Module 5: Conditionals - Lesson 5.2: First Conditional (Real Possibilities in the Present or Future)

Lesson 5.2: First Conditional - Real Possibilities in the Present or Future

Welcome to Lesson 5.2 on conditionals! Today, we are learning about the First Conditional. This conditional is used to talk about real and likely possibilities in the present or future. It describes situations where there is a realistic chance that the condition will be fulfilled, and we are considering the probable result if it happens.

When to Use the First Conditional

The First Conditional is used for situations that are:

Real Possibilities: The condition in the 'if' clause is possible and likely to happen in the present or future.
Likely Outcomes: We are talking about the probable or likely result if the condition is met. It's not guaranteed, but it's a realistic possibility.
Present or Future Time Frame: Both the condition and the result are usually set in the present or future.

Structure of the First Conditional

The First Conditional uses this structure:

Formula: If + Present Simple, Will + Base Verb

The 'if' clause (condition) is in the Present Simple tense, and the main clause (result) is in the Future Simple tense (using "will").

Examples of First Conditional in Use:

Real Possibilities and Likely Future Outcomes:
- "If it rains, I will stay at home." (Real possibility of rain, likely result is staying home)
- "If I study hard, I will pass the exam." (Real possibility of studying hard, likely result is passing the exam)
- "If she is late, we will start without her." (Real possibility of her being late, likely result is starting without her)
- "If they offer me the job, I will accept it." (Real possibility of job offer, likely result is acceptance)
- "If we miss the bus, we will be late for school." (Real possibility of missing the bus, likely result is lateness)
Expressing Warnings and Threats:
- "If you don't behave, you will be punished." (Warning - negative consequence of misbehavior)
- "If you touch that, you will burn yourself." (Warning - negative consequence of touching something hot)
- "If you are late again, you will lose your job." (Threat/strong warning - serious consequence of repeated lateness)
- "If you don't hurry up, we will leave without you." (Threat/warning - consequence of not hurrying)
- "If you tell anyone, I will be very angry." (Threat/warning - consequence of telling someone)

Variations and Key Points about First Conditional:

'Will' can be replaced by other modals in the main clause: Instead of "will," you can use other modal verbs in the main clause to express different nuances of possibility, advice, or obligation related to the result. Common alternatives include:
- can/could: for possibility or ability (e.g., "If I finish early, I can go to the cinema.")
- may/might: for possibility (less certain than "will") (e.g., "If it rains, it may/might be cancelled.")
- should/ought to: for advice or obligation (e.g., "If you are tired, you should/ought to rest.")
- must: for strong obligation or certainty of result (e.g., "If you want to pass, you must study.")
'Unless' instead of 'If not': You can use "unless" to mean "if not." "Unless" already contains the negative, so don't use another negative in the 'if' clause when using "unless." (e.g., "Unless it rains, we will go to the park." = "If it doesn't rain, we will go to the park.")
Present Continuous in the 'if' clause: You can use the Present Continuous in the 'if' clause to describe an ongoing action as the condition. (e.g., "If it is raining when we leave, we will take a taxi.")

Examples with Modal Verb Variations in the Main Clause:

"If I finish this work early, I can go home." (Possibility/ability - using "can")
"If it rains tomorrow, the match might be cancelled." (Possibility - using "might")
"If you want to improve your English, you should practice every day." (Advice - using "should")
"If you break the law, you must face the consequences." (Obligation/certainty of result - using "must")
"Unless you hurry, you will miss the start of the film." (Using "unless" = "if you don't hurry")
"If it is snowing, we will stay indoors." (Present Continuous in 'if' clause - ongoing action as condition)

Negative Forms in First Conditional:

You can use negative forms in either or both clauses of a first conditional sentence using "don't/doesn't" in the Present Simple clause or "will not/won't" in the Future Simple clause.

Examples of Negative Forms:

"If it doesn't rain, we will go for a walk." (Negative condition - absence of rain leads to going for a walk)
"If you don't study, you won't pass the exam." (Negative condition - lack of study leads to not passing)
"If she isn't feeling well, she won't come to the party." (Negative condition - not feeling well leads to not coming)
"If we miss the train, we will not arrive on time." (Negative result - missing train leads to not arriving on time)
"Unless you pay now, you won't get a discount." (Using "unless" with negative result - not paying means no discount)

Key takeaway: The First Conditional (If + Present Simple, Will + Base Verb) is used for real and likely possibilities in the present or future. It expresses probable outcomes if a condition is met. Remember the structure: Present Simple in the 'if' clause and Future Simple (will) in the main clause. Be aware of variations using modals instead of 'will' and 'unless' instead of 'if not'. Next, we will explore Lesson 5.3: Second Conditional!