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Introduction To Conditionals

Conditionals are sentence structures that express relationships between conditions and results. The most common conditionals are the first, second, and third conditionals. The first conditional is used to talk about real or possible situations in the future. It consists of an "if" clause with a present simple verb followed by a main clause with a future simple verb. The formula is "If + present simple (condition), future simple (main clause)." The first conditional is used for real-life scenarios that could actually happen, not imaginary or fantasy situations.

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123 views

Introduction To Conditionals

Conditionals are sentence structures that express relationships between conditions and results. The most common conditionals are the first, second, and third conditionals. The first conditional is used to talk about real or possible situations in the future. It consists of an "if" clause with a present simple verb followed by a main clause with a future simple verb. The formula is "If + present simple (condition), future simple (main clause)." The first conditional is used for real-life scenarios that could actually happen, not imaginary or fantasy situations.

Uploaded by

Savera Noor
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Conditionals:

Conditionals are sentence structures that express a relationship between


two events or situations. They are a type of sentence structure that
express a relationship between a condition and its result. They are used to
talk about hypothetical or imaginary situations, possibilities, and cause-
and-effect relationships.
There are different types of conditionals, but the most common ones are
the First Conditional, Second Conditional, and Third Conditional. They
typically consist of two clauses: the "if" clause (also known as the
conditional clause) and the main clause.
Definition of First Conditional

The First Conditional is used to talk about a real or possible situation in


the future. It consists of an "if" clause followed by a present simple verb,
and a main clause with a future simple verb. It suggests that the action in
the main clause will happen if a certain condition in the "if" clause is
fulfilled. This structure is crucial for expressing cause-and-effect
relationships, possibilities, and predictions.

1. The "If Clause":


Let's start with the "if clause." This is where we set the condition or the
trigger for the action. We often use the conjunction "if" to introduce this
part. It's like planting a seed – the action in the main clause will only
happen if a certain condition is met.
Example: If it rains, we will stay indoors.
Here, the condition is rain. If it happens, the action in the main clause
(staying indoors) will take place.

2. The "Main Clause":


The main clause follows the if clause and contains the result or
consequence of the specified condition. It gives us the outcome when the
condition in the if clause is fulfilled.
Example: If it rains, we will stay indoors.
In this sentence, the main clause is "we will stay indoors." It tells us what
will happen if the condition (rain) is met.

STRUCTURE:

The formula for the First Conditional is straightforward:

If + Present Simple (Condition), Future Simple (Main Clause)


Breakdown:
1. If + Present Simple (Condition):

The "if" clause sets the condition. It uses the Present Simple tense to
indicate a general truth, habit, or something likely to happen in the future.

Example: If it rains (condition), we will stay indoors (main clause).

2. Future Simple (Main Clause):

The main clause predicts a future result based on the condition stated in
the "if" clause. It employs the Future Simple tense.

Example: If she studies hard (condition), she will pass the exam (main
clause).

Usage Examples:
1) If you eat too much, you will feel sick.
2) If I win the lottery, I will travel the world.
3) If it snows tomorrow, we can build a snowman.
4) If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

Importance of If-Clause Placement:


The placement of the if clause and main clause is flexible, but there's a
general rule: if the if clause comes first, use a comma to separate the two
clauses. If the main clause comes first, no comma is needed.

Example 1: If it snows, we will build a snowman.


Example 2: We will build a snowman if it snows. define in easy words in
details

Important Note: Real vs. Imaginary in the First Conditional


The First Conditional is all about real-life scenarios and things that have a
good chance of happening in the future. It's not about dreams or make-
believe; it's for stuff that stands a good chance of occurring.

Real-Life Scenarios
Imagine you're thinking about tomorrow's weather. If you say, "If it rains,
we will stay at home," you're using the First Conditional. It's like saying,
"If it really happens that way, we're definitely staying home."

Not for Daydreams


Now, here's the cool part: the First Conditional isn't for fantasy or
imaginary worlds. That's the job of the Second and Third Conditionals. If
you say, "If I had a million dollars, I would buy a castle," that's dreaming
big, and you're using a different kind of conditional.

Practice Exercise:
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verbs:

1. If it ____(rain) tomorrow, we ____(stay) at home.


2. If she ____(study) tonight, she ____(pass) the test
3. If they ____(invite) us to the party, we ____(attend).
4. If you ____(not/go) to bed early, you ____(feel) tired tomorrow.
5. If the weather ____(be) nice this weekend, we ____(have) a picnic.
6. If he ____(eat) too much, he ____(get) a stomachache.
7. If she ____(not/forget) her keys, she ____(be) able to unlock the door.

Divide the students in groups of three or four students and ask them to
write their election promises using the First Conditional in sentences
such as

If I am president, I will

If you vote for my party , we will…

A spokesperson for each of the groups is asked to stand up and read their
promises to the rest of the groups. The audience is encouraged to ask
questions to the candidates or challenge them by asking questions such as
…. Yes , but what will happen if ….?

When all the promises are heard, they will need to vote for a candidate
which will be different from their own.

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