Definition of the First Conditional

Question

Hi teachers, I've seen this definition:First Conditional sentences express real or possible future situations.Isn't it better to say, 'First Conditional sentences express possible future situations', without 'real'?Thanks in advance.

Fivejedjon · Accepted Answer

Thinking Spain 'First Conditional sentences express possible future situations', without 'real'?

I prefer 'real', because it makes 'less real' and 'unreal' useful contrasts.

If he is here tomorrow, we cen play. - future, real
If he were here tomorrow, we could play. - future, less real / unreal
If he were here now, we could play. - present, unreal.

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Hi fivejedjon,
Thanks a lot for your reply.

It is morning. I am at home. I plan to play tennis this afternoon.
If it rains in the afternoon, I will stay home.
Sorry to be stubborn, but in that sentence the possible future result, 'I will stay at home' depends on the possible future condition, 'If it rains in the afternoon'.
Once I've said it's possible, I can't see what is added by the word real.
First Conditional sentences express possible future situations.

On second thought, I can only see the word real for that definition in this one. Do you agree?
First Conditional sentences express real future situations depending on the conditions expressed.

TS

Surfer · Answer

Hello everybody.

Thinking SpainFirst Conditional sentences express real or possible future situations.

I think real here means present, that is, present situations. In this sense, the First Conditional deals with outcomes resulting from current or future situations.

-Physical laws governing this universe exist all the time; it's a current situation. Being aware of this current reality, you know an apple will fall down to the ground once it's dropped.

-Adam and I are to meet tomorrow at Starbucks. Adam is not there right now, but he will be then; it's a future situation. Based on my knowledge of this, I know I will meet him if I be there on time.

Fivejedjon · Answer

Thinking SpainIf it rains in the afternoon, I will stay home.

Rain is possible; the speaker sees the possibility as real.

If it rained this afternoon, I would stay home.

Rain is possible; the speaker sees the possibility as less real.

Tenacious Learner · Answer

fivejedjonRain is possible; the speaker sees the possibility as real.

Thats true!

fivejedjonIf it rained this afternoon, I would stay home. Rain is possible; the speaker sees the possibility as less real.

That's true too! No discussion is possible.

TS

Fivejedjon · Answer

Thinking SpainNo discussion is possible.

Discussion is always possible. I am presenting only my opinion, not absolute fact.

Definition of the First Conditional

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