First Conditional

Point 1: The first conditional If-clause expresses the likelihood of something happening because of another action.

1. If it rains, I will go out tonight.
2. If you win the next race, you will have chance of winning gold.
3. If we hurry, we can make it.
4. If we get busy, I cannot meet you.

Point 2: If-clauses can start a sentence, They are followed by a comma in written English.

1. If I see Mary, I will tell her the bad news.
2. If we can pass these exams, we will be happy.
3. If you come over, I will make you dinner.
4. If it happens, it happens.

Point 3: If-clauses can follow a dependent clause. They do not need a comma in written English.

1. I will tell Mary the bad news if I see her.
2. We will be happy if we pass these exams.
3. I will call you if we are late.
4. We will lose if we do not try harder.

Point 4: We can use other modals instead of will, such as should, would, could, can, may, and might.

1. I may tell Mary the bad news if I see her.
2. If you do your homework, you can watch TV.
3. You should get there on time if the traffic is not bad.
4. If he does that again, I would tell the boss.