Talking about

what always happens, and

what will happen, IF...
 General Truths
(zero conditional – not just now, but every time)
If / When + simple present, + simple present
(condition) (constant result)

If / When you heat ice, it melts.

+ =
If / When you don’t exercise, you gain weight.
(negative)
=
Does ice melt if / when you heat it?
(questions)
 Real Possibilities
( first conditional )
If + simple present, + future
(condition) (result)

If it rains, I will stay at home.

If they don’t pass the exam, the teacher will be sad.

What will you do if it rains tomorrow?

•Activities
 Activity 1
(1) Create sentences for these general truths.
(2) Then, add the word “tomorrow”, and create sentences for a real possibility.

1. (I / wake up late / I / be late for work)

__________________________________________

2. (my husband / cook / he / burn the food)

__________________________________________

3. (Julie / not wear a hat / she / get sunstroke)

__________________________________________

4. (children / not eat well / they / not be healthy)

__________________________________________

5. (you / mix water and electricity / you / get a shock)

__________________________________________
 Activity 1 (continued)
(1) Create sentences for these general truths.
(2) Then, add the word “tomorrow”, and create sentences for a real possibility.

6. (people / eat / too many sweets / they / get fat)

__________________________________________

7. (you / smoke / you / get yellow fingers)

__________________________________________

8. (children / play outside / they / not get overweight)

__________________________________________

9. (you / heat ice / it / melt)

__________________________________________

10. (I / speak to Jane / she / get annoyed)

__________________________________________
 Activity 2
Say what will happen if…

… you pass the test.

… Chile wins the World Cup
… you travel to Europe
… it rains tomorrow
… you cut your finger
… your brother/sister gives you a present
… somebody lies to you
 Activity 3A
Create sentences for these general truths.

What other general truths do you know?

 Activity 3B
What will happen if these real possibilities occur?
 Activity 3C

Let’s go online!

http://www.perfect-english-
grammar.com/first-conditional-
exercise-1.html