2.1. Conditional type 1

Importante

CONDITIONAL TYPE 1
(aka1 FIRST CONDITIONAL)   
 FORM  
  • As you may know from section 1.1., a conditional sentence usually has two parts:

The if-clause and the result (main clause)

  • In other words, there is a main clause and a subordinate clause which indicates the condition and is usually introduced by if,    this part is also known as the if-clause.
  • Conditional sentences express a choice and the possible consequences of that choice.
  • For the first conditional we use:

Present Simple in the if-clause and will + infinitive (without "to") in the main clause. 
  • The two parts can go in any order. When we write and the if-clause comes first, we put a comma between each clause, the if-part and the main part. We do not use a comma, however, when the main clause comes first.

       Example:  

If it is sunny tomorrow, we will go jogging. 
(notice the comma separating the subordinate clause from the main one) 

We will go jogging if it is sunny tomorrow.
(notice there is no comma in this example, because the main clause comes first in place)
 POSITIVE  NEGATIVE  QUESTION
  • If you're 
late, we'll wait for you.
  • When I get home, I'll call you.
  • They'll go to the beach if it's sunny.
  • When I get home, I won’t watch TV.

  • If we don’t hurry, we’ll miss the train.

  • They won’t go to the beach if it isn’t sunny 
  • When you finish school, what will you do?

  • How will he feel if he doesn’t get the job?
  • If you pass your exams, will you go to university?
 SHORT ANSWER
 Yes, I will. / No, I won’t (will+not).
USE
  • We use the first conditional when the condition expressed in the subordinate clause is likely to happen. It is commonly known as the real conditional, so we use it when we talk about possible future situations. 

       Example: It’s June and the weather has been hot ever since the beginning of spring.

                       If it’s hot on Saturday, we’ll go to the beach. (There is a real probability that it’s hot) 

                                             You will pass the test if you study hard. (There is a real possibility that you pass)
  BUT ALSO 
  • Besides using the verb in the main clause in the future form “will”, we can also use the main verb in:

 

    1. IMPERATIVE                                              

                                      Example:      If there is a fire in the building, don’t use the elevator.

                                                             Read the instructions If you don’t know how to use a cell phone.

 

    1. MODAL VERBS (can/may/should/must)

                                       Example:     If you don’t feel well, you should see a doctor.

                                                           You can use my cell phone if yours doesn’t work.         

 UNLESS/IF NOT
  • We can use unless with the same meaning as If not.

 

       Example:                  If we don't leave now, we'll be late = Unless we leave now, we'll be late.

                                     Unless you study hard, you won't pass your finals. = If you don't study hard, you won't pass your finals.

1 "aka" is a common abbreviation in English which stands for  "also known as"

Actividad desplegable

Put into practice what you have learned from the grid above in this exercise.

Choose the best option to complete each of the following conditional sentences. There is one extra sentence that you don't need to use:

 

  1. If he is busy now,  .
  2. He can't go to the party  .
  3. you must stay in bed.
  4. she'll fall in love with you!
  5. You must wear warm clothes  .
  6. you can call him.
  7.  if I go to Essex.
  8. If it's warm tomorrow .
  9. You won't speak English fluently 
  10. we'll miss our bus.

Habilitar JavaScript

Ask and answer the questions in pairs or in groups:

 

  • What will you do if you have plans to go to the beach for the weekend tomorrow with friends and the weather suddenly changes and heavy storms start to happen?

 

  • Will you change your plans? Will you stick to your plans no matter the weather or will you let the weather ruin your weekend?

 

  • Explain to your friends what you can do in case of heavy rain on the beach. How will you enjoy your weekend together? What are the options?
 
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