Form and Use

Form and Use

1. Form and Use

   • The first conditional is used to refer to the possible present or future consequences of an action.

2. The if clause

   • 'If + a present tense' is called the 'if clause' or 'conditional clause'. It can go at the beginning of the conditional sentence or in the middle.

3. 'Will' in the if clause

   • We do not normally put a 'will' in the if clause of a first conditional, however - although it is uncommon, it is possible.

4. Formality

   • We can make a first conditional more polite by replacing 'if' with 'should'. When doing this with a negative if clause, use 'not' instead of 'don't' or 'doesn't'.