Skip to Content

First conditional

The first conditional describes a real situation with reference to the future. If the condition is fulfilled, the actionA general term expressing that somebody or something does something in the main clauseA clause that could be a sentence in itself. E.g.: I wouldn’t go there if I were you. ("I wouldn't go there") When I arrived he was surfing. ("he was surfing") is likely to happen.

if-clause with present tense (any)
main clause with future simple or continuous

She won't be happy if you tell her the news.
If I break my leg on the ski run, I won’t be giving a party tonight.

The use of present tenses in the if-clause of the first conditional is similar to that in future timeA concept which is related to our perception of reality; that part of existence which is measured in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, etc. clauses. 

Grammar quotes
You will never win if you never begin.
Helen Rowland
If you do not sow in the spring, you will not reap in the autumn.
Irish proverb
If you're in a bad situation, don't worry it'll change. If you're in a good situation, don't worry it'll change.
John A. Simone, Sr.
Login or register to access a printer-friendly version, add page to favourites or submit a quote.

Related topics

The following topics are closely related to the one you are viewing.

Topics with similar tags

The following topics share one or more tags with the one you are viewing and may also be interesting.

Rate this page

Average: 3 (1 vote)

Comments and questions

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.