How to Use First Conditional Sentences
First conditional sentences are used to express situations in which the outcome is likely (but not guaranteed) to happen in the future. Look at the examples below:
Example: If you rest, you will feel better. – Если ты отдохнешь, то почувствуешь себя лучше.
Example: If you set your mind to a goal, you’ll eventually achieve it. – Если ты определишься с целью, ты в конце концов добьешься ее.
Note that we use the simple present tense in the if-clause and simple future tense in the main clause—that is, the clause that expresses the likely outcome. This is how we indicate that under a certain condition (as expressed in the if-clause), a specific result will likely happen in the future. Examine some of the common mistakes people make using the first conditional structure:
Incorrect: If you will rest , you will feel better. – Если ты будешь отдыхать, ты почувствуешь себя лучше.
Correct: If you rest , you will feel better. – Если ты отдохнешь, то почувствуешь себя лучше.
Explanation: Use the simple present tense in the if-clause.
Incorrect: If you set your mind to a goal, you eventually achieve it. – Если ты определяешься с целью, ты в конце концов добиваешься ее.
Correct: If you set your mind to a goal, you’ll eventually achieve it. – Если ты определишься с целью, ты в конце концов добьешься ее.
Explanation: Use the zero conditional (i.e., simple present + simple present) only when a certain result is guaranteed. If the result is likely, use the first conditional (i.e., simple present + simple future).
