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What is the first conditional?

The first conditional is a structure used for talking about possibilities in the present or in the future. 

Conditional type 1 sentences refer to the future. An action in the future will only happen if a certain condition is fulfilled by that time. We don't know for sure whether the condition actually will be fulfilled or not, but condition seems rather realistic - so we think it is likely to happen.    

Type 1 conditional = if + present + future

1. FORM :

In a first conditional sentence, the tense in the if clause is the simple present, and the tense in the main clause is the simple future.

'IF' CLAUSE (CONDITION)             'MAIN' CLAUSE (RESULT)

if + simple present                         simple future

If it rains,                                                     you will get wet.

If you don't hurry,                                        you will miss the train.

If I find her address,                                   I will send her an invitation. 

If I have the money,                                      I will buy this car.

If it's sunny,                                                 we'll go to the park.

If you cook dinner,                                       I'll wash the dishes.

If you drop that glass,                                  it will break.

If I have time,                                               I'll finish that letter.

Please Note : The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, don't use a comma.

Example : I will send her an invitation if I find her address.  (please note that "no" comma is used in this sentence.)

Some more examples : Nobody will notice if you make a mistake.

                                 What will you do if you miss the plane.

Please also note : Main clause and/or if clause might be negative.

Example : If I don't see him this afternoon, I will phone him in the evening.

Among other variations the structure (if + present + present) is also possible. It is used when the results are habitual or automatic.

Example : If a commodity is short, supply prices tend to rise.

FUNCTION :

In these sentences, the time is the present or future and the situation is real. They refer to a possible condition and its probable result. They are based on facts, and they are used to make statements about the real world, and about particular situations. We often use such sentences to give warnings :

If you don't leave, I'll call the police.

If you don't drop the gun, I'll shoot!

Note : We can use modals to express the degree of certainty of the result :

If you drop that glass, it might break. (note the usage of modal "might" in the sentence)

I may finish that letter if I have time. (note the usage of modal "may in the sentence)

Thanks a lot for reading my blog! ^_^

If you're interested, here is my blog about the second conditional. ^_^