✨ Lesson 11: The First Conditional (Real Future Possibilities)
In our last lesson, we learned that the Zero Conditional is for facts that are always true. Today, we will learn the First Conditional1, which we use to talk about a real2 possibility3 in the future4.
It describes a possible future situation and its likely result. We use it for plans, promises, warnings, and predictions.
The Structure: If + Present Simple, ... will + Base Verb
The First Conditional has a different structure from the Zero Conditional. The 'if' clause is in the Present Simple, but the result clause uses the future with 'will'.
If + [Condition in Present Simple], + [Result with 'will' + Base Verb].
Examples:
- If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel our trip.
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
- She will be angry if you are late. (No comma when 'if' is in the middle)
- I won't go to the market if I feel tired later.
Zero Conditional vs. First Conditional
Look at this comparison to understand the difference in meaning.
| Conditional | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Zero | A 100% true fact. | If it rains, the ground gets wet. (Always happens) |
| First | A real possibility in the future. | If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home. (My specific plan for a possible future event) |
Other Modals in the Result Clause
Besides 'will', you can also use other modals like 'can' or 'should' in the result clause.
- If you finish your work early, we can go for a coffee.
🧠 Practice Quiz: Complete the Sentences
Choose the correct verb forms to complete the First Conditional sentences.
- If you (study / will study) hard, you (pass / will pass) the test.
- We (miss / will miss) our flight if we (don't leave / won't leave) now.
- What (do you do / will you do) if your friend (is / will be) late?
📝 Homework: What Will You Do?
Complete these First Conditional sentences with your own ideas about the future.
1. If I have enough money next year, I ______________________________.
2. If the weather is nice this weekend, my friends and I ________________.
3. You will learn English faster if _________________________________.
(Example Answers: 1. ...I will buy a new phone. 2. ...will go to the countryside. 3. ...you practice every day.)
Vocabulary Glossary
- First Conditional: (Phrase) - ប្រយោគលក្ខខណ្ឌទីមួយ (brâyoŭk leăk'khăn ti muŏy) - A sentence structure used for real possibilities in the future. ↩
- Real: (Adjective) - ពិតប្រាកដ (pĭt'pra'kât) - Actually existing or happening; not imagined. ↩
- Possibility: (Noun) - លទ្ធភាព (lôt'thâ'phĭəp) - A thing that may happen or be the case. ↩
- Future: (Noun) - អនាគត (â'nĕa'kôt) - The time that will come after the present. ↩