Home » Verb Forms and Tenses » Conditionals » First Conditional
The first conditional is used to talk about the future.
If it rains, I’ll stay at home.
| If clause, | Result clause |
| If present simple, | Future simple. |
| If it rains, | I’ll stay at home. |
The structure can be reversed. In this case, do not use a comma.
| Result clause | If clause. |
| Future simple | if present simple |
| I’ll stay at home | if it rains. |
When
We can substitute ‘if’ with ‘when’. We use ‘if’ to suggest something is possible. We use ‘when’ because something is certain to happen.
If he calls, I’ll give him the message. (Maybe he’ll call, maybe he won’t)
When he calls I’ll tell him. (I’m sure he’ll call)
Alternatives to will
We can substitute will with the modal verbs: can, may, shall.
If he calls, I can tell him.
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