Grammar reference and practice 6.2

6.2 ■ First conditional

We use the first conditional to talk about a possible present or future action or situation, and its probable result.

• If you study hard at school,	you'll do well.
  CONDITION	RESULT
  if + present simple,	will + infinitive

If we put the result clause first, there is no comma.

• You'll do well	if you study hard at school.
  RESULT	CONDITION
  will + infinitive	if + present simple

In a condition clause, if is followed by the present simple, even though the verb refers to the future.

If we miss the train, we'll be late for school.

NOT

 

If we'll miss the train ...

It is possible to use a negative verb in either or both parts of a conditional sentence.

If he doesn't learn to read, he won't do very well.

1Match the phrases to make sentences. 

If you break this law,

The children won't work well

You'll easily pass the exam if

If that man takes those things,

It will be easier for you to get up on time

If I don't go home soon,

• you work hard and do your homework.
• if you use an alarm clock.
• you'll pay a fine.
• I'll get into trouble with my parents.
• if they're too tired to concentrate.
• I'll call the police.

 2Write first conditional sentences. Use the correct form of the verbs in brackets. 

You need to use normal letters and capital letters correctly in this task.

• 1If I  (have) enough money, I  (buy) some new clothes.

• 2If it  (rain), they  (not hold) the concert.

• 3Meg  (be) annoyed if we  (be) late.

• 4We  (catch) the bus if we  (not feel) like walking.

• 5If they  (not leave) now, they  (miss) their train.

• 6You  (not get) a good job if you  (not do) well in your exams.