🎯Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Identify the structure and function of the first conditional.
  • Construct sentences using if, when, as soon as, and unless to describe real future possibilities.
  • Apply the first conditional to discuss strategies and consequences in workplace scenarios.
  • Communicate personal plans and their likely outcomes using the first conditional.

📚Grammar & Skill Explanation

The first conditional is a powerful tool for talking about the future. We use it to describe a realistic situation (a condition) and its probable result. It shows a cause-and-effect link for things that are likely to happen.

Form / Structure

  • If + Present Simple, ... will + base verb.
    Example: If we meet our sales target, the company will pay a bonus.
  • Result + if + Present Simple.
    Example: The company will pay a bonus if we meet our sales target.

Usage & Variations

  • If: Introduces a possible condition.
    If you sign today, we'll give you a discount.
  • When: Use when the condition is certain.
    When I finish this report, I'll send it to you.
  • As soon as: Shows immediacy.
    As soon as the client arrives, we will start the meeting.
  • Unless: Means “if... not”.
    We will miss the deadline unless we work faster.
🔑
Key Learning Tip: Keep the condition clause (if/when/as soon as/unless) in the present tense—even when you are talking about the future. Never use will in the if part of the sentence.

💼Context: Professional & Daily Usage

🏢 Professional Context (Workplace Scenarios)
Negotiation: "If you lower the price, we will place a larger order."
Project Management: "If this phase is delayed, it will affect the entire project timeline."
HR & Policy: "If you submit your timesheet late, you won't be paid on time."
Client Communication: "As soon as you approve the design, we'll begin development."
🤝 Everyday Context (Workplace-Adjacent)
Making Plans: "If the weather is good on Saturday, we'll have the team barbecue."
Commuting: "If I miss the 8 AM train, I'll be late for the daily stand-up meeting."
Personal Development: "If I get this certification, I will be eligible for a promotion."

🧠Examples & Analysis

✅ Correct Professional & Daily Usage

Workplace (Negotiation): "If you agree to a two-year contract, we will offer you a 15% discount."

Workplace (Planning): "When the new software arrives, I will install it on all the company laptops."

Workplace (Management): "The project won't succeed unless everyone works together as a team."

Workplace (Communication): "As soon as I get the final numbers, I'll email the report to you."

Daily (Decision Making): "If it rains tomorrow, I'll work from home."

Daily (Consequence): "You'll miss your flight if you don't leave for the airport now."

❌ Common Business Mistakes

Mistake: "If the client will agree to our terms, we will sign the contract."

Correction: "If the client agrees to our terms, we will sign the contract."

Why? Never use will in the if-clause.

Mistake: "I will let you know as soon as I will have more information."

Correction: "I will let you know as soon as I have more information."

When, as soon as, unless follow the same rule: present simple in the condition clause.

Mistake: "If we perform well on this project, the client gives us another contract."

Correction: "If we perform well on this project, the client will give us another contract."

Use will + base verb in the result clause to show the likely future outcome.

🎧
Professional Listening Exercise
6 minutes

Listen to Maria, the event coordinator, and David, the operations manager, planning the annual conference:

Audio: Conference Contingency Planning
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On track: Progressing as planned or expected.
Bottleneck: A blockage that slows down a process.
Keynote speaker: The main, most important speaker at a conference.

Listening Questions

1. What will happen if the keynote speaker's flight is delayed?
2. According to Maria, what will be the consequence unless they get 200 registrations?
3. What promise does David make about the tech setup?
4. Complete the sentence from the audio: "If you ______ the schedule today, I'll send it to the printers."