First Conditional and "Use To" Explained
This page covers two important English language concepts: the first conditional and the use of "use to" for past habits. Both are essential for effective communication in English.
The first conditional is a grammatical structure used to discuss realistic possibilities in the present or future. It consists of two parts:
- The 'if clause': Uses the simple present tense
- The main clause: Uses 'will' + verb
Example: If you study (if clause), you will pass the test (main clause).
Highlight: The first conditional is particularly useful for expressing cause-and-effect relationships or potential outcomes based on certain conditions.
The structure follows this pattern:
If + subject + simple present verb, subject + will + verb
Example: If she works hard, she will buy a house.
The page also introduces the concept of "use to," which is employed to talk about past habits or states that are no longer true.
Vocabulary: "Use to" can be translated to Spanish as "soler" or "acostumbrar."
The structure for "use to" is:
Subject + used to + verb (affirmative)
Subject + didn't use to + verb (negative)
Did + subject + use to + verb? (interrogative)
Example: She used to like playing soccer. (Past habit that is no longer true)
Highlight: "Use to" is often employed with various complements to describe past customs or habits that have changed.
The page also mentions some related expressions:
- Get used to (acostumbrarse a)
- Be used to (estar acostumbrado a)
These phrases are useful for discussing adaptation to new situations or longstanding habits.
Vocabulary: Some verbs often used with "get" include:
- Get wet
- Get old
- Get tired
Understanding both the first conditional and "use to" structures will greatly enhance your ability to express possibilities and past habits in English, making your language more nuanced and expressive.
