First Conditional Explanation

What Is the First Conditional?

The first conditional indicates something that may happen in the present or future. It has a two clause structure. This includes an if clause and the main clause.

A comma usually separates the two clauses if the if clause precedes the main clause. The example below illustrates the comma necessity.

• If I win the contest, I will be rich.

In contrast, when the main clause appears first there is no need for a comma. The example below shows the lack of a comma.

• I will be rich if I win the contest.

When the main clause comes first if acts as a conjunction and joins the two clauses together.

First Conditional Structure

The first conditional uses a different verb form in each clause. To construct the if clause you would write if + subject + simple present verb tense. To construct the main clause, you would write subject + will + verb.

First Conditional Form: If + Simple Present, Subject + will/won’t + Verb.

Examples of first conditional sentences:

• If it rains, I will stay at home.
• If I wake up late, I will miss the bus.
• And, if it‘s sunny, we‘ll go to the park.
• If Juan leaves, Paula will be sad.