The first conditional explores potential future scenarios and your responses to them.
Using first conditionals is like making deals. The “if” part is like setting the terms, using the present tense to say what might happen.
The other part is the payoff, using future tense or Modals, the imperative, phrasal verbs like “should,” “can,” or even an imperative “do this” to say what happens if you meet those terms.
If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
^condition ^result (future)
If you want to lose weight, you should eat less sugary things.
^condition ^result (modal)
If you arrive after midnight, ring me on my mobile.
^condition ^result (imperative)
I will help you if you need me.
^result (future) ^condition
I won't go on holiday unless I save some money.
^result (future) ^conditionTip
The condition (if clause) may have a present or a future meaning, but the verb is always in present (NOT future).
- If you are a good boy tomorrow ✅
- If you will be a good boy tomorrow ❌
References