LoginConditional I
In this article, you'll dive into the Conditional I, like 'If she works hard, she will succeed'. Detailed explanations and a quiz are included to test your knowledge.
What Are First Conditionals?
The first conditional is a type of conditional sentence used to discuss a possible future event or situation and its likely result. The first conditional is often used in everyday conversations to make plans, give warnings, or make predictions about the future.
First Conditional: Structure
The first conditional sentences are usually formed using the present simple tense in the condition clause, and a future simple tense, or a modal verb (such as 'should', 'can', etc.) followed by the base form of the verb in the main clause. The structure is as follows:
[condition marker + present simple] + [future simple (will + base form)]
Or
[condition marker + present simple] + [modal verb + base form]
For example:
If it doesn't rain, we'll go to the park.
You can see the result clause refers to the future.
Punctuation
The order of clauses in a conditional sentence does not affect the meaning of the sentence, but it affects use of punctuation. If the condition clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, it must be followed by a comma (,). For example:
If she drinks too much, she will get sick.
If the sentence begins with the main clause, there is no need for a comma between the two clauses. Here are the examples:
We'll go to the park if it doesn't rain.
Since the result is stated at the beginning of the sentence, we don't need a comma.
She will get sick if she drinks too much.
Condition Markers
In addition to 'if,' you can use 'when', 'unless', 'as long as' or 'in case' to introduce the condition in first conditional clauses. Check out the examples :
As long as she tries her best at work, she will keep her job.
This sentence is the same as 'if she tries her best at work, she will keep her job.'
I'll give you a call in case I'm late.
'Unless' expresses a negative condition, which means the result clause will only happen if the condition is not met. For example:
Unless you hurry, you'll miss the bus.
Here, if the condition "you hurry" is not met, the result "will miss the bus" happens.
Unless it rains, we'll have a picnic.
This sentence is the same as "If it does not rain, we'll have a picnic."
Inversion
It is also possible to form first conditional sentences without a condition marker. In this case, inversion of the modal 'should' and the subject introduces the condition, without any explicit condition marker. This usage is more formal than the use of condition markers.
Should you see him, tell him to call me.
This sentence is equal to "If you see him, tell him to call me."
Should you need help, you can call me.
Or "If you need help, you can call me."
Zero Markers
There are two possible ways to form first conditional sentences without using any condition marker or inversion.
You can use a past participle at the beginning of the condition clause to introduce a passive condition, without any condition marker or inversion. Keep in mind that this structure only works with verbs that can be made passive. For example:
Given enough time, anyone can learn this skill.
The structure using a condition marker would be "If you give them enough time, anyone can learn this skills" which follows the [present simple] + [modal + base verb] structure.
Left unattended, the fire will spread.
You can also use the conjunction 'or' to form a negative condition (similar to 'unless') without using explicit condition markers. In these sentences, 'or' is not a condition marker, since it does not introduce the condition; it just connects a condition to a result. Conditional sentences formed using 'or' express warnings or inevitable consequences of actions. Here are some examples:
Hurry up, or you'll miss the train!
This sentence is same as "Unless you hurry up, you'll miss the train" which follows the [present simple] + [future simple] structure.
Pay your rent, or you'll be evicted.
Or "Unless you pay your rent, you'll be evicted."
Conditional Type I: Other Tenses
The condition clause in a first conditional sentence can use any of the present tenses in English grammar, including the present simple, present continuous, present perfect, and present perfect continuous. The main clause can use the future simple tense or modal verbs such as 'can', 'may', 'might', 'must', 'should', 'could'. Take a look at the examples:
If you promise to be careful, you can drive my car.
If they are sleeping, we should not disturb them.
If you have finished your work, we can leave.
First Conditionals vs. Zero Conditionals
The first conditional deals with situations that are likely to happen in the future if a certain condition is fulfilled. On the other hand, the zero conditional is used to express a general truth, a scientific fact, or something that is always true when a certain condition is met.
With regards to structure, both types consist of a condition clause and a main clause. However, in the first conditional, the condition clause is usually formed with the present simple tense, and the main clause is formed with a modal verb (like will, can, should, etc.) plus the base form of the verb, while in zero conditionals, both clauses are formed with the present simple tense. Compare the examples:
If you mix red and blue, you get purple.
This is zero type conditional, it expresses a general truth; therefore, there are no modals in the main clause.
If you promise to be careful, you can drive my car.
This is type I conditional and the modal 'can' is used in the main clause.
Review
Conditional type I talks about real situations and facts that are likely to happen. The structure of first conditional sentences is as follows
condition clause | all present tenses, like present simple, present continuous, present perfect and present perfect continuous |
|---|---|
main clause | future simple tense, or modal verbs like 'can,' 'may,' 'might,' 'must,' 'should,' and 'could' |
Common markers of the first conditional include 'if,' 'unless,' 'as long as,' 'in case,' and 'provided that.' You can also form first conditional sentences using inversion with the modal 'should' or without any markers, using past participles or the conjunction 'or.'
Unless you study, you won't pass.
Should you need rest, you can take a break.
Taken daily, this medicine improves heart health.
The government must act now, or the crisis will worsen.
Quiz:
Which option correctly represents the first conditional structure?
If + past simple, would + base verb
If + present simple, will + base verb
If + present perfect, can + past participle
If + present simple, present simple
Sort the words to form a sentence in the first conditional using inversion.
Match each incomplete sentence with the correct ending.
Fill the blanks with the correct form of the verb or condition marker.
If you
(study) hard, you
(pass) the exam.
(store) properly, the vaccine
(prevent) illness.
Turn off the stove,
the food
(burn).
I'll bring extra water
it
(be) hot outside.
you submit the form today, you won't get approval.
What distinguishes the first conditionals from zero conditionals?
The result clause in the first conditionals only use imperatives.
The condition clause of the zero conditionals requires modal verbs.
The result clause in the first conditional uses future/modal verbs.
Both use present simple in the result clause.
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