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Conditional I

conditionals

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.'

intermediate
"Conditional I" in English Grammar

What Are First Conditionals?

First conditional talks about real situations and facts that are really likely to happen.
Conditionals consist of an if-clause and a main clause. The if clause tells you the condition and the main clause tells you the result. You can change the order of the clauses without changing the meaning.

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 doesn't rain, we'll go to the park.

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 drinks too much, she will get sick.

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'll go to the park if it doesn't rain.

As you can see because we use the result at the beginning, we don't need a comma.

She will get sick if she drinks too much.

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 remember his name, I will tell you. (Not 'If I will remember his name...')

If clause cannot imply a future meaning.

If Alternatives

conditional I

You can use 'when', 'unless', 'as long as' or 'in case' instead of 'if'. check these examples out:

As long as she tries her best at work, she will continue her job.

This sentence is the same as 'if she tries her best at work, she will continue her job.'

I'll give you a call in case I'm late.

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 don't water your plants, they die.

This is zero type conditional, therefore there is no modals in the main clause.

If you promise to be careful, you can drive my car.

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 promise to be careful, you can drive my car.

As mentioned before, modals can be used in result clauses.

If you are exercising every day, you will lose weight.

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 die.

  • First:

If you promise to be careful, you can drive my car.

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Conditional Mood

Have you ever thought about something that might have happened if there was a different situation in the past? Conditionals help us talk about possibilities.

Zero Conditional

'If you don't eat or drink, you die'. 'If you heat water, it boils'. Zero conditional is used to talk about facts or situations which are always true.

Conditional II

Type 2 conditional sentences talk about situations that are hypothetical. There is a possibility that the condition will be fulfilled.

Conditional III

Conditional III indicates an impossible, hypothetical and unreal condition in the past and its probable result in the past. To learn about them, start reading!

Mixed Conditional

Sometimes the two parts of a conditional sentence refer to different times. This is called a mixed conditional. Ready to learn?

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