Conditional Sentences – Type 1

Definition of Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences are sentences expressing factual implication or hypothetical situations and their consequences. They are so called because of the validity of the main clause of the sentence is conditional on the existence of certain circumstances, which may be expressed in a dependent clause or may understood from the context.

 

First Conditional Sentences

Function

The first conditional refers ti a possible condition and its probable result. These sentences are based on facts and the are used to make statements about the real world, and about particular situations. We often use such sentences to give warnings. In first conditional sentences, the time is the present or future and the situation is real. Here is the form of the first conditional sentence:

 

If clause (conditional) + main clause (result)

If + Simple Present | if it is rains

Simple future | you will get wet

If it is rains you will get wet

Examples:

1.      If I find her address, I will send her an invitation.

2.      I will send her an invitation if I find her address.

3.      If I don’t see him this afternoon, I will phone him in the evening.

 The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, don’t use comma. In addition, main clause and/or clause might be negative.

 

Use

Conditional Sentences Type 1 refer to the future. An action in the future will only happen if a certain condition is fulfilled by that time. We don’t know for sure whether the condition actually will be fulfilled or not, but the conditions seems rather realistic – so we think it is likely to happen. Here are some examples:

 

·         If I find her address, I’ll send her an invitation.

( I want to send an invitation to a friend. I just have to find her address. I am quite sure, however, that I will find it.)

·         If Diana has the money, she will buy a Lamborgini.

( I know Diana very well and I know that she earns a lot of money and that he loves Lamborginis. So I think it is very likely that sooner or later she will have the money to buy a Lamborgini.)

 

You must be able to understand the following circumstances:

1.      There is an if-clause and a then-clause in conditional sentences. The then-clause should be understood as the consequence of the if-clause.

2.      Conditional sentences are used to talk about possible situations. That’s why it is sometimes called the real conditional.

3.      The structure of conditional type 1 involves the use of simple present in the if-clause and the simple future in the then-clause.

4.      Conditional sentences may contain verbs in the affirmative as well as the negative form.

 

In type 1 conditional sentences, you can also use modals  in the main clause instead of the future tense to express the degree of certainty, permission, or a recommendation about the  outcome. Study the sentences given below.

·         If I am hungry, I will get something to eat.

·         If you are hungry, you can ear a banana.