is
very angry.
If I
got
home late, my mom
scolded
me.
If she
was
sad, she just
stared
into the distance without saying a word.
In this type of conditional, we can use when instead of if:
If/When
John is cursing, it means that he is very angry.
Quotes:
If one cannot invent a really convincing lie, it is often better to stick to the truth. - Angela Thirkell
If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere. - Frank A. Clark
The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you are still a rat. - Lily Tomlin
If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. - Mark Twain
If you don't know where you're going, you might never get there. - Yogi Berra
Related topics:
Present simple for general truths
First conditional
IF + PRESENT TENSE | WILL + INFINITIVE
The first conditional describes a probable future situation. If the condition is fulfilled, the action in the main clause is likely to happen:
If we
don't leave
soon, we
will miss
the train.
If you
ask
him, he
will
probably
help
you.
In this type of conditional, the present tenses in the if-clause usually refer to future time and their use is similar to that in future time clauses. Sometimes, however, a present tense in the if-clause can refer to present time:
If you
are
hungry, you'll find some sandwiches in the fridge.
Compare the zero and the first conditionals:
If I
drink
too much, I usually
get
a hangover the following day.
(zero conditional to refer to a general situation; one action is always followed by another)
If I
drink
too much, I
will get
a hangover tomorrow.
(first conditional to refer to one specific future situation)
Quotes:
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. - Booker T. Washington
You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it. - Charles Buxton
You will never win if you never begin. - Helen Rowland
If you do not sow in the spring, you will not reap in the autumn. - Irish proverb
If you're in a bad situation, don't worry it'll change. If you're in a good situation, don't worry it'll change. - John A. Simone, Sr.
Related topics:
Future time clauses
Present continuous in the first conditional
The present continuous can be used in the if-clause of a sentence in the first conditional to refer to a present action or a future arrangement:
If you
are looking
for Molly, you'll find her upstairs in her room.
(present action)
If you
are staying
for the weekend, we'll go to the cinema.
(future arrangement)
Related topics:
Present continuous for actions in progress at the time of speaking
Present continuous for fixed future arrangements
Present perfect in the first conditional
The present perfect in the if-clause of a sentence in the first conditional emphasises that one action depends on the completion of another:
If I
've finished
writing my paper by tonight, I'll go out with my friends.
Imperatives in the first conditional
Imperatives can be used to replace either clause of the first conditionaclass="underline"
If you've done the dishes, please
mop
the floor.
Tidy up
your room, and you can go out to play football with your friends.
Quotes:
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. - Booker T. Washington
If you don't think every day is a good day, just try missing one. - Cavett Robert
If you're in a bad situation, don't worry it'll change. If you're in a good situation, don't worry it'll change. - John A. Simone, Sr.
If you want to be happy, be. - Leo Tolstoy
If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. - Mary Engelbreit
Modals in the first conditional
Main clause
We can use modals other than will in the main clause of a sentence in the first conditionaclass="underline"
If you ask George, he
may/might be
able to help you.
(possibility)
You
can/may leave
the room if you've finished the test.
(permission)
If he doesn't come soon, we
must / will have to leave
without him.
(obligation)
If you ever go to Chicago, you
should take
a boat trip on the river.
(suggestion)
If you don't watch your steps, you
are going to fall
over.
(prediction)
If-clause
We can use be going to in the if-clause to express intention:
If you