The First Conditional Sentences

Author: World of Thia

Published: Rabu, 06 Maret 2013

The first conditional refers to the future. It is used when there is a possibility that if-event might be happen.

Example: If it rains, we’ll go to the cinema. (=it might rain, it might not
If the sun shines, we’ll go to the beach. (=the sun might shine, it might not).

Form: If +Present simple (if clause), future (main clause)
If you drop it , it will break.
Or future if + Present Simple
It will break if you drop in (New Grammar Practice, Elaine Walker and Steve Elsworth, 2000, Pearson Education Limited, Chapter 3, page 79) Look at this session.

• If we hurry, we'll catch the bus
The verb in the if-clause (e.g. hurry) is in the present simple, not the future.
NOT If we'll hurry, we'll catch the bus. But we can use will in the if-clause when we make a request.
Ex: If you'll just wait a moment, I'll find someone to help you. (- Please wait a moment...)

• We can use the present continuous (e.g. are doing) or the present perfect (e.g. have done) in the if-clause.
If we're expecting visitors, the flat will need a good clean.
If you've finished with the computer, I'll put it away.

• The main clause often has will. But we can use other modal verbs (e.g. can). If you haven't got a television, you can't watch it, can you?
If Henry jogs regularly, he might lose weight.
If Matthew is going to a job interview, he should wear a tie.

• The if-clause usually comes first, but it can come after the main clause.
If I hear any news, I'll phone you or I'll phone you if I hear any news.
More uses of type 1

• We can use type 1 conditionals in offers and suggestions.
If you need a ticket, I can get you one.
If you feel like seeing the sights, we can take a bus tour.

• We can also use them in warnings and threats.
If you go on like this, you'll make yourself ill.
If you don't apologize, I'll never speak to you again.

• We sometimes use the present simple in both clauses.
If you heat water, it boils. If Daniel has any money, he spends it.
If you press this switch, the computer comes on. (This means that one thing always follows automatically from another.
Pressing the switch always results in the computer coming on.) (Oxford Practice Grammar, John Eastwood, Oxford University Press, Chapter 15, page 346).

The if clause can be used with the different present forms.

Example: • If I go to New York again, I'll buy you a souvenir from the Empire State Building.
• If he's feeling better, he'll come.
• If she hasn't heard the bad news yet, I'll tell her.(Grammar Secrets, Caroline Brown and Pearson Brown, 2010, page 44)

Labels: English Corner