1. First Conditional Grammar Guide mgr Anna Waligórska – Kotfas PWSZ Konin

2. 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.

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

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

5. 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 a pay rise if she works hard. = If she works hard, she will get a pay rise.

6. 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.)

7. 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!

8. 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.

9. UNLESS  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.

10. If you learn it, you will use 1st conditional correctly.

11. 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.