Grammatically, conditional sentences by simple future tense, especially in main clause are used to describe or indicate possibility and likelihood. In such conditionals, future tense is applicable only in main clause that espress outcome instead of if….clause.
If you describe likelihood and possibility of outcome based on condition in if….clause, it is also temed as realistic imagination.
“If you get up early in the morning, you will reach at school on time”.
In this example, the only condition the student in question has to fulfill is that he should wake up as early as possible.
“If you pay EMI regularly, it will improve your civil score”.
Surely, it is highly possible that by paying regular EMI, you could definitely improve your credibility.
Zero conditional Vs First conditional sentences difference
Previously, I have explained the Zero, first, second, and third Conditional sentences in a detailed manner.
“Consumer spends less if there is higher inflation”.
As per the basic principle of economics, people tend to spend less if there is rise in prices. And, spend more, if there is more supply.
Zero conditional sentences only express or indicate general truth, principle, or law. But, In the formation, only simple present tense is used.
First level conditional sentences which use simple future tense to describe the outcome in main clause, are preferred to express or indicate likelihood or possibility in actions.
“If you get up early in the morning, you will reach at school on time”. ‘You will reach at school on time’ is the outcome of condition expressed in if…. clause.
Understanding use of conditional sentences by simple future tense for likelihood or possibility
Adverb clause of conditions play pivotal role in introducing zero, first, second and third level conditional sentences.
Conjunctions of condition like if, as, Provided that and on condition that, unless, until etc. form depending or subordinating clauses.
In addition, it is worthy to mention that noun, adjective, and adverb clauses are classified as depending or subordinating clauses.
In the previous blog, I have explained in detail the structure, functions and examples of zero conditional sentences for general truth and possibility.
Structure of first conditional sentences by simple future tense is as:
If….. Clause + Main clause; Main clause + If….clause.
Rules of comma, and future tense universally applicable in the all forms of conditional sentences. Like, conditional sentence need comma when the if clause comes before main.
“If you get up early in the morning, you will reach at school on time”. Or, you will reach at school on time if you get up early in the morning.
Useful examples of conditional sentences by simple future tense
For better insight, I am going to provide some useful examples of conditional sentences describing likelihood or possibility.
a) If you buy goods — depending if…. clause.
b) Company will produce more. (Main clause by simple future tense).
c) People will get more jobs.
d) Government will receive more taxes.
- “If you buy goods, company will produce more”. Or, company will produce more if you buy goods.
- If you buy goods, people will get more jobs. Or, people will get more jobs if you buy goods.
- If you buy goods, government will receive more taxes. Or, government will receive more taxes if you buy goods.
a) If it rains heavily in Himalayas– if…. clause.
b) There will be flood in river. ( Main clause)
c) It will increase the chances of landslides.
d) Tourists will prefer to stay away and safe meantime.
- If it rains heavily in Himalayas, there will be flood in river.
- If it rains heavily in Himalayas, it will increase the chances of landslides.
- If it rains in Himalayas, tourists will prefer to stay away and safe meantime.
a) If party fails to win majority in election — if…clause.
b) It will not get chance to form government.
c) It will loose power to opposition.
d) It will try to regain ground again.
- If party fails to win majority in election, it will not get chance to form government.
- If party fails to win majority in election, it will loose power to opposition.
- If party fails to win majority in election, it will try to regain ground again.
- If you keep habit of saving money, one day, you will become self reliant.
If government spends on public expenditure, better will be the living standard of people.
More useful examples of first conditionals
1.If market becomes more competitive, consumer will get more benefits.
2.If an economy becomes export oriented, the country will become key player at global level.
3.If we adopt green technology, energy resources will go longer.
These are some useful examples of conditional sentences by simple future tense. As I mentioned before that first conditionals describe the likelihood and possibility or realistic imagination.
Government improves market outcomes
Conditional sentences for general truth and possibility