In this type 1 first conditional, the simple present tense is used in the if-clause, and the tense in the main clause is the simple future tense.
'If' Clause | Main Clause |
If + simple present tense | Simple future tense |
If you leave now, | you'll arrive home early. |
This conditional shows the outcome (you’ll arrive home early) if the condition is fulfilled (if you leave now). We use this conditional when the situation in the if-clause appears likely or there is a possibility of it happening.
We can turn the two clauses the other way round so that their positions are reversed as follow:
Simple future tense | if + simple present tense |
You'll arrive home early, | if you leave now. |
Whether the if-clause or the main clause comes earlier, both are acceptable.
The first conditional sets up a present condition and a probable future outcome.
Examples:
- If you go with me, I will pay for your fare.
(If the condition in the if-clause is fulfilled, the action in the second clause will happen, that is I will pay for your fare.) - If I see him tomorrow, I will tell him the good news.
- If the weather remains fine, we will go to the beach.
- If you continue to feel better, you will be out of the hospital soon.
We may use going to in the first conditional to refer to a future event.
Examples:
- If she passes her driving test, we are going to celebrate at a good restaurant.
- If you don’t hurry, we are going to be blacklisted for being late.
First conditional and modal verb.
Modal verbs may be used in the first conditional. The modal verbs have a future meaning and so are used instead of the future tense in the main clause, not in the conditional clause.
Conditional Clause | Main Clause |
If + simple present tense | can/could; will/would; may/might; shall/should |
If the weather improves, | we will go to the park. |
The modal verbs are used in type 1 conditional sentences to express willingness, possibility, permission, and suggestion.
Examples:
- If the movie is boring, we can always leave. (Willingness)
- If you help me with this, I could finish it earlier. (Probability)
- If she is angry with you, I would ask her why.
- If you are in a hurry, you may leave now. (Permission)
- If we save enough money, we might visit you next year.
- If he drives faster, we shall arrive there before dark. (Possibility)
- If we want to get there on time, we should take a taxi. (Suggestion)