Grammar Guide FIRST CONDITIONAL Objective To write sentences

Grammar Guide FIRST CONDITIONAL

Objective To write sentences to talk about consequences using the structure of first conditional Today is Tuesday, August 25 th

Introduction: Clauses Conditional sentences usually consist of two clauses: a conditional clause (or IF CLAUSE) and a main clause (or RESULT CLAUSE). The result in the main clause is dependent on the condition in the conditional clause.

First Conditional: Verb Patterns RESULT CLAUSE will/won’t + infinitive IF CLAUSE if + present simple I will stay at home if it rains.

First Conditional: Clause Order You can reverse the two clauses of a first conditional sentence without changing the meaning: We will go if Paty doesn’t arrive soon. = If Paty doesn’t arrive soon, we will go.

First Conditional: Clause Order It doesn’t matter which comes first, but if we put the IF CLAUSE first, we usually separate the clauses with a comma: She will get more money if she works hard. = If she works hard, she will get more money.

Use: Possible Future Events We use the first conditional to talk about real future possibilities, things that are likely to happen: If I go to Barcelona, I will send you a postcard. (= it’s possible that I’ll go. I’m planning to go to Spain on holiday. ) If I move to London, I will invite you to stay with me. (= it’s possible that I will move. I’m looking for a job in London. )

Example sentences The cat will scratch you if you pull its tail. She will be angry if I’m late. I will come and see you tomorrow if I have enough time. I’ll call the police if you don’t leave right now!

Example sentences If the weather is good tomorrow, we’ll have a picnic. If he runs, he will get there in time. If we don’t hurry, we won’t finish. If the result of the test is negative, you’ll receive notification through the post.

UNLESS means the same as IF NOT: I won’t pass my exam unless I work harder. = I won’t pass my exam if I don’t work harder.

Bibliography 1. Bourke K. : Verbs and Tenses: Intermediate. Test it, Fix it. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006. 2. Leech G. , Cruickshank B. , Ivanic R. : An A-Z of English Grammar & Usage. Harlow: Longman, 2004. 3. Murphy R. : English Grammar in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006. 4. Swan M. : Practical English Usage. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. 5. Thomas A. J. , Martinet A. V. : A practical English Grammar. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1986. 6. Vince M. : Intermediate Language Practice (New Edition). Oxford: Macmillan Education 2010.