conditions are met.

There are two clauses used when forming a First Conditional sentence

  • Condition Clause: This part of the sentence says what the condition has to be and uses the present simple tense.
  • Result Clause: This part says what will happen if the first clause is fulfilled, and it uses “will” followed by the base form of the verb.

How to form the First Conditional

If-clause Main clause (result)
If + present simple Will + Infinitive

Examples of the First Conditional

If clause Main clause
If + subject + verb in the present tense Subject + will + verb in the present tense
If I have money, I will go to Spain.
If It rains this evening I will stay home.

Like with all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses can be changed. However, you may have to rearrange the pronouns and correct the punctuation..

Main clause If clause
Subject + will + verb in the present tense If + subject + verb in the present tense
I will stay at home tomorrow if it rains.
I will buy a new car. if I have enough money

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