00:00First conditional.
00:04Conditionals are an important part of English.
00:08We use them to make predictions, to give advice, and to talk about hypothetical scenarios.
00:16Conditionals help us connect cause and effect.
00:21Conditionals generally use if or when to introduce conditions,
00:26but other words or phrases can also be used.
00:31There are four different types of conditional sentences.
00:35In this video, we're going to look at first conditionals.
00:39Be sure to check out our videos on zero, second, and third conditionals.
00:45You can find the links in the video description.
00:50First conditional is used to talk about real and possible situations in the future.
00:56It describes events or actions that are likely to happen if a certain condition is met.
01:06Here's an example.
01:08If it rains, we will watch a movie.
01:12Here, first conditional is used because it's referring to a future situation that will happen if a condition is met.
01:21You might remember that zero conditional refers to general truths, or universal facts.
01:29For example, if ice melts, it turns into water.
01:36First conditionals aren't used for general truths.
01:39They deal with specific future scenarios that are possible or likely to occur.
01:49Let's now look at the structure that makes this a first conditional sentence.
01:55To form first conditional, we use the word if, followed by the present simple tense.
02:02Then, to form our second clause, we use will, to form future simple.
02:09A comma is used to separate our two clauses.
02:14Instead of if, when, and unless, can also be used.
02:20In this sentence, the condition comes before the result.
02:26We can change the order.
02:29For example, we could say,
02:31We will watch a movie if it rains.
02:35Now the result comes before the condition.
02:39In this case, the structure is flipped around.
02:43The future simple clause comes first.
02:47Then if, when, or unless.
02:50And then the present simple clause.
02:53If we do this, we don't use a comma between the clauses.
02:59It's important to note that instead of will,
03:03we can also use the modal verbs might, could, may, should, or can,
03:10depending on the level of certainty or the nature of the outcome.
03:16For example, instead of,
03:18If it rains, we will watch a movie.
03:21We could say,
03:23If it rains, we may watch a movie.
03:26Which indicates a lower level of certainty.
03:30Or we could say,
03:32If it rains, we should watch a movie.
03:35Which implies a suggestion.
03:39Now we know the structure of first conditionals,
03:42let's take a look at a couple more examples.
03:46The first.
03:48If the team wins,
03:50they will be in the finals.
03:53The second.
03:55Unless we leave now,
03:57we'll miss the train.
03:59The third.
04:01When the pizza arrives,
04:03Sam will come downstairs.
04:05We know they are first conditional,
04:08because they follow this structure.
04:11If, when, or unless.
04:14Followed by a clause in present simple.
04:16Then a comma.
04:19Then a clause in future simple,
04:22with will,
04:23or another modal verb.
04:26These sentences all refer to real and possible future situations,
04:32based on a condition.
04:44Now it's time to write a first conditional sentence of your own.
04:48You might write about something that is possible or likely to happen in the future,
04:53if a certain condition is met.
04:56For example,
04:58if it's sunny tomorrow,
05:00I'll go to the beach.
05:02Or you could write about a likely result,
05:06based on the current plan you have,
05:08like this.
05:09If I save enough money,
05:12I'll go on a holiday.
05:15Remember to follow this structure,
05:17and that instead of will,
05:19you can use other modals,
05:21such as could,
05:23or may,
05:24or should.
05:25If you're stuck for ideas,
05:28try using one of these starters.
05:31And finally,
05:33remember that we can switch the order,
05:35like this.
05:37Future simple clause,
05:39if,
05:40when,
05:41or unless,
05:42then a present simple clause.
05:45I'd love to see how you go,
05:47so be sure to leave your sentence or sentences in the comments below.
05:54Thanks for watching.
05:55And remember,
05:56if you haven't already,
05:57check out our videos on zero,
06:00second,
06:00and third conditionals,
06:02using the links below.
06:04Hope to see you soon for the next lesson.
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