Plans That'll Probably Go Tits Up
The First Conditional is for making plans that will probably go tits up anyway. It's about real possibilities in the future - things that might actually happen if you're not completely useless.
The Magic Formula (Don't Cock This Up):
If + present simple, will + base verb
The 'if' part uses present simple, the result uses 'will' + base verb.
| If Clause (Condition) | Main Clause (Result) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| If it rains tomorrow | I will stay home | If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home. |
| If you study hard | you will pass the exam | If you study hard, you will pass the exam. |
| If she calls me | I will answer | If she calls me, I will answer. |
When to Use This Hopeful Grammar
1. Real Future Possibilities:
- "If I save enough money, I will buy a car." (Optimistic, aren't we?)
- "If the weather is nice, we will have a picnic." (Weather permitting)
- "If you don't hurry, you will miss the bus." (Reality check)
2. Promises and Threats:
- "If you help me, I will help you." (Fair trade)
- "If you don't stop that noise, I will call the police." (Final warning)
- "If you come to the party, I will introduce you to Sarah." (Social bribery)
3. Warnings and Advice:
- "If you eat too much cake, you will feel sick." (Voice of experience)
- "If you don't wear a coat, you will get cold." (Motherly advice)
- "If you keep smoking, you will damage your health." (Stating the obvious)
Alternative Ways to Express the Same Bollocks
Instead of 'will', you can use other modal verbs:
| Modal Verb | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| can | If you finish early, you can go home. | Permission/possibility |
| may | If it rains, we may cancel the event. | Possibility (more formal) |
| might | If you ask nicely, she might help you. | Less certain possibility |
| should | If you feel unwell, you should see a doctor. | Advice/recommendation |
Don't Be a Muppet - Common Mistakes
Wrong:
- "If it will rain, I will stay home." (Don't use 'will' in the if-clause!)
- "If I will have time, I call you." (Mixed up the parts, you numpty)
Right:
- "If it rains, I will stay home." (Present simple in if-clause)
- "If I have time, I will call you." (Much better, well done)
Practice Exercises (Make Some Plans)
Exercise 1: Complete the First Conditionals
1. If you (not / study), you (fail) the test.
2. If it (snow) tomorrow, we (build) a snowman.
3. If she (arrive) late, the meeting (start) without her.
4. If you (eat) all your vegetables, you (can / have) dessert.
Exercise 2: Fix the Mistakes
1. If it will be sunny, we to the beach.
Correct: If it sunny, we will go to the beach.
Correct: If it sunny, we will go to the beach.
2. If I will have money, I a new car.
Correct: If I money, I will buy a new car.
Correct: If I money, I will buy a new car.
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Start TestWell done! You can now make plans that might actually work out!