The first conditional and similar structures

We use the first conditional for things which are possible but not certain.

The structure is if + present simple, will + infinitive.

'If I see John, I'll (I will) tell him.'

The if clause or the main clause can come first. If the if clause is first then you need to put a comma (,) between the two clauses. If the main clause is first then no comma -

'I'll tell John if I see him.'

Instead of 'will' we can use 'might' for possibility and 'can' for ability -

 'If I see John, I can tell him' (if you want me to)

We can use 'Unless' to say 'if not' - 'I expect your homework if you don't tell me you have a problem'  =

 'I expect your homework unless you tell me you have a problem'

If something is certain you can use 'when' -


'I'll tell John when I see him this evening'

If one thing depends on another then we use 'as long as' -

'As long as you do the washing up, I'll dry the dishes.'

Verb patterns

When one verb is followed by a second verb the form of the second verb is dependent on the first verb. Underneath is a chart to help you learn some of them.

Present perfect simple & continuous

The present perfect simple is used to talk about results, states and single events.

I have read 3 books
I have been married for 7 years
I have been to Spain

Structure

+       subject + have/has + 3rd form
-        subject + haven't/hasn't + 3rd form
?        have/has + subject + 3rd form

We often use it to talk about things that have happened in the past without saying when. As soon as you can identify 'when' or you talk about a specific time you should switch to the past simple.

A 'I've been to Spain.'
B  'Really, when did you go?'


The present perfect continuous is often used to talk about the duration of an action - it is less common that the simple form

I have been waiting here for 3 hours

+      subject + have/has + been + verb-ing
-       subject + haven't/hasn't + been + verb-ing
?       have/has + subject + been + verb-ing

Has she been waiting long?