En For Fun

Definition and usage

1

Conditional sentences and time clauses are sentences consisting of at least two parts(clauses) and joined with conjunctions showing condition or time.

If you see her, tell her I need to talk to her. - conditional clause I will call you when I get home. - time clause

2

The first conditional is used to talk about present and future events or situations that are likely to happen if a certain condition is met. It's a way to express a realistic possibility in the future.

If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic. If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

In these sentences, the condition (raining tomorrow, studying hard) is seen as possible, and the result (canceling the picnic, passing the exam) is what will happen if the condition is met.

3

A time clause in English grammar refers to a clause in a sentence that describes a specific time or duration when something happens. These clauses often start with conjunctions like when, while, before, after, as soon as, till, until and once.

I will call you when I arrive. I will master English after I complete every exercise in my textbook

Structure

1

Both conditional and time clauses have similar structure: they consist of two parts - if-clauses/time clauses and main clauses.

The following structures can be used in conditional sentences/time clauses
The main clause	will + infinitive, modal verb, the imperative
If-clause/time clause	present simple, modal verb

2

It's a common mistake to use wil + infinitive after if or time conjunctions. Instead, the Present Simple or a modal verb is used to refer to future events in time and conditional clauses.

If it will stop raining, we will go for a walk.	If it stops raining, we will go for a walk.
When it will stop raining, we will go for a walk.	When it stops raining, we will go for a walk.

Here are some more examples of conditional and time clauses with modal verbs and the imperative.

If it rains, we might cancel the picnic. I cannot speak to him, until he apologizes to me. If you finish your work early, you should take a break. If it's hot tomorrow, wear sunscreen. When you see her, tell her I said hello. If the phone rings, answer it.

Punctuation

Use a comma to separate the if-clause or time clause from the main clause. In case the sentence starts with main clause, if-clause is not marked by a comma.

If she calls, I will let you know. I will let you know if she calls. As soon as you get the letter, let me know. Let me know as soon as you get the letter.

First Conditional and Time Clauses