Grammar Reference. Unit 8
8.0 Introduction to conditionals
There are many different ways of making sentences with if.
It's
important to understand the difference between sentences that express real
possibilities, and those that express unreal situations.
| Real possibilities | |
| If it rains, we'll stay home. | if + Present Simple + will |
| If you've finished your work, you can go home. | if + Present Perfect + modal auxiliary verb |
| If you're feeling ill, go home and get into bed. | If + Present Continuous + imperative |
| Unreal situations | |
| You would understand me better if you came from my country. | would + if + Past Simple |
| If I were rich, I wouldn't have any problems. | if + were + would |
| If I stopped smoking, I could run faster. | if + Past Simple + modal auxiliary verb |
There are several patterns that you need to know to understand the variations. Note that a comma is usual when the if clause comes first.
8.1 First conditional
Form: if + Present Simple + will
Positive
If I find your wallet, I'll let you know.
We'll come and see you on Sunday if the weather's good.
Negative
You won't pass the test if you don't study.
If you lose your ticket, you won't be able to go.
Question
What will you do if you don't find a job?
If there isn't a hotel, where will you stay?
Note that we don't usually use will in the if clause.
NOT If you will leave now, you'll catch the
train.
NOT If I'll go out tonight, I'll give you a call.
If can be replaced by unless (= if ... not) or in case (= because of the possibility ...).
Unless I hear from you, I'll come at 8:00.
I'll take my umbrella in case it rains.
Use
1. First conditional sentences express a possible condition and its probable result in the future.
| Condition (if clause) | Result (result clause) |
| If I find a jumper in your size, | I'll buy it for you. |
| If you can't do the homework, | give me a call. |
| If you can find my purse, | I might buy you an ice-cream. |
| If you've never been to Wales, | you should try to go there one day. |
2. We can use the first conditional to express different functions (all of which express a possible condition and probable result).
If you do that again, I'll kill you! (a threat)
Careful! If you touch that, you'll burn yourself! (a warning)
I'll post the letter if you like. (an offer)
If you lend me 100$, I'll love you forever. (a promise)