First conditional

Definition

The first conditional is a grammatical structure used to express real and possible situations in the future. It typically consists of an 'if' clause in the present simple tense, followed by a main clause in the future simple tense. This structure emphasizes that if a certain condition is met, a specific result will likely follow.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The structure of the first conditional is: 'If + present simple, will + base verb'. For example, 'If it rains, I will stay home.'
2. The first conditional is often used to talk about future events that are likely to happen based on current conditions.
3. It can express both positive outcomes (e.g., 'If you study, you will pass the exam.') and negative outcomes (e.g., 'If you don’t hurry, you won’t catch the bus.').
4. The first conditional can also include modal verbs in the main clause for varying degrees of certainty or possibility, such as 'might' or 'could'.
5. Using the first conditional effectively can help clarify relationships between actions and consequences, making communication about future possibilities clearer.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of the first conditional help convey real possibilities about the future?
  • The first conditional structure, which combines an 'if' clause in the present simple with a main clause in the future simple, allows speakers to clearly indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between current conditions and future outcomes. By stating that if a particular condition occurs, a specific result is expected to follow, it helps to convey realistic scenarios that are likely to happen. This clarity is crucial when discussing planning or predicting future events.
• Compare and contrast the first conditional with the zero conditional in terms of their usage and structure.
  • While both first conditional and zero conditional sentences involve 'if' clauses, they serve different purposes. The first conditional expresses real possibilities in the future, structured as 'If + present simple, will + base verb', such as 'If it rains, I will stay home.' In contrast, the zero conditional describes general truths or habitual actions using the present simple in both clauses, like 'If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.' This difference highlights how each form is suited to different contexts of certainty and time.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using modal verbs in the main clause of a first conditional sentence to express uncertainty or various outcomes.
  • Incorporating modal verbs such as 'might' or 'could' into the main clause of a first conditional sentence adds depth and nuance to the expression of future possibilities. For instance, saying 'If it rains tomorrow, I might go to a movie instead' introduces an element of uncertainty regarding the outcome. This flexibility allows speakers to communicate varying degrees of likelihood and opens up discussions about potential alternatives based on changing conditions. Such an approach enriches dialogue by acknowledging that while certain outcomes are possible, they are not guaranteed.

Related terms

conditional sentences: Sentences that express a condition and its possible outcome, often using 'if' clauses.

future simple tense: A verb tense used to describe actions that will happen in the future, typically formed with 'will' + base form of the verb.

zero conditional:

A type of conditional sentence used for general truths or facts, where both clauses use the present simple tense.