write an essay using first conditional

“If-then”: Using Conditional Sentences in Academic Writing

Conditional sentences are statements of an “if-then” or “unless-then” situation (although “then” is not used), or a probability. These sentences present situations and their possible outcomes. Conditional sentences are often used to discuss the results of the research studies or are part of a research hypothesis statement.

Conditional sentences are perfectly acceptable and, in many cases, necessary to state and test a condition and its outcome. Most authors of the scientific papers will use these sentences in their abstracts to discuss the reasons to conduct their study. So, it is important to frame them correctly.

One way of writing conditional sentences correctly is using Trinka – world’s first AI-powered grammar checker and language enhancement tool custom designed for academic writing. Its smart features help you in incorporating all the requirements of academic writing such as formal tone, consistency, style guide preferences and much more! Moreover, Trinka corrects advance grammar errors unique to technical writing which includes conditional sentences, too.

Types of Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences are constructed using two clauses—the if (or unless ) clause and the main clause. There are five types of conditional sentences. It is important to understand each because each conveys a different meaning . Some conditional sentences refer to the general truths and others to hypothetical situations.

• Zero conditional sentences refer to the general truth about a situation. These sentences state that one condition always results in the same outcome. For example:

If I don’t turn on my air conditioner, my house is hot.

Note that the both clauses are in the present tense.

• First conditional sentences present a situation in which a future outcome is not ensured. For example:

If you eat your broccoli, you will feel great.

Note that the present tense is used in the if clause and the future tense in the main clause.

• Second conditional sentences express if clauses and results that are extremely unlikely, such as those we “wish for.” For example:

If I had control over the food sources, I would end world hunger.

Note the use of the simple past tense in the if clause and the verb (i.e., would, could, should) in the main clause.

• Third conditional sentences are a bit different. They suggest that the result would be different had the past been different. For example:

If you had told me you were hungry, I would have bought food for you.

Note that the conditions did not happen. The past perfect tense (had + past participle form of the verb) is used in the if clause and the verb (would) plus “have” plus the past participle of the verb was used in the main clause.

• Mixed type conditional sentences refer to something in the past but continuing into the present; however, the past condition and the results are not real. For example,

If I had learned to ride sooner, I would be a top rodeo star by now.

Note that the past perfect verb is used in the if clause and the present conditional verb is used in the main clause.

Punctuating these conditional sentences is simple. Use a comma to separate the if clause from the main clause when the if clause comes first. Again, Trinka can help you in the punctuating the sentences correctly, within minutes!

Some Exceptions to the Rules

For example, in the following sentence, we use the simple future verb in the if clause:

If turmeric will ease my arthritis pain, I will take some every day.

Note that the action in the if clause hasn’t happened yet, but will happen after the action in the main clause is taken.

The use of were to in the if clause is another exception. This phrase is used to emphasize the importance of the result of something that might happen. For example:

If she were to fall on that arm again, she would have to have surgery.

The action in the main clause is emphasized by were to in the if clause.

Importance to Researchers

In your research, you are most likely going to either perform your own experiments or use the results of others’ experiments to conduct a meta-analysis. Whichever the case, you will need to report your findings and assessments . In doing so, there will be situations in which the results of your study or even future studies are based on certain conditions. Your conclusions are based on evidence, data, or theory. You might present your conclusions as likelihoods that something has already happened, is currently happening, or will happen at some point. This is where conditional sentence is a great help.

Writing conditional sentences might appear to be a difficult thing to do, but with practice and good understanding of the above mentioned rules, you can perfect it. Alternatively, you can check out Trinka ! Its robust AI facilitates you in integrating all the conventions and language requirements of academic writing. Along with, conditional sentences Trinka can also assist you in logic, syntax, technical spellings and much more!

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First Conditional – Uses, Examples & Worksheet

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

The first conditional is a type of sentence used to talk about possible future events. It’s often confused with other conditional forms, and even I get them mixed up from time to time. Both native and non-native English speakers also use the wrong tense. My grammar lesson will teach you how to use the 1st conditional correctly with examples and a worksheet to help you practice.

What Is the First Conditional?

Conditional refers to a word, clause, verb form, or morpheme. A first conditional sentence is used to discuss potential future events conditioned by the “if” clause. This type of phrase describes an action/consequence event with an outcome that may happen but is not guaranteed.

A great example is when we talk about the weather. It is also a viable choice when talking about other plans. Here, I’ll show you some examples.

• If it rains tomorrow, I won’t go to the park.
• If you study hard for this exam, you will ace it.

When you want to form a first conditional sentence, you need to use the simple present tense with the “if” clause and combine it with the simple future tense in the main clause.

The idea is to use the “if” clause as a conditioner for the main cause, which MIGHT be the outcome predicted. This rule leads to great confusion for native and non-native English speakers alive.

For example:

• Correct: If you study, you will get a high grade.
• Incorrect: If you will study, you will get a high grade.

The second sentence is incorrect because the if clause doesn’t use the simple present tense. The first conditional structure is if + present simple + will/will not verb .

When to Use the First Conditional

When considering whether to use the first conditional, it is important to consider possible outcomes and circumstances. This type of conditional focuses primarily on possible events that could occur in the future, so it is crucial to evaluate the likelihood of these possible outcomes based on current knowledge or experience.

I often use the first conditional when talking about potential future consequences that might happen, even if they are somewhat uncertain.

What Are Examples of the First Conditional?

To better understand how the first conditional works, let’s look at some examples:

• If you study hard, you will become successful.
• If it’s sunny tomorrow, we’ll go for a walk.
• Will Sarah go to school if she has a toothache?
• I won’t listen to you anymore if you don’t lower your voice.

How Do You Write a First Conditional Question?

If you want to write a first conditional question, you can use will + infinitive verb clause + if clause .

Examples of first conditional questions:

• Will you pass the test tomorrow if you don’t study?
• Will Sarah lend me her class notes if I ask nicely?

How Do You Write a First Conditional Negative?

The most straightforward formula for making a first conditional negative is won’t + infinitive verb clause + simple future .

• I will walk to the park if you can’t give me a ride.
• You will have to come by bus if I can’t come and pick you up.

You can also use if + simple present and add the word don’t or doesn’t . Like this:

• We can go to the show if it doesn’t rain.
• I’ll have to use my bike if you don’t lend me the car.

First Vs. Zero Conditional

Unlike the first conditional (which expresses the possibility of an outcome in a potential situation), the zero conditional describes general truths.

• If you overeat candy, your teeth go bad.
• If people don’t recycle, the planet suffers.

Both clauses in the sentence must be in the present simple tense when forming the zero conditional. This is where many people make mistakes, as they use the future tense in the main clause.

Note that “when” and “if” can be used interchangeably because the outcome is the same in either case.

• When you don’t brush your teeth, you have bad breath.
• If you don’t brush your teeth, you have bad breath.

First vs. Second Conditional

When using the second conditional, we describe situations that are not likely to happen in the future or are completely unrealistic.

• If I became president, I would legalize drug use.
• If she went to the moon, she would take a selfie.

The correct way to form a second conditional is to use the “if clause” with the simple past tense plus an auxiliary model verb (might, would, should, could) in the main clause.

Final Thoughts

In my guide, we’ve looked at the first conditional and how to use it. Do you feel confident using this conditional now? We’ve also looked at when to use the first conditional instead of the zero conditional or second conditional. With enough practice, you can easily use this important English grammar structure. I promise!

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First Conditional: Examples, Sentences, Exercises

Download free lesson PDF

When do we use the first conditional?

We use the first conditional to talk about results of possible future conditions. Here are some example sentences:

• If it’s sunny tomorrow, I’ll go to the beach.
• If it rains tomorrow, I’ll stay home.
• If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.
• If you finish your chores, you can watch TV.
• If we don’t get to the airport on time, we’ll miss our flight.
• If he doesn’t call me soon, I’ll send him a text message.
• If you save money, you’ll be able to afford that new phone.
• If the restaurant isn’t too crowded, we’ll have dinner there tonight.

Download this lesson

Parts of a first conditional sentence

There are two parts to a first conditional sentence:

• the condition (sometimes called the “if clause”)
• the result  (sometimes called the “main clause”)

It is possible to reverse the condition and the result, with no change in meaning:

• If you don’t study, you’ll fail.
• = You’ll fail if you don’t study.
• If I wake up early enough tomorrow, I’m going to make a big breakfast.
• = I’m going to make a big breakfast if I wake up early enough tomorrow.

Note that when the “if clause” (condition) comes first in the sentence, we use a comma after it. However, when the result comes first in the sentence, then we don’t use a comma between the two clauses.

How to form the first conditional

Pay close attention to the correct verb forms in the condition and result:

CONDITION:  if + subject + present simple

• If we go to the party tomorrow,
• If you don’t leave work soon,
• If she gets promoted,
• If he doesn’t read the textbook,

RESULT:  subject + simple future (will / won’t, going to / not going to)

• we’ll have a good time.
• you’ll get stuck in rush hour traffic.
• she’s going to earn more money.
• he won’t understand the class.

Even though BOTH events are in the future, we always use the simple present  in the condition (“if-clause”).

Avoid the common error of using the simple future in the condition:

• If we will go to the party tomorrow, we’ll have a good time.
• If we  go  to the party tomorrow, we’ll have a good time.
• If it won’t rain tonight, I’ll go for a walk.
• If it doesn’t rain tonight, I’ll go for a walk.

Both the condition and the result can be positive or negative (with “not”):

• If you take the train, you ‘ll get there faster. (positive condition – positive result)
• If you don’t take the train, you ‘ll have to drive. (negative condition – positive result)
• If you take the train, you won’t get stuck in traffic. (positive condition – negative result)
• If you don’t take the train, you won’t need to buy a train ticket. (negative condition – negative result)

First Conditional Quiz

Variations in first conditional sentences, alternative words to “if” in the condition.

It is possible to use other words instead of  if  in the “condition” part of first conditional sentences:

Let’s study each case separately.

WHEN: When the “condition” will definitely happen in the future.

Look at the difference between these two sentences:

• If I see Sam, I’ll give him your message. (I’m not sure if I will see him or not)
• When I see Sam, I’ll give him your message. (I will definitely see Sam)

AS SOON AS: To emphasize immediacy.

• My feet hurt! As soon as I get home, I’m going to take off these high heels.
• As soon as we have enough money saved, we’ll take a vacation to Costa Rica. We can’t wait!
• I’ll respond to your e-mail as soon as I can.

UNLESS: Substitute for “if not.”

• You won’t lose any weight unless you start eating healthier food. = You won’t lose any weight if  you  don’t start eating healthier food.
• I’m not going to dance unless somebody invites me. = I’m not going to dance if somebody doesn’t invite me.
• Unless there’s an emergency at work, I’ll be home on time. = If there’s not an emergency at work, I’ll be home on time.

Alternative words to will / going to in the result

Instead of will / going to, we can use modal verbs like can, might, could, or  should . Compare these two sentences:

• If you go out in the rain, you  will  get wet. (100% certain)
• If you apply for that university, you might/could be accepted. (not 100% certain)

Use  can  in the result of first conditional sentences to give permission / prohibition:

• If you finish your homework, you can watch TV for an hour.
• If you don’t have a ticket, you can’t get into the theater.

Use might/ could  to express a possibility that is not a certainty:

• If he gets home from work early, we could go for a walk before dinner.
• If you try to lift that heavy weight, you  might  hurt yourself.

Use  should  to give advice if the condition happens:

• If your toothache doesn’t get better soon, you should  see a dentist.
• If they go to New York next week, they  should visit the Statue of Liberty.

First Conditional vs. Other Conditionals

First conditional vs. zero conditional.

The zero conditional describes GENERAL truths and facts. Both the condition and result are in the simple present:

• When it rains, the ground gets wet. (it is a general fact/truth)
• If I’m late to school, the teacher always yells at me. (this ALWAYS happens)

The first conditional describes a specific event that will/might happen in the future IF a future condition happens. The condition is in the simple present tense, and the result is in the simple future tense:

• If it rains tomorrow, I’m going to stay home.
• If I’m late to school today, I’ll miss an important test.

First Conditional vs. Second Conditional and Third Conditional

Both the second conditional and third conditional describe IMAGINARY situations.

In the second conditional , we are imagining the result if the present were different:

• If I were a millionaire, I would buy a sports car. (but the reality is that I AM NOT a millionaire, so I’m not buying that car)

In the third conditional, we are imagining the result if the past had been different:

• If I had taken the earlier train, I would have gotten to work on time. (but the reality is that I DID NOT take the earlier train, so I did not get to work on time)

The first conditional describes REAL future results/possibilities that will happen if the condition happens. Compare these conditional sentences:

• First conditional: If I have some free time this weekend, I will read a book. (it’s a real possibility that I’ll have some free time and read a book)
• Second conditional:  If I had more free time, I would take dance classes. (this is just imaginary – the reality is that I don’t have much free time, so I’m not taking dance classes)
• Third conditional:  If I ‘d had more free time yesterday, I would have cleaned the house. (imaginary – the reality is that I didn’t have free time yesterday, so I didn’t clean the house)

Learn more about the first conditional with this tutorial

Master the details of English grammar:

More Espresso English Lessons:

About the author.

Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

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Conditionals are used to describe the result of a real or hypothetical condition. They contain two clauses:

• A clause beginning with ‘If’ that introduces the condition.
• A main clause that indicates the consequence or result of that condition.

There are four main types of conditional in English. Each is used to indicate the likelihood of a situation occurring, or the likelihood that it would have occurred under particular circumstances . The Zero and First conditionals are sometimes known as ‘real conditionals’, because they are used for situations that are certain or highly likely. The Second and Third conditionals are often called ‘unreal conditionals’ because they are used for situations which are improbable or impossible.

The four conditionals.

Zero conditional (real).

For general and scientific truths (situations in which one occurrence always leads to a particular consequence ).

If you heat wax, it melts. If + present simple tense + present simple tense. Likelihood = 100%

In sentences using the Zero Conditional, the word ‘If’ can be swapped for the word ‘When’, because the consequence will always be the same: ‘When you heat wax, it melts’.

First Conditional (real)

For real or highly likely future scenarios.

If I get 80% for the exam, I will have an A grade average overall. If + present simple tense + will + infinitive (without ‘to’) *Likelihood = > 90%

Second Conditional (real)

For impossible or improbable situations in the present and future.

If I had a photographic memory, I would never need to take notes from books. If + past simple tense + would + infinitive (without ‘to’) *Likelihood = < 2%

When ‘If I’ is followed by the verb to ‘be’, it is grammatically correct to say ‘If I were..’, and ‘If he/she/it were’. This use of ‘were’ is a relic of the English subjunctive. However, native speakers will often use ‘was’, particular with he/she/it.

Third Conditional (unreal)

For hypothetical situations in the past (situations that did not occur/unreal imaginary situations). The Third conditional is used to indicate that present circumstances might have been different, had circumstances in the past differed.

If I had been good at maths, I could have been an astrophysicist. If + past perfect tense + would have + past participle. *Likelihood = 0%

*These percentages are estimates for illustrative purposes only.

Mixed conditionals.

Mixed conditionals are ‘mixed’ in the sense that the condition and the consequence are situated in different periods of time. In other words, the two parts of the sentence refer to different times. Mixed conditionals are commonly used by native speakers, and they always express unreal or impossible situations.

Present condition → Past consequence

If I were a keen writer, I would have become a journalist after leaving university. But I am not a keen writer, and so I didn’t become a journalist after leaving university.

Present condition → Future consequence

If I were good at public speaking, I would be giving a paper at the conference in New York next month. But I am not good at public speaking, and so I will not be giving a paper at the conference in New York next month.

Past condition → Present consequence

If I had learnt Spanish at school, I would be able to understand this journal article. But I didn’t learn Spanish at school, and so I can’t understand this journal article.

Past condition → Future consequence

If I had saved hard enough, I would be going to Ecuador with you next summer. But I didn’t save hard enough, and so I will not be going to Ecuador.

Future condition → Present consequence

If I were sitting the exam tomorrow, I would be really nervous . But I will not be sitting the exam tomorrow, so I am not nervous.

Future condition → Past consequence

If I weren’t going to do a PhD at Massey, I would already have applied for a job overseas. But I am going to do a PhD at Massey, so I didn’t apply for a job overseas.

Punctuation of conditional sentences

Add a comma after the ‘If’ clause, if it precedes the clause describing the consequence.

If I finish a draft of my assignment in time, I will submit it to the pre-reading service.

If the clause describing the consequence precedes the ‘If’ clause, no comma is required.

I will submit a draft of my assignment to the pre-reading service if I finish it in time.

For further information and examples, see:

British Council (n.d.a). Conditionals 1.   https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/intermediate-to-upper-intermediate/conditionals-1

British Council. (n.d.b). Conditionals 2. https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/intermediate-to-upper-intermediate/conditionals-2

Grammarly. (n.d.). Conditional sentences. https://www.grammarly.com/blog/conditional-sentences/

Page authorised by Director - Centre for Learner Success Last updated on 11 August, 2020

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Follow These Rules To Write Conditional Sentences Correctly

by Alice Sudlow | 18 comments

Of all the nuances of grammar in the English language, this is my greatest pet peeve. No, it’s not “its vs. it’s.” It’s not “there, their, and they’re.” It’s not even the Oxford comma.

Let’s talk conditional sentences.

What Is a Conditional Sentence?

A conditional sentence is a sentence that describes a hypothetical situation, like an action or event, and the result of that situation.

Confused? Here’s an easy way to think about it: a conditional sentence can usually use the words “if” and “then.” Here’s an example:

If a zombie apocalypse occurs, then I want to survive.

Real vs. Unreal Conditional Sentences

There are two major types of conditional sentences, and you use them based on how likely the hypothetical situation is to occur.

Real conditional sentences deal with factors that are certain.

If I go to the hardware store today, then I will get a crowbar.

It’s very possible that I’ll actually go to the hardware store today, and when I'm there, I will definitely get a crowbar. So this is a real conditional sentence.

On the other hand, unreal conditional sentences deal with imaginary situations, things that aren’t likely to happen.

If their chainsaws were not so expensive, then I would get one of those, too.

The problem is that chainsaws are expensive, so I definitely won’t get one. Since finding a low-priced chainsaw at that hardware store is an imaginary situation, this conditional sentence is unreal .

Formulas for Writing Conditional Sentences

Writing a conditional sentence is like following a formula. Try these common ones out for size:

The Present Real Conditional: If [present situation], then [present result]

If I buy hefty tools, I put them in my zombie preparedness kit.

Note : you can often omit the “then” from conditional sentences. Most of the examples in this post work with or without the “then.” Most writers will omit the “then” in almost all their conditional sentences for simplicity sake.

The Present Unreal Conditional: If [simple past situation], then [conditional result].

If I bought a chainsaw, then I would put it in my zombie preparedness kit, too.

The Past Real Conditional: If [simple past situation], then [simple past result].

Before I created my zombie preparedness kit, I avoided watching zombie movies because if I watched them, then I got really scared.

The Future Real Conditional: If [present], then [future].

If one day we face a zombie apocalypse, I will be ready.

Reversing “If and Then” Order

All formulas for conditional sentences hold true if you reverse the if/then clauses:

I would buy a chainsaw if I could afford it.

Or even if you remove the words “if” and “then” altogether:

Had I a chainsaw, I would feel more prepared.

You Can Use “When” in Conditional Sentences, Too

Using “when” instead of “if” will change the meaning of these sentences, but they’re still conditional sentences either way. For example:

When  I buy hefty tools, I put them in my zombie preparedness kit.

When Things Go Wrong With Conditional Sentences

Have you ever heard someone say, “If I would have”?

If I would have known the chainsaws were on sale last week, then I would have purchased one.

This is so wrong.

I hear it all the time, but there’s a major problem here. Remember all those formulas we talked about? Here’s the one we need now:

The Past Unreal Conditional: “If [past perfect situation], then [conditional past result].”

Or to put it more simply, “If I had [past participle], then I would have [past participle].”

“Would have purchased” is the conditional past tense of the verb “to purchase.” It fits perfectly after “then.” But “would have known” is the conditional past, too, so it doesn’t fit. The past perfect of “to know” is “had known.” So the correct sentence is:

If I had known the chainsaws were on sale last week, then I would have purchased one.

Bonus! More Misused Conditional Sentences

Here’s one more instance where people commonly (but mistakenly) use the conditional past tense:

I wish I would have known about the sale at the hardware store!

Like the if-clauses above, “I wish” must be followed by the past perfect. So if you realize you missed out on a great opportunity to beef up your zombie preparedness kit and you regret not snagging a deal on that chainsaw last week, you would say,

I wish I had known about the sale at the hardware store!

This is the correct version.

And with that, you know all you need to if you never want to misuse conditional sentences again! If I were standing next to you, then I'd give you a high five! (See what I did there?)

 How about you? Do you enjoy using conditional sentences in writing? Let us know in the comments section .

Write a scene about a regretful character. Maybe she did something she shouldn’t have done. Maybe he didn’t do something he should have done. If something had happened, then what would have happened? What does this person wish they’d done differently?

Write about your character’s if/then or “I wish” mistake for fifteen minutes, then post your practice in the comments. And if you post, remember to give feedback to your fellow writers.

Bonus: Today, find a real-life if/then or “I wish” mistake. Listen to the conversations around you, pay attention to the lyrics of songs on the radio, and double-check the newspaper, books on your shelf, and cereal boxes. When you find an instance where the conditional past is misused, share it in the comments.

Alice Sudlow

Alice Sudlow is the Editor-in-Chief of The Write Practice and a Story Grid certified developmental editor. Her specialty is in crafting transformative character arcs in young adult novels. She also has a keen eye for comma splices, misplaced hyphens, and well-turned sentences, and is known for her eagle-eyed copywriter skills. Get her free guide to how to edit your novel at alicesudlow.com .

18 Comments

Another is ‘may’ vs. ‘might’ – I keep hearing people talk about things that could have happened but didn’t and saying they ‘may have’ happened. The only time it’s correct to say something may have happened is when we don’t know whether it happened or not – they mean that it might have happened, as in ‘if the Nazis had invented the atomic bomb first, they might have won World War II.’

That’s a good one! It trips a lot of people up.

This, Jim, is one that I always have to think about. The conditional sentences don’t really cause me any problems. How about conditional sentences and the subjunctive? I too often hear ‘If I was…’ When it should be ‘If I were…’ It grates!

If I were you, I would have written this brilliant post. Since I am not, I just deleted my astute response. I am considering writing a story from my idea box about a former friend who hurt me in high school. If I were Andi, would I care about crushing another ‘s feeling? Roy Clark in his masterful “The Glamour of Grammar” warns us to avoid “hypergrammar.” He suggests we sound like “prigs ” if we were to use “It is I.” What is your response?

I hear where you’re coming from. When sentences get complex or unwieldy, enforcing correct grammar can make them sound strange and unnatural. I love grammar, and I find it hard to bend the rules even when they start to do more harm than good. But I do have a couple of exceptions:

– I don’t mind ending a sentence with a preposition. That rule is based on French grammar, in which it’s actually impossible to end a sentence with a preposition. I don’t think it enhances clarity to say, “About what are you thinking?” rather than, “What are you thinking about?”

– If you’re writing dialogue, the key is to capture the way that your characters would actually talk. That gives you a decent amount of freedom in what you can do to bend grammar rules. The novel as a whole would need to adhere more closely to correct grammar, but even there, the voice and tone should fit the characters and setting. A story about teenagers in the 23rd century on Mars will probably sound different from a historical political drama, and perhaps grammar (even dated or made-up grammar) will play a part in that.

Bottom line: I agree that it’s good to avoid “hypergrammar.” But loving grammar as I do, I find that a difficult line to walk.

I’m glad you’re confident with conditional sentences! I see “if I would have” so often that I felt it bore explaining. You’re right, though, that the subjunctive gets very tricky for a lot of people. I hear it used incorrectly so frequently that sometimes I have to double-check my own usage. Good idea for a follow-up post!

Awesome. Thank you. And, what a coincidence! My oldest son has problems using those words, in the 1st paragraph, in a sentence. I was going over them with him just yesterday. (Due to his behavior, he has to write a lot of essays)

I’m so glad you found this helpful! Good luck to your son — with both essays and behavior! 🙂

Awwww, thanks.☺

This is an excellent start for me ~ Sorry my 15 minute response will be kept for expansion. IF I didn’t have this plan, THEN I would certainly have shared it.

Great use of a conditional sentence! I’m glad your practice turned into a promising piece!

Shadow watched the girl sleep on the couch. Her chest rose and fell, her breaths coming softly.

The face of the man who’d tried to rape her rose up in his mind in sharp focus. Shadow’s jaw clenched. He’d had his chance to strangle the man—yet he’d restrained himself because the girl had been there, because she had asked him not to.

The look in her eyes as Shadow had gripped the man’s throat…it had chilled Shadow. Because it had reflected who he was inside. Someone capable of killing.

But if he had taken the man’s life, it would not have been without cause.

The girl stirred on the couch. She opened her eyes, revealing soft, bottle-green. “You okay?” she asked.

He laid a hand on her shoulder. “I was just about to leave for work. Rouge is coming by to spend the night.” His mouth tugged in a half-smile. “She likes scary movies, so I’m sure she’s bringing one.”

“Sounds fun,” the girl said, returning his smile.

He squeezed her shoulder and headed for the front door. Just as he’d opened it, the girl said behind him, “Shadow?”

He turned back.

“You did the right thing.”

The thought of a man holding this girl down and forcing himself on her—on a little girl—made his blood simmer.

Allowing that man to live, to let his heart beat one more instant, had been the right thing to do?

Shadow could not disagree more.

Any suggestions/feedback are welcome. Thanks for reading!

If I have to wait to read the rest of this story, then I will be sad. Nice start to something really good.

Aww thank you!! : ) I appreciate that!

This is a great start! I like the slow way you reveal details, not disclosing the young age of the little girl until near the end. I also found the way you showed Shadow’s inner turmoil to be very effective. Internal reflections are nicely mixed with external actions, so neither one feels too long.

And of course, excellent use of a conditional sentence in the fourth paragraph!

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! : )

Thanks for the reminder!

Guys, is anyone using the typo bounty app? I read about it in a grammar forum. I’d love some feedback!

Thanks, Jai

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First Conditional: Explanation, Example Sentences, and Exercises [Video + Article]

In this lesson, I give an example of how I used the first conditional, explain how to use it, give more examples, and then compare it to the second conditional .

How to Use the First Conditional in English (Form)

In the example I gave, I said the following:

“The problem is: it might rain. So, if it rains, then we’ll probably do something else instead.”

There are two parts to this sentence.  The second clause depends on the first part happening.

Here are two outcomes:

• it doesn’t rain = we will see the chickens
• it rains = we will probably do something else instead

We use the first conditional to talk about real possibilities in the future.

You can reverse the sentence, too:  “We’ll probably do something else if it rains.”

First Conditional: Example Sentences (Going to, Must, Should)

We don’t just use WILL in the first conditional. We can use GOING TO and modal verbs.

Here are some examples:

• You must get the burger if you go to that restaurant.
• When I’m older, I’m going to travel the world
• If you like it, you should buy it.

In the video, I also talked about the difference between the first and second conditional . I gave the following example:

• Your team is playing in the world cup final next week. You can say,  “If we win, the country will go crazy!”
• The World Cup isn’t taking place at the moment. You can say,  “If we won the world cup, the country would go crazy!”

The second one is an imaginary situation. Learn more about the second conditional below or by clicking here :

Here is a lesson on mixed conditionals (advanced).

First Conditional Exercise

Question 1: We __________ go if it rains (not/to go

We won’t go if it rains.

Question 2: If they come, I ___________ really surprised (to be)

If they come, I will / I’ll be really surprised.

Question 3: You ___________ it if you eat all that cake! (to regret)

You will / you’ll regret it if you eat all that cake.

Question 4: I might go if you _________ (to go)

I might go if you go.

Question 5: I think he _________ if you invite him (to come)

I think he will / he’ll come if you invite him

What to Do Now:

Give an example of the first conditional in the comment section below.

And then, take our other lessons on conditionals here:

• Zero conditional
• Second Conditional
• Third Conditional
• Mixed conditionals

Want to Learn More? Watch on YOUTUBE!

Click here to watch our lessons now!

You might also like

How To Use The First Conditional (With Examples) | English Grammar Lesson

Lesson summary, video transcript.

If it rains, I will bring my umbrella. What is this talking about? Past present or future? Is it possible? Is it likely to happen? How many times am I talking about? Let’s find out.

What’s up guys? My name is Shane and this is part two of this English conditionals series.   If you haven’t seen part one, you can go and watch it right here.

Today we are talking about the first conditional. But before we talk about the first conditional, let’s have a quick refresher on what conditionals are. A refresher means a quick review.  

Sometimes we call conditionals if clauses because they talk about something that didn’t happen in the past or something that might happen in the present or in the future. Conditionals normally have two parts.

The first part is the if clause or the condition.

And the second part is the consequence. Consequence means the result of the action. So this happens here and then this happens. This is the consonance, the result of the action.

The four main types of conditionals are zero conditional, first conditional, second conditional and third conditional. Today we talk about the first conditional and make sure you watch until the end of the video because there will be a quiz to test your understanding. Okay, let’s get started.  

Structure/how to make it

If it rains, I will take an umbrella.   This is a first conditional sentence.   How do we make it? What is the structure?

Let’s break it in half first.

It rains.   It rains.   What tense is this?   It’s present simple, right? If you haven’t learned about present simple yet, you can check out this video right here.  

And when we have present simple, what verb do we have? We have a present tense verb, right? It rains. It runs. It eats.

What about I will take an umbrella? What tense is this? This is the future simple tense.  

The structure of future simple is very similar to present simple but with future simple we need to add a will.   I will take an umbrella. I will eat pizza.   I will go to the park.

So when we use the first conditional, we make it by using if plus present simple plus future simple.   If plus present simple plus future simple.  

But I know what you’re thinking.   You’re thinking Shane, I have seen people say I will take an umbrella if it rains.   Is this okay?   Yes it is.  

I will take an umbrella if it rains has the same meaning as if it rains, I will take an umbrella. So it’s up to you what you use. Both are correct. But look at the punctuation.  

If we have if at the start of the sentence, we need a comma after the if clause.   If it rains comma, I will take my umbrella.  

But if we start with the consequence, I will take my umbrella if it rains, we don’t need a comma.

So just remember if you start the sentence with if, then you need a comma after the if clause.  

Now we know how to make the first conditional. What does it actually mean? If it rains, I will take an umbrella. Am I talking about the past, present or the future?

I am talking about the future.

How many times am I talking about? Just one.

Do I think this is possible? Yes.

Do I think it’s likely or it will probably happen? Yes I do.

So this is the meaning of the first conditional. We use it when we’re talking about one thing that might or probably will happen in the future and what you will do if it happens.

What about if it doesn’t happen? If it doesn’t rain, will you take an umbrella? No you won’t.

Let’s look at another example. I will pass my exam if I study. And note here we don’t use a comma because I didn’t start the sentence with the if clause.

How many exams am I talking about? Just one.

Am I saying it’s possible for me to pass my exam? Yes I am.

So this is the meaning of the first conditional again.

We use it to talk about one thing in the future that is possible or likely to happen. If I study, if I do it, then in the future, the consequence is: I pass my exam.

If I don’t study, will I pass my exam? No I won’t.  

Zero conditional vs first conditional

Now, let’s compare a zero conditional sentence to a first conditional sentence so you can understand the difference.

If it rains, I take an umbrella.   Zero conditional.

If it rains, will take an umbrella.   First conditional.  

With the zero conditional, are we talking about one time or something that happens always?   We are talking about something that happens always, something that happens in general.  

What about the second one? if it rains, I will take an umbrella.

Are we talking about one time or many times?   We are talking about one time.  

So this is the difference. Zero conditional talks about something that always happens or something in general.

And then the first conditional, you’re only talking about one time.  

Okay we have learned about the first conditional, we’ve learned about the structure and we’ve learned about the meaning. So let’s have a little quiz to test your understanding.

I will show you a few words and I want you to make a first conditional sentence.

Number 1. I get job. I happy. I get job, happy.   And the correct answer is: if I get a job, I will be happy. Remember, we need that will because it’s a first conditional sentence and we’re only talking about one tine.

Question two. Wake up late, miss the bus. Wake up late, miss the bus. And the correct answer is: if I wake up late, I will miss the bus.   Remember, we need if plus present simple plus future simple.

Question number three.   He leaves, she sad. He leaves, she sad.   And the correct answer is: if he leaves, she will be sad. If she leaves, she will be sad.   Remember, we need a will because it’s a first conditional and we’re talking about one time.  

Now I am going to show you some sentences and I want you to tell me are these sentences? And why or why not?

Number one. If I wake up late, I miss the bus. If I wake up late, I miss the bus.   This is not a first conditional because we don’t have will. Remember, first conditional needs will.  

Question two. I will miss the bus if I wake up late. I will miss the bus if I wake up late.   Yes this is first conditional because we have a if clause, present simple and future simple.

Question three. If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.    If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.    This is not the first conditional because we don’t have present simple and we don’t have future simple.

And that is the end of the video today.   If you’re interested in more lessons like this, you can check out this video right here.  

And if you haven’t subscribed already, make sure you subscribe right now so you don’t miss any video that can help you understand English like a native speaker.

Comment some practice sentences down below with the first conditional and I will check them for you.   And if you have any questions you can also comment them down below.  

And if you liked the video, please hit like and share this withy your friends who are learning English so they can understand the first conditional. And for daily quizzes and for weekly posts, lessons and videos, make sure you are following my Instagram.

And I will see you in the next video!   Rains, I will take an umbrella.   Now we know how to make the first conditional, what does it actually ..

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• 4 Conditionals In English And When To Use Them

• Posted on 19/05/2021
• Categories: Blog
• Tags: Conditionals , Grammar , Resources to learn English

Conditionals? Is that something you use after shampooing your hair? Not quite. You may have heard your English teacher talk about conditionals. Who knows, you may have even learnt a couple:

• If it rains, you will get wet!
• If you don’t study, you won’t pass the exam.

But just when you think you’ve mastered them all, another one pops up that seems harder than the last.

Well, the good news is there are four main conditionals. All of which we’re going to teach you today. So that by the end of this blog post you’ll not only recognise them but also feel comfortable to use them in a variety of situations. We’ll also share some fun videos with you!

So, if you’re ready to begin, let’s get the ball rolling . (That’s the first conditional by the way).

The conditionals

Conditionals are also known as if clauses , we use them to say that one thing depends on something else. They can be used to talk about something that always happens, might happen or might have happened as a result of another state, action or event.

Check out these four conditionals and how to use them in a sentence.

As you can see, the sentences are divided into two parts:

If clause (condition), + main clause (result)

These are separated by a comma, but they also function in the following order without one and mean exactly the same thing:

Main clause (result) + if clause (condition)

Confused? Let’s take things back to basics.

1. Zero conditional

The zero conditional is used to talk about things that are certain, or always true. It is a real condition that has an inevitable result. Think about how scientific facts are written or general truths.

Structure & Examples

The message here is that if something happens there will always be a guaranteed consequence. If you stand out in the rain, you’ll get wet. If you eat too much, you’ll put on weight. If you touch a fire…well, then you’re asking for it .

‘When’ instead of ‘if’

We can also use the word when instead of if and the meaning stays the same.

Activity One

Got it? Good. Now try out this fun quiz from Get Grammarous to practise the zero conditional!

2. First conditional

Finished the quiz? Now, back to work! Let’s move on to the first conditional. We use this to talk about things in the future that are likely to happen or have a real possibility of happening.

The structure of the first conditional is: If + present tense,…will/won’t + infinitive

Other connectors: when, as soon as, in case, etc.

We can use the following connectors instead of if :

When, as soon as, in case, unless, as long as, after . However, each of these connectors changes the meaning of the sentence slightly .

Modal verbs or imperatives

We can use modal verbs instead of will/won’t :

May, might, shall, should, could or an imperative in the main clause. This changes the meaning, or the likelihood of the result.

Activity Two

Want to try out your skills with the first conditional? Try this Grammar Gameshow from BBC Learn English .

3. Second conditional

So you’re halfway through learning the conditionals. Well done you! The thing is, this is where things get a bit more difficult.

Whereas the zero and first conditionals describe a real or possible situation, the second and third are imaginary or hypothetical situations. Let’s start with the second conditional:

The structure of the second conditional is: If + past simple,… would/wouldn’t + infinitive

As you can see, in the if clause we use the past simple, and in the main clause we use the conditional would . We can also use the word could to mean a hypothetical possibility.

The second conditional refers to the present or the future, and is used to talk about anything unlikely to happen. Imagine meeting Lionel Messi, or finding a million dollars on the floor. These things might not have happened to you, but you sure can dream!

Were’ instead of ‘was’

When there is the verb to be in the if clause , we can change it from was to were . This is because we are talking about hypothetical situations, so we’re changing the mood of the verb from indicative to subjunctive. Both options are correct, but were is often preferred.

Activity Three

Lots of songs contain the second conditional! Here are some great examples for you to sing along with:

4. Third conditional

Last but not least, we have the third conditional. We use this structure to talk about an imagined past. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, here’s where you can change the past. Well, at least speculate how things could have been different.

The structure of the third conditional is: If + past perfect,…would/wouldn’t + have + past participle .

As you can see, we often use the third conditional to talk about regrets , and it is based on an unreal situation that cannot be changed.

Past participles

The third conditional is a little tricky, as there’s a lot to remember. So make sure you know your past participles inside out first . Here’s a list of past participles for you to revise.

Activity Four

Watch this story about a surprise birthday party from The British Council to see third conditional in use:

Bonus conditional: mixed conditional

And just when you thought the fun was about to end, we have another surprise conditional for you…the mixed conditional. Don’t worry you’ve already learned the basis of the structure. It’s just about em> meshing two conditionals together. The most common is to mix the third and the second to create a present result of a past conditional. For example:

These sentences express that if something had been different in the past, something would be different now in the present.

So that’s the end of our round up of the main conditionals! If you’re in the mood for some more grammar, why not sign up for one of our General English classes ? Or check out these blog posts below:

• 4 Present tenses and how to use them
• 4 Past tenses and when to use them
• 4 Future tenses and how to use them

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Pop up (pv): to appear suddenly.

Get the ball rolling (exp): to make a start or set an activity in motion.

Inevitable (adj): certain or unavoidable.

Asking for it (exp): behaving in a way that is going to get them into trouble.

Slightly (adv): a little.

Skills (n): abilities.

Unlikely (adj): not probable.

Regret (n): to feel sorry about a situation in the past, especially a mistake in the past.

Know something inside out (exp): to be really familiar with something, especially because you have learned about it or you have a lot of experience.

Mesh (v): to fit or work together.

pv = phrasal verb

exp = expression

adj = adjective

adv = adverb

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Passing Cambridge C1 Advanced Part 5: Reading and Use of English

• By: oxfordadmin
• Posted on 05/05/2021

How To Write A B2 First Formal Email/Letter

• Posted on 01/06/2021

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First Conditional Questions with Examples

Published by

Olivia Drake

On this page:

First conditional questions are a grammatical form used in English to discuss probable or likely outcomes in the future, based on a certain condition being met. The structure typically involves an “if” clause that presents a possible condition, and a main clause that describes the result that will follow if the condition is fulfilled. The formula for first conditional questions is:

If + Present Simple, will + Base form of the verb.

Here are some key points about first conditional questions:

• Probability of the Condition:  The first conditional is used when the condition is real and there is a reasonable chance of it happening.
• Future Focus:  These questions are about future events or situations.
• Real Situations:  Unlike the second or third conditionals, the first conditional deals with real and possible situations.

For example:

• If it rains tomorrow, will you stay indoors? This question is asking about a future action (staying indoors) that will happen if a certain condition (it raining tomorrow) comes true.
• If she passes her exam, will she apply for the university? This inquires about a future decision (applying for the university) based on a possible event in the near future (passing her exam).

These types of questions are common in everyday conversation, especially when planning, making decisions, or considering the consequences of future actions.

How to Make First Conditional Questions

Creating first conditional questions involves understanding the structure and purpose of  the first conditional  in English grammar. This form is used to talk about real and possible situations in the future. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make first conditional questions:

Structure The typical structure of a first conditional question is:

If + [subject] + [present simple verb], will + [subject] + [base form of the verb]?

Steps to Make First Conditional Questions

• Identify the Condition:  Start with a real, possible situation or condition. Use the present simple tense for this part of the sentence.
• Form the ‘If’ Clause:  Begin the question with “If” followed by the condition. For example, “If it rains…”
• Consider the Future Consequence:  Think about a probable outcome or action that depends on the condition. This outcome should be in the future.
• Complete the Question:  Use “will” followed by the subject and the base form of the verb that describes the future action. For example, “…will you bring an umbrella?”
• Assemble the Question:  Combine the ‘If’ clause and the consequence to form a complete question. For example, “If it rains, will you bring an umbrella?”

If you finish your homework, will you go out with your friends?

• The condition: finishing homework (a real and possible situation).
• The consequence: going out with friends.

If they offer you the job, will you accept it?

• The condition: being offered a job.
• The consequence: accepting the job.

If we miss the bus, will we take a taxi?

• The condition: missing the bus.
• The consequence: taking a taxi.

ARE YOU READY FOR A QUIZ?

Yes/No Questions in First Conditional

Creating Yes/No questions in the first conditional involves a specific structure that combines a future probability with a present condition. Here’s how to do it:

Structure The basic structure of a Yes/No question in the first conditional is:

Will + [subject] + [base form of the verb] if + [subject] + [present simple verb]?

Steps to Make Yes/No Questions in First Conditional

• Start with ‘Will’:  Begin your question with “Will”. This introduces the idea of a future possibility.
• Add the Subject and Main Verb:  Follow “Will” with the subject (e.g., you, they, she) and the base form of the main verb that describes the future action.
• Introduce the Conditional Clause:  After the main verb, introduce the conditional clause starting with “if”.
• Complete the Conditional Clause:  Fill in the conditional clause with the subject and a verb in the present simple tense. This part describes the condition that must be met.
• Formulate the Question:  Combine all these elements to create your question.
• Will you call me if you arrive early? “Will you call” is the main clause, and “if you arrive early” is the conditional clause.
• Will they cancel the meeting if it snows? “Will they cancel the meeting” is the main clause, and “if it snows” is the conditional clause.
• Will she accept the offer if they increase the salary? “Will she accept the offer” is the main clause, and “if they increase the salary” is the conditional clause.

Wh-questions in First Conditional

Creating Wh-questions in the first conditional involves incorporating a “Wh” word (like what, where, when, why, or how) into the structure of a first conditional sentence. These questions are used to ask about specific details regarding a future situation that is considered likely or possible. Here’s a guide on how to make them:

Structure The general structure for a Wh-question in the first conditional is:

Wh-word + [auxiliary verb] + [subject] + [main verb] + [additional information] + if + [present simple verb]?

Steps to Make Wh-Questions in First Conditional

• Choose the Right Wh-word:  Start with the appropriate Wh-word based on the information you want to know (what, where, when, why, or how).
• Include an Auxiliary Verb (if needed):  After the Wh-word, use an auxiliary verb like “will” for future tense.
• Add the Subject:  Follow with the subject (e.g., you, they, she).
• Place the Main Verb:  Insert the base form of the main verb that describes the future action.
• Include Additional Information (if any):  If needed, add any additional information relevant to the question.
• Introduce the Conditional Clause:  End the question with the conditional clause starting with “if” and a verb in the present simple tense.
• What will you do if it rains tomorrow? Asking about plans depending on the weather conditions.
• Where will they go if the park is closed? Inquiring about an alternative plan based on a specific condition.
• When will she call if she gets the results today? Asking about the timing of a future action based on receiving information.
• Why will you change jobs if you get a better offer? Querying the reason for a future decision based on a potential opportunity.
• How will we travel if the flights are canceled? Inquiring about alternative travel plans in a specific scenario.

First Conditional Negative Questions

Creating negative questions in the first conditional involves incorporating a negation into the structure, typically with “won’t” (will not). These questions are used to discuss the likelihood or plans of not doing something if a certain condition is met in the future. Here’s how to make them:

Structure The typical structure for a first conditional negative question is:

Won’t + [subject] + [base form of the verb] if + [subject] + [present simple verb]? Steps to Make First Conditional Negative Questions

• Start with ‘Won’t’:  Begin your question with “Won’t” (will not). This introduces the idea of a future action not happening.
• Add the Subject:  Follow “Won’t” with the subject (e.g., you, they, she).
• Introduce the Conditional Clause:  Continue with the conditional clause starting with “if”.
• Complete the Conditional Clause:  Add the subject and a verb in the present simple tense in the conditional clause.
• Formulate the Question:  Combine all these elements to create your negative question.
• Won’t you go to the party if your friend doesn’t come? Asking if someone will avoid going to the party based on their friend’s attendance.
• Won’t they cancel the trip if it snows? Inquiring about the possibility of a trip being canceled due to snow.
• Won’t she be upset if you forget her birthday? Questioning whether forgetting a birthday will cause someone to be upset.
• Won’t we miss the deadline if we don’t start working now? Asking about the risk of missing a deadline based on the current start time.

Variations in Structure of First Conditional Questions

The structure of first conditional questions can vary slightly depending on the focus and form of the question. While the basic structure typically involves an “if” clause (present simple) and a main clause (future simple with “will”), variations can include interrogative forms, negations, and different placements of the “if” clause. Here are some examples of these variations:

Basic Structure If + [present simple], will + [subject] + [base verb]?

• If it rains, will you cancel the picnic?

Beginning with “Will” Will + [subject] + [base verb] if + [present simple]?

• Will you cancel the picnic if it rains?
• This structure puts more emphasis on the result rather than the condition.

Negative Form Won’t + [subject] + [base verb] if + [present simple]?

• Won’t you be disappointed if it rains?
• Used to inquire about a lack of action or a negative outcome.

Using Wh-Questions Wh-word + will + [subject] + [base verb] if + [present simple]?

• What will you do if it rains?
• Useful for asking for specific information.

Negative Wh-Questions Wh-word + won’t + [subject] + [base verb] if + [present simple]?

• Why won’t you go if it rains?
• Used to inquire about reasons for not doing something.

Tag Questions If + [present simple], will + [subject] + [base verb], won’t [subject]?

• If it rains, you’ll cancel the picnic, won’t you?
• Used to seek confirmation or agreement.

Using Modals Instead of “Will” If + [present simple], [modal verb] + [subject] + [base verb]?

• If it rains, can we have the picnic indoors?
• Introduces a sense of possibility or ability.

Omitting “If” and Using “Should” Should + [subject] + [base verb], [main clause]?

• Should it rain, will you cancel the picnic?
• A more formal or literary variation.

Emphasizing the Condition If + [present simple] (emphasized), what will + [subject] + [do]?

• If it really pours, what will we do about the picnic?
• Used to stress the condition and seek specific actions.

Each of these variations serves a slightly different communicative purpose and can be used to tailor questions to specific contexts or to emphasize different aspects of the conditional relationship.

First Conditional Conversation Questions and Answers

Here are some examples of first conditional conversation questions along with possible answers. These can be used in various scenarios like teaching English, practicing conversation skills, or just having an engaging discussion.

• Question:  If it stops raining this afternoon, will you go for a walk? Answer : Yes, if it stops raining, I’ll definitely go for a walk. I’ve been wanting to get some fresh air.
• Question : If you win the lottery, will you quit your job? Answer : No, I won’t quit my job even if I win the lottery. I love what I do too much to stop.
• Question : If your team wins the match tomorrow, will you throw a party? Answer : Absolutely! If we win, I’m planning to have a big celebration with all my friends.
• Question : If she calls you tonight, will you tell her the truth? Answer : Yes, if she calls, I’ve decided to be completely honest with her.
• Question : If they don’t accept your proposal, what will you do? Answer : If they reject it, I’ll ask for feedback and try to improve it for the next submission.
• Question : If we miss the last train, will you stay over at my place? Answer : That’s a good plan. If we miss the train, I’ll stay over instead of taking a taxi.
• Question : If you find a cheaper flight, will you change your travel plans? Answer : Probably, yes. If there’s a significantly cheaper option, I’ll consider rearranging my plans.
• Question : If the weather is good this weekend, will you go camping? Answer : Definitely! I’ve been waiting for a sunny weekend to go camping.

These examples illustrate how first conditional questions and answers can be used to discuss potential future actions or decisions based on certain conditions.

First Conditional Questions Examples

• If it starts to rain, will you take an umbrella? – Basic structure focusing on a future action based on a condition.
• Will you buy a new phone if your current one breaks? – Starts with “will” to emphasize the result more than the condition.
• Won’t you be late if you don’t leave now? – Negative form, inquiring about the consequences of not doing something.
• What will you wear if it’s cold outside? – Wh-question asking for specific information.
• Why won’t you attend the meeting if it’s online? – Negative Wh-question inquiring about the reason for not doing something.
• If you see her at the party, will you say hello, won’t you? – Tag question for seeking confirmation or agreement.
• If you pass your exam, can you apply for the advanced course? – Using a modal verb (can) to discuss possibility or ability.
• Should you receive the invitation, will you accept it? – Omitting “if” and using “should” for a more formal structure.
• If the movie is sold out, what other plans will you make? – Emphasizing the condition and asking for alternative actions.
• If they offer you the job, how soon will you start? – Wh-question focusing on the timing of a future action.

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Related Articles:

• What are Conditionals?
• First Conditional Sentences With Examples
• First Conditional Negative Form with Examples
• Zero Conditional Sentences With Examples

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“If-then”: Using Conditional Sentences in Academic Writing

Conditional sentences are statements of an “if-then” or “unless” situation. These sentences express situations and their probable results. Conditional sentences are frequently used to discuss the outcomes of research studies or are part of a hypothesis statement.

Conditional sentences are essential for stating and testing conditions and their results. Most authors of scientific papers use such statements, particularly in the Introduction and Discussion sections.

Essentially, the verb tenses used in the if-clause and the result clause must adhere to the type of conditional sentences being expressed. To ensure your conditional sentences are contextually correct, you can use Trinka , an AI-powered writing assistant. It is the world’s first language enhancement tool that is custom-built for academic and technical writing, and has several exclusive features to help you write clear and concise conditional sentences.

Table of Contents

Types of Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences contain two clauses—the  condition  clause ( if or  unless ) and the  main  clause. There are five kinds of conditional sentences, each conveying a different meaning. Some conditional sentences refer to the common truths and others to hypothetical situations.

• Zero conditional sentences  refer to a common truth or factual relationships. These sentences assert that one condition always results in the same outcome. For instance:

If you put ice cubes in a glass of water, they melt .

Note that both clauses are in the  present tense .

• First conditional sentences  present a possible situation and its probable result. The degree of certainty is lower compared to the zero conditional. For instance:

If you eat green vegetables, you  will  feel amazing.

Note that the  present tense  is used in the  if -clause and the  future  tense in the main clause.

• Second conditional sentences  express unreal conditions and their probable results—speculation, for example.

If I  had  control over food production, I  would  end world hunger.

Note the use of the  simple past tense  in the  if -clause and the modal verb (i.e., would, could, should) in the main clause.

• Third conditional sentences  are slightly different. They propose that the outcome would be different had the past been different. This kind of conditional expresses a situation that is contrary to fact. For instance:

If you  had  told me, I  would have  brought dinner for you.

Note that the condition and the result did not occur. The  past perfect tense  (had + past participle form of the verb) is used in the  if -clause, and the verb (would) plus “have” plus the past participle of the verb is used in the main clause.

• Mixed type conditional sentences  refer to a situation in the past and its probable result in the present. For instance,

If I  had learned  to ride earlier, I  would be  a big rodeo star by now.

Note that  the past perfect verb  is used in the  if -clause, and the present conditional verb is used in the main clause.

Punctuating conditional sentences is easy. Use a comma to separate the  if -clause from the main clause when the  if -clause comes first.

A Few Exceptions to the Rules

In the sentence given below, we use the simple future verb in the  if -clause:

If Vitamin D  eases  my arthritis pain, I  will take  some supplements every day.

Note that the action in the  if -clause hasn’t taken place yet, but will occur after the action in the main clause is taken.

The use of “ were + infinitive verb ” (e.g., were to fall) in the  if -clause is another exception. This phrase is used to highlight the significance of the outcome of something that  might  occur. For instance:

If she  were to  fall on her shoulder again, she  would have to  have surgery.

The action in the if -clause (were to fall) displays the subjunctive mood, i.e., a grammatical feature in English for expressing wishes, proposals, suggestions, or imagined situations.

Significance to Researchers

In your research, you are likely to either perform your independent experiments or use the outcomes of others’ experiments to conduct a meta-analysis. In either case, you will be required to report your evaluation and conclusions. In doing so, there will be situations in which the outcomes of your study or even future studies are based on specific conditions. Your findings are based on evidence, data, or theory. You might present your conclusions as likelihoods that something has already occurred, is presently happening, or will take place at some point. This is where a conditional sentence plays a critical role.

The verb tenses used in the if-clause and the result clause must adhere to the type of conditional being expressed. Here’s where Trinka , an AI-driven writing assistant, can help. It is the world’s first language enhancement tool that is custom-built for academic and technical writing, and has several exclusive features to make your manuscript ready for the global audience.

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Conditionals: First, Second, and Third Conditional in English

Conditionals! Learn conditional definition with examples. There are four types of conditionals in the English language: first conditional, second conditional, third conditional and zero conditional.

Conditional Definition

Conditionals are structures in English that establish what will happen if a certain event takes place or if a certain action is performed. This means that if a certain condition is true, a certain result occurs.

There are four types of commonly used conditionals in the English language that are differentiated on the basis of the degree of possibility implied by each of them. They are the first conditional, the second conditional, the third conditional and the zero conditional.

Types of Conditionals

First conditional.

This conditional is used to talk about future events that might happen. It uses the present tense to discuss the possible future events. For example:

• If it rains, we will have to cancel the picnic.
• If you come with me, I will make it worthwhile for you.
• If I go abroad, I will get something back for you.
• If you wait till 1 pm , you can go back with him.
• If you visit Paris, you must see the Eiffel Tower.

Second Conditional

This conditional is used to talk about the unreal possibility or impossible events. They establish the course of action that would follow, where something to happen is either hypothetical or surreal. For example:

• If I had a million dollars, I would buy a penthouse on Park Avenue.
• I could stop working if I won the lottery.
• If I were well-versed in the subject, I would help you with your assignment.
• If I were you, I would ask her to marry me.
• What would you do if it were to rain later?

Third Conditional

This conditional talks about the past, unlike the first and second which discusses events in the real or unreal future. These conditions, too, are therefore impossible, because they have either already occurred or might have occurred but won’t anymore. For example:

• If I had studied a little more in college, life would have been easier.
• If we had gotten to the airport on time, we would have caught our flight.
• I could have asked him about the matter if he had shown up.

Sometimes the ‘if’ clause is merely implied, as in:

• I would have done it. (…if you had asked me to)
• I wouldn’t have allowed it. (…if it had been tried with me)

Zero Conditional

The zero conditional discusses an absolute certainty; the result of the condition is always true. The most common types of zero conditionals are scientific facts. For example:

• If you cool water to zero degrees, it turns into ice.

Zero conditionals, therefore, do not deal with the future or the past; they simply deal with facts. The ‘if’ in these conditionals can be replaced with ‘when’: When you cool water to zero degrees, it turns into ice.

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• Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use

Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use

Published on 14 March 2023 by Eoghan Ryan . Revised on 11 September 2023.

A conditional sentence refers to a hypothetical situation and its possible consequence.

Conditional sentences always contain a subordinate clause that expresses a condition (e.g., ‘If it snows tomorrow’) and a main clause indicating the outcome of this condition (e.g., ‘school will be cancelled ‘).

There are four main types of conditionals in English, each of which expresses a specific level of likelihood or possibility.

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Table of contents

How to use conditional sentences, zero conditional sentences, first conditional sentences, second conditional sentences, third conditional sentences, mixed conditional, common mistake: adding ‘would’ to the ‘if’ clause, other interesting language articles, frequently asked questions.

Conditional sentences are used to describe a hypothetical scenario and the possible consequences of this scenario. All conditional sentences contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause that describes an unreal condition (e.g., ‘If you train more’)
• A main clause that indicates the result of this hypothetical scenario (e.g., ‘you will become a better swimmer’)

The subordinate clause of a conditional sentence usually begins with the conjunction ‘if’.

This is often paired with a ‘then’ at the start of the second clause (e.g., ‘ if you want to go, then you should go’). However, including ‘then’ is optional.

When the subordinate clause is used at the start of a sentence, it’s always followed by a comma . If the main clause comes first, no comma is needed (and ‘then’ should not be included).

• If you ate healthier food, then you would have more energy.
• You would have more energy if you ate healthier food.

If you switch the order of conditional clauses, you may also need to switch the order of the nouns and pronouns in the sentence.

• If Tom had called earlier, he might have got an appointment.
• Tom might have got an appointment if he had called earlier.

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The zero conditional is used to indicate general truths, scientific facts, or habits. In zero conditional sentences, both the main clause and the conditional clause are normally in the present simple tense .

Zero conditional sentences can also use ‘when’ instead of ‘if’, because they refer to general truths rather than specific scenarios.

Zero conditionals can also be used to make a command or request or to give advice or instructions. In these instances, the conditional clause is in the present simple tense and the main clause is in the imperative mood .

First conditional sentences refer to a possible action in the present and its realistic future consequence. Sentences using the first conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the present simple tense  (e.g., ‘if you eat’)
• A main clause formed using a modal verb (usually ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘can’, or ‘might’) along with the infinitive form of the main verb  (e.g., ‘run’)

If you don’t practise guitar, then you won’t improve .

Second conditionals are used to refer to an improbable or impossible past or present condition and its unlikely or unrealistic future consequence. Sentences that use the second conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the past subjunctive form (e.g., ‘looked’)
• A main clause using a modal verb (usually ‘would’, ‘could’, or ‘might’) along with the infinitive form of the main verb (e.g., ‘sing’)

If Bill talked less, he could finish more tasks.

Third conditional sentences are used to refer to an unreal past situation and its past result. Sentences that use the third conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the past perfect tense (e.g., ‘if I had worked’)
• A main clause using a modal verb (usually ‘would’, ‘could’, or ‘might’) along with the auxiliary verb ‘have’ and the past participle of the main verb

If Sander had studied more, then he might have got  a better grade.

Mixed conditional sentences use a combination of the second and third conditionals. The first type of mixed conditional is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its ongoing consequence. Sentences that use the first type of mixed conditional contain two clauses:

• A subordinate clause containing a verb in the past perfect tense (as in a third conditional)
• A main clause with a modal verb (usually ‘would’) and the infinitive form of the main verb (as in a second conditional)

The second type of mixed conditional sentence is used to describe an unreal past condition and its past consequence. It’s formed using:

• A subordinate clause with a verb in the past subjunctive form (as in a second conditional)
• A main clause containing a modal verb (usually ‘would’) along with the auxiliary verb ‘have’ and the past participle of the main verb (as in a third conditional)

When using conditional sentences, people sometimes add the modal verb ‘would’ to the subordinate clause. While ‘would’ is often used in the main clause of second, third, or mixed conditional sentences, it’s wrong to add ‘would’ to the subordinate clause.

Instead, subordinate clauses in the second conditional always use the past subjunctive form , while subordinate clauses in the third conditional always use the past perfect form .

• If you would drive to work, you would arrive earlier.
• If you drove to work, you would arrive earlier.
• If he would have asked first, I might have agreed.
• If he had asked first, I might have agreed.

If you want to know more about commonly confused words, definitions, common mistakes, and differences between US and UK spellings, make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

Nouns & pronouns

• Common nouns
• Proper nouns
• Collective nouns
• Personal pronouns
• Uncountable and countable nouns
• Verb tenses
• Phrasal verbs
• Sentence structure
• Active vs passive voice
• Subject-verb agreement
• Interjections
• Determiners
• Prepositions

A conditional sentence is a sentence that describes the possible consequences of a hypothetical situation.

Conditional sentences contain a subordinate clause that describes a hypothetical situation (usually starting with the conjunction “if”) and a main clause that describes its possible results (e.g., “If I were you, I’d buy a new phone”).

A conditional clause is one of two clauses in a conditional sentence .

Conditional clauses are subordinate clauses that refer to a hypothetical situation (usually starting with the conjunction “if”). They are used along with a main clause that describes the possible consequences of the hypothetical situation (e.g., “If you’re late again, you will be fired”).

Sources for this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Ryan, E. (2023, September 11). Conditional Sentences | Examples & Use. Scribbr. Retrieved 3 June 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/verb/conditional-sentence/

Aarts, B. (2011). Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.

Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Garner, B. A. (2016). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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First Conditional Questions

If I teach you how to use the first conditional, will you practice it today? First conditional questions like this are used very often by native English speakers and so it is important for English language learners to learn how to ask and answer first conditional questions. Below you’ll find many examples of first conditional questions you can use to practice speaking using the first conditional in English.

Related:  How To Teach The First Conditional – Step By Step

Here are many examples of first conditional questions.

• If it rains tomorrow, what will you do?
• What will you do if you get lost?
• If you arrive late to work, will you be fired?
• Will you be upset if you miss the movie tonight?
• If you want to leave, where will you go?
• Where will you go eat if you get hungry?
• If you are available next weekend, will you go to the mall with me?
• What would you do if you lost your keys?
• If the show gets canceled, what should we do?
• Will she mind if I borrow her shoes?
• If we are out of oranges, what will you eat?
• Will your parents be surprised if you come home for the holidays?
• If we run out of gas, who would you call?
• Where can I study if the library is closed?
• If you fail your exam, what will you do?
• Who will teach the class if our professor gets sick?
• If you don’t answer the phone, should I come over?
• What will you do if the party is canceled?
• If I can’t come to your party, will you be upset?
• What can we do if the mall is closed?

First Conditional Questions PDF

How to make first conditional sentences and questions.

There are two structures for creating first conditional sentences and questions. These are:

• If + Condition, + Result.
• Result + If + Condition.

The  condition  is stated in the  present simple tense  and expresses something that may or may not happen. For example, “ If class is canceled …”. The  result  is stated as  will/won’t + base verb  and expresses what will definitely happen if the condition is met. For example, “ I’ll go to the mall .”

Sentence Structure 1: If + Condition + Result

“ If class is canceled, I’ll go to the mall .”

Sentence Structure 2: Result + If + Condition

“ I’ll go to the mall if class is canceled .”

Question Structure 1: If + Condition + Result

“ If class is canceled, what will you do? ”

Question Structure 2: Result + If + Condition

“ What will you do if class is canceled? ”

In these examples, notice how the future possibility is based on a specific condition. If that condition is met, then the result will happen. So, we don’t know whether or not class will be canceled, but if it is canceled, we will go to the mall.

When making first conditional sentences and questions, the word “will” can be substituted for other modal verbs or imperatives. Modal verbs are words like  can ,  could ,  may ,  might ,  shall ,  should ,  would , and  must . Imperatives are statements that make a command. For example,

• “If class is canceled, I can go to the mall. ”
• “ If class is canceled, we should go to the mall. ”
• “ If class is canceled, go home .”
• “ If class is canceled, meet me at the mall. ”

Thanks for reading. I hope you found these first conditional questions and examples useful. Before you go, be sure to check out the related resources below .

Related Resources

• Zero Conditional Examples
• First Conditional Examples
• Second Conditional Examples
• Third Conditional Examples
• How To Teach The Zero Conditional
• How To Teach The First Conditional
• How To Teach The Second Conditional
• How To Teach The Third Conditional

Conditionals

Perfect english grammar.

What are conditionals in English grammar? Sometimes we call them 'if clauses'. They describe the result of something that might happen (in the present or future) or might have happened but didn't (in the past) . They are made using different English verb tenses.

• The Zero Conditional: (if + present simple, ... present simple) If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils. Click here to learn more.
• The First Conditional: (if + present simple, ... will + infinitive) If it rains tomorrow, we'll go to the cinema. Click here to learn more.
• The Second Conditional: (if + past simple, ... would + infinitive) If I had a lot of money, I would travel around the world. Click here to learn more.
• The Third Conditional (if + past perfect, ... would + have + past participle) If I had gone to bed early, I would have caught the train. Click here to learn more.

(Notice we can put 'if' at the beginning, or in the middle. It doesn't change the meaning. When 'if' is at the beginning of the sentence, we put a comma at the end of the 'if' clause. We don't use a comma when 'if' is in the middle of the sentence.)

Click here for conditional exercises

• Present Real Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Past Real Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Future Real Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Mixed Real Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Present Unreal Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Past Unreal Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Future Unreal Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)
• Mixed Unreal Conditionals: Video Lesson (Subscribers Only)

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