USE
We use the first conditional (Type 1) to talk about real or very probable situations in the future.
If I see him, I will tell him the news.
FORM
1. The first conditional sentences consist of two parts: the if-clause and the main clause.
E.g. If I see him, I will tell him the news.
If I see him — the if-clause
I will tell him the news — the main clause
2. When the if-clause comes before the main clause, they are separated with a comma.
If I see him, I will tell him the news.
3. When the main clause comes before the if-clause, they are not separated with a comma.
I will tell him the news if I see him.
4. We can use “when” instead of “if” in the first conditional sentences if a future situation is certain.
If I see him, I will tell him the news. = When I see him, I will tell him the news.
5. In interrogative sentences, the main clause is formed like a question and the if-clause is formed like an affirmative sentence.
Will you tell him the news if you see him? (NOT: Will you tell him the news if do you see him?)
If you see him, will you tell him the news? (NOT: If do you see him, will you tell him the news?)
STRUCTURE
| the if-clause | the main clause |
| Present Simple |
Future Simple (will + V)
|
| If I see him, | I will tell him the news |
FORMULA
If <Present Simple>, <will + V>.
<will + V> if <Present Simple>.
Revise how to form Present Simple here.
Revise how to form Future Simple (will + V) affirmative (+) here, negative (-) here and interrogative (?) here.
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V — Verb (the infinitive of the verb without "to"). E.g. write, go, listen, etc.