1.1. I'll go unless you tell me to stay

Icono de iDevice Solved exercise

We've already learned the form of first conditional sentences. Let's learn about their use:

We use first conditional sentences to talk about a possible or likely event and its result.

The 'if' clause can go at the beginning or at the end of the sentence, and they have the same meaning:

CONDITION RESULT
If I study,
I will pass my exams

 

RESULT CONDITION
I will pass my exams
if I study
What happens if we put the 'if' clause at the beginning?

Icono IDevice Important
Don't forget you are using the Present Simple in first conditional sentences, so don't forget the -s of the third person singular, or the auxiliaries do/ does, don't/doesn't for the negative or interrogative forms!

Icono IDevice Further knowledge

Have a look at many different examples of first conditional sentences and possible meanings. It will be very helpful!


Icono de iDevice Self-Assessment activity
Do you remember the sentences from the previous video? Try to complete them:

1. If I to Paris, I the Eiffel Tower.

By cobalt123,C. Commons

2. If we now, we the train.

3. If you some chocolate, you happier!

4. If you , I the dishes.

5. If you away, I your cat.

6. If you that wire, you an electric shock.

7. If you doing that, I angry!

8. If you that again, I the police!

9. If you why you did it, he ...

10. If you the book again, you it.

  

Icono de iDevice Reflexión

Let's study the following sentences:

I'll go unless you tell me to stay.

I'll go if you don't tell me to stay.

What's the difference? What does 'unless' mean? 

Icono de iDevice Self-Assessment activity
Rewrite the following sentences using 'unless'.

1. I won't help you if you don't ask me.

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2. If he doesn't apologise, I'll leave the house.

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3. We'll go to the zoo if it doesn't rain.

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4. I'll have the cake if you don't want it.

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Let's finish with first conditional sentences in the next section! Let's go!