First Conditional

First Conditional

1. The First Conditional is used to describe real possibilities.

2. First Conditional: if + Present Simple, will + base verb

   • If you don't understand, you'll have problems tomorrow.
   • if she doesn't study, she won't make much improvement.
     • She'll laugh if you tell her the joke.
       • We won't study that if you don't want to.
   • When we begin our sentences with an "if clause," we use a comma to separate the two parts of the sentences. If we begin our sentences with a "result clause", we do not use a comma.

3. Real or Unreal?

   • Real Possibilities:
     • If it snows, school will be canceled
     • We'll have a great time if you join us.
   • Unreal or Imaginary Situations:
     • You would understand if you spoke my language.
     • I could help you if I had time.
   • In English, there are many ways of making sentences with the word "if." It is very important to understand the difference between real possibilities, and sentences that express unreal or imaginary situations