The 1st conditional sentence structure is also called the future possible/real conditional. It is used to talk about a result [I’ll use more brown sugar] that is likely to happen or is almost certain to happen in the future if the condition in the if clause [if I make this recipe again] occurs.

Generally, in the 1st conditional structure the ‘if clause’ has a 50% or better chance of happening.

*If I eat too much, it’s possible that I will get fat. I may not get fat, but it’s more than likely that I will get fat if I eat too much.

The 1st conditional form:

*Even though this sentence structure is used to talk about the future, the condition clause [If I eat too much] uses the simple present tense.

Example sentences

This conditional sentence structure is often used to talk about possibilities:

You’ll miss the train if you don’t hurry!

If I miss the train today, I’ll drive to work.

I will pass my math exam if I study hard.

If it rains, we won’t have our picnic.

If you stay out in the rain too long, you’ll get sick!

My mom will be angry if I’m late tonight!

This conditional sentence structure is often used to talk about superstitions:

If you see a penny on the ground and pick it up, it will bring you good luck!

If you break a mirror, you will have 7 years of bad luck!

If you rub a rabbit’s foot, it will bring you good luck!

If you walk under a ladder, you will have bad luck!

You will have bad luck if you open an umbrella indoors.

This conditional sentence structure is often used to talk about future plans:

If you’re going shopping today, I’ll come with you!

If you can get me a ticket, I’ll go to the concert with you!

If you see Ken later today, will you tell him to call me?

This conditional sentence structure is often used for warnings and threats:

If you don’t come to my birthday party, I’ll never speak to you again.

If you eat too much ice cream, you’ll make yourself sick!

If you say that again, I will hurt you!

*You can also use the imperative in the result clause

If you call your mother tonight, tell her I said ‘hello’!

Remember to buy some bananas if you go to the supermarket.

If anyone calls for me, tell them I’m not home!

*You can also use other modals in the result clause, particularly for offers and suggestions:

If you get a new job, you should really buy nicer clothes!

I can get you a ticket to the Madonna concert if you want to go!

If you need someone to help you move, I might be able to help.

be going to
I’m going to buy a new car next year if I have enough money.

If you don’t give me back my sweater right now, I’m going to scream!

She’s going to take a vacation next week if she gets time off work.

Talking about the future

The 1st conditional sentence structure can also be used to talk about the future. You can use conjunctions of time [when, before, after, as soon as, until] instead of if in the condition / dependent clause . They are always followed by the present simple tense.

When
I’ll wash the dishes when my TV show is over.

I’ll come inside when it gets dark.

He’s going to be a policeman when he’s older!

Before
I’ll finish this report before I leave tonight.

Please take the garbage out before you go to work today.

He’ll call you before he goes out tonight.

After
I’ll eat dinner after I finish my homework

After she graduates from university she’ll need to find a job!

He’ll look for a place to live after he finds a job.

Until
I’ll sit outside until it gets dark.

I will keep looking for my car keys until I find them!

We’ll wait until the rain stops, then we’ll go outside.

As soon as
I’ll wash the dishes as soon as this TV show is over.

Call me as soon as you get in.

We’ll start the meeting as soon as the CEO arrives.

The band will start playing as soon as everyone arrives.

Using the present perfect with the 1st conditional:

The present perfect can be used in the result clause with when and after.

*There is no change in the meaning of the sentence when the present perfect is used with after:

Tell me what you think of the movie after you see it!
Tell me what you think of the movie after you’ve seen it.

After I find a job, I’ll look for a place to live.
After I’ve found a job, I’ll look for a place to live.

I’ll finish my homework after I eat dinner.
I’ll finish my homework after I’ve eaten dinner.

*When the present perfect is used with when, it means that the event/action must happen before a future event/action occurs:

When I have save enough money, I’ll buy a car!
When I have saved enough money, I’m going to buy a car!

When I find a job, I’ll look for a place to live.
When I’ve found a job, I’ll look for a place to live