1. The First Conditional

The simple present tense is used in the if clause, and the tense in the main clause is the simple future tense. EXAMPLE: If you leave now, you'll arrive home early. 'If' Clause   Main Clause If + simple present tense   Simple future tense If you leave now,   you'll arrive home early. We can turn the two clauses the other way round so that their positions are reversed as follow: Simple future tense       if + simple present tense You'll arrive home early if you leave now. Whether the if-clause or the main clause comes earlier, both conditional sentences as above are acceptable. With the first conditional, we use the present tense to talk about the future. We use this conditional when the situation in the if-clause appears likely and there is a possibility of it happening. EXAMPLE: If you help me with this, I'll buy you a drink. (You might help me) EXAMPLE: If I see him tomorrow, I'll tell him the good news. (I might see him tomorrow) The first conditional refers to the present condition that is real and a probable outcome. EXAMPLE: If the weather remains fine, we will go to the beach. EXAMPLE: If you continue to feel better, you will be out of the hospital soon. Going to can be used in the first conditional to refer to a future event. EXAMPLE: If she finishes work early, we are going to a restaurant for dinner. EXAMPLE: If you don't hurry, we are going to miss the train.