Conditional I
We use the conditional Type 1 when we want to talk about situations we believe are real or possible in the future. 'If I study hard, I'll pass the exam.'
What Are First Conditionals?
Conditional Type 1: Structure
In type 1 conditional sentences, the structure is usually:
If (or when) + clause with present simple+ , + main clause with future simple (will + base form).
For example:
If it
You can see the result clause should refer to the future.
Punctuation
If the 'if clause' comes first (at the beginning of the sentence) do not forget to put a comma (,) after it. For example:
If she
The rule of placing comma is important.
If you begin your sentence with the main clause, you do not need to put a comma between the two clauses. Here are the examples:
We
As you can see because we use the result at the beginning, we don't need a comma.
She
The same rule applies here.
Warning
We cannot use 'will' or 'won't' in the if clause. The main clause must have a future simple tense and the 'if clause' always has a present simple tense. Check out the examples:
If I will remember his name...')
If clause cannot imply a future meaning.
If Alternatives
You can use 'when', 'unless', 'as long as' or 'in case' instead of 'if'. check these examples out:
This sentence is the same as 'if she tries her best at work, she will continue her job.'
I'll give you a call
Difference between 0 and 1 Conditionals
The main difference between 0 and 1 conditionals is that in type 1 conditional, the main clause must have a modal verb (like will, can, should...). For example:
If you
This is zero type conditional, therefore there is no modals in the main clause.
If you
This is type 1 conditional and we used the modal 'can' in the main clause, because we should have a modal in type 1 conditionals.
Conditional Type 1: Other Tenses
The 'if clause' can have all present tenses in the English grammar, like present simple, present continuous, present perfect and present perfect continuous.
And the main clause can have future simple tense, or have modal verbs like 'can, may, might, must, should, could'. These are the examples:
If you
As mentioned before, modals can be used in result clauses.
If you
We can use any present tense in if clause.
Review
Conditional type 1 talks about real situations and facts that are really likely to happen.
Structure
if clause | The 'if clause' can have all present tenses in the English grammar, like present simple, present continuous, present perfect and present perfect continuous. |
main clause | And the main clause can have future simple tense, or have modal verbs like 'can, may, might, must, should, could'. |
Spotlight
Whenever you use if the clause at the beginning of the sentence you must put a comma, after it. But if you use the main clause first, you do not need a comma.
The Difference between Zero and First Conditional
The main difference between 0 and 1 conditionals is that in type 1 conditional, the main clause must have a modal verb (like: will, can, should ...)
- Zero:
If you don't water your plants, they
- First:
If you promise to be careful, you