Skip to main content

First Conditional

Express real and possible future situations and their results

What is First Conditional?

The first conditional is used for real and possible situations in the future. If the condition happens (and it's possible/likely), the result will follow. It's the "maybe it will happen" conditional.

Formula: If + present simple, will + base verb

Compare: "If it rains, the grass gets wet" (always true - zero conditional) vs. "If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home" (possible future - first conditional).

When to Use

Future Predictions (If This Happens, That Will Happen)

Examples

  • If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic. (possible future)
  • If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
  • If she comes to the party, I will talk to her.
  • If they arrive late, the meeting will start without them.
  • If we leave now, we will be on time.
  • If you don't hurry, you will miss the bus.

Warnings and Threats

Examples

  • If you don't stop talking, I will leave. (warning)
  • If you touch that, you will get hurt.
  • If you don't pay the bill, they will disconnect the service.
  • If she finds out, she will be angry.
  • If you keep lying, people won't trust you.

Promises and Offers

Examples

  • If you help me now, I will help you later. (promise)
  • If you need anything, I will be there.
  • If you call me, I will come immediately.
  • If you finish your homework, we will go to the park.
  • If you want, I will explain it again.

Advice and Recommendations

Examples

  • If you feel tired, you should rest. (advice - can use "should" instead of "will")
  • If you don't understand, you can ask the teacher.
  • If you have time, you should visit the museum.
  • If it's cold, you should wear a jacket.

Negotiations and Conditions

Examples

  • If you lower the price, I will buy it. (negotiation)
  • If you apologize, she will forgive you.
  • If they agree to our terms, we will sign the contract.
  • If you give me a discount, I will buy two.

Formation

If-clause first

If + subject + present simple, subject + will + base verb

Examples

  • If it rains, we will stay home.
  • If you come early, we 'll have more time.
  • If she studies, she will pass.
  • If they don't hurry, they will be late.

Main clause first

Subject + will + base verb + if + subject + present simple

Examples

  • We will stay home if it rains.
  • We'll have more time if you come early.
  • She will pass if she studies.
  • They will be late if they don't hurry.

Alternative modals in main clause: can, should, may, might, must

Examples

  • If you need help, you can call me.
  • If you're tired, you should rest.
  • If she comes, we might go to the park.
  • If it's important, you must tell me.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ If it will rain, we will cancel. → ✅ If it rains, we will cancel. (no "will" in if-clause)
  • ❌ If you come, I am happy. → ✅ If you come, I will be happy. (use "will" for future result)
  • ❌ If you will study, you pass. → ✅ If you study, you will pass.
  • ❌ If she comes, we go to park. → ✅ If she comes, we will go to the park.
  • ❌ If I have time I will help you. → ✅ If I have time, I will help you. (need comma)
  • ❌ If you came, I will be happy. → ✅ If you come, I will be happy. (present simple, not past)
  • ❌ If you study hard, you are passing. → ✅ If you study hard, you will pass.

Practice Tips

Practice Tips

  • 🚫 No "will" in if-clause: NEVER use "will" after "if" in first conditional. Use present simple in the if-clause.
  • 🔮 Real possibility: First conditional is for things that CAN really happen. Use it when the situation is possible or likely.
  • 💬 Contractions: "I'll," "we'll," "won't" are very common in speech. "If you come, I'll help you."
  • 📝 Comma rule: Use comma when if-clause is first. No comma when main clause is first.
  • 🎯 Practice patterns: "If I have time, I will..." "If you don't..., you won't..." "If she comes, we can..."

Related Topics