First Conditional

Concept sheet | English Language Arts

What Is the First Conditional?

Rules

The first conditional is used to express possible future results based on present situations.

The first conditional is also called real conditional. It is used to express results that are likely to happen if the condition is met.

First Conditional Structure

The usual structure of a first conditional sentence is:

First conditional rule.

Conditional sentences contain two clauses:

  1. Conditional clause (commonly called the if-clause)

  • the condition/situation

  • dependent clause—it needs the hypothetical result to form a complete sentence

  • contains a conditional clause markersubordinating conjunction such as the words “if,” “when,” “as,” etc.

  1. Main clause

  • the result

  • independent clause—makes sense on its own

First Conditional Uses

First conditional sentences are commonly used to: 

  • offer suggestions

  • talk about superstitions

  • make plans

  • give warnings

Examples

Offer Suggestions

Two people looking at a menu in a restaurant.

Talk About Superstitions

Black cat superstition.

Some cultures believe that black cats bring good luck. Other cultures believe the opposite.

Make Plans

Two people eating at a restaurant.

Give Warnings

Employees closing a restaurant.
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