The first conditional describes possible future situations and what you would do if those situations happened. It expresses a kind of prediction based on a hypothetical possibility.
Structure
- Condition (present tense)
- Result (future tense, modal, imperative)
- If + condition + , + result
- Result + if + condition
- We can also use unless in conditional sentences to mean if … (not)
Examples
- If you study, you will pass the exam. (future tense)
- If you want to lose weight, you must/should eat less sugary things. (modal verb)
- If you arrive after midnight, ring me on my mobile. (imperative)
- I will help you if you need me.
- I won’t go on holiday unless I (=if I don’t) save some money.
Caveats
The condition (if clause) may have a present or a future meaning, but the verb is always in present (NOT future).
- If you are a good boy tomorrow, mummy will buy you a present.
References