Introduction

The first conditional structure is used to talk about possibility in the future - something which will or will not happen in the future depending on certain conditions being met.

Examples

"If they win the match,	I will buy them dinner."
If this happens ...	... this will happen.
If this doesn't happen ...	... this will not happen.

"If you study hard,

you will pass the exam."

"If she sings well,

she will win the competition."

Form

A first conditional sentence contains two clauses: the "if" clause and the main clause.

To make the "if" clause, we use:
"if" + present tense.

To make the main clause, we use:
future tense.

The "if" clause can be used first or second. The meaning is exactly the same:

• If they are late, we will leave without them.
• We will leave without them if they are late.

When the "if" clause is used first there is a comma between the clauses.

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We can use "when" in place of "if":

• "if" implies possibility
• "when" implies that it is certain.

For example:

• If I get home late, we won’t have dinner.
• When I get home, we’ll have dinner.

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Practice

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
.

1)

If we visit grandma, she    us presents. (give)

 

2)

We    late for work if the car doesn’t start. (be)

 

3)

When I    home tonight, will you be there? (arrive)

 

4)

The dog will bark if anyone    to the house. (come)

 

Please submit the missing answers shown in red
 

Submit

Further practice

Complete the sentences with the correct answer from a, b, c or d:
.

1)

When you finish the report, I ____ it.
 

is reading

reads

will read

read

 

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2)

She won't take the job if the pay ____ bad.
 

is

are

will be

be

 

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3)

If it rains, ____ at home?
 

did you stay

you are going to stay

stay you

are you going to stay

 

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4)

When the flowers ____, they'll be beautiful.
 

grows

will grow

have grown

are going to grow

 

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5)

He ____ to the meeting if the weather is bad.
 

drive

isn't driving

don't drive

won't drive

 

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6)

If she ____ the report today, she will start the next project.
 

will finish

finishes

is going to finish

finish

 

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Please submit the missing answers shown in red
 

Submit

Intermediate level language point

We can use "unless" in place of "if".

"Unless" means "except if" or "if + not".

• "You won't be promoted unless you complete the project on time."
• "Unless you pay the fine, the police will take your car."

The following two sentences have the same meaning:

• "If you don't read the book, you can't review it."
• "Unless you read the book, you can't review it."