We use the first conditional to talk about things which might happen if an action takes place. We use if for things which are likely to happen and when for things which are certain to happen.
If I see Freddy later, I’ll give him the book. (I’m not certain I’ll see him.)
When I see Freddy later, I’ll give him the book. (I’m certain I’ll see him.)
If we go to the beach, I’ll take my swimsuit. (It isn’t certain we’ll go to the beach.)
When we go to the beach, I’ll take my swimsuit. (It is certain we’ll go to the beach.)
Form
Conditional sentences have two parts: the if/when part and the result (main) part. The two parts can come in any order. When we write, we don’t use a comma when the main part comes first.
The first conditional has the present simple after 'if', then the future simple in the other clause:
if + present simple, ... will + infinitive
If I study today, I'll go to the party tonight.
If I have enough money, I'll buy some new shoes.
She'll miss the bus if she doesn't leave soon.
get stomach ache when I drink milk.
I’ll take my swimsuit if we go to the beach.
First conditional:
The first conditional uses if/when + present simple, and will + infinitive (without ‘to’):
If/When we go to Paris, we'll visit the Eiffel Tower.
Positive
I’ll do the homework this evening if it’s OK with you.
When they finish work, they’ll go home.
Negative
I won’t go out with you, if you’re late again.
When we go shopping, we won’t take our laptops.
Question
Where will he live when he moves to the city?
If I don’t see you later, will you call me? Yes, I will. / No, I won’t.
The first conditional and modals
We can use modals instead of will in first conditional sentences. For example, we can use may, might, can or should. We use may or might in the main part to show we are less certain than will, should to give advice, and could for possibility.
We might go camping later if we have enough time.
If you don’t feel well, you should stay at home tonight.
When we finish our homework, we could watch TV.
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