Grammar › Conditionals › First Conditional
First Conditional
The first conditional (if + present simple, will + base verb) is for a real future possibility. Use it for:
- A likely future result — If it rains, I'll stay home.
- Warnings, promises and offers — If you touch that, you'll burn yourself.
The if-clause uses the present simple (not 'will'); the result uses will. You can replace will with 'be going to', a modal, or an imperative.
How to form the first conditional
| Clause | Verb form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| If-clause (the condition) | if + present simple | If you study hard, |
| Main clause (the result) | will (‘ll) + base verb | you’ll pass. |
The if-clause uses the present simple — never ‘will’. The result clause uses will (or a close alternative: be going to, can, might, or an imperative).
When to use the first conditional
1. A real future possibility
- If I have time, I’ll call you.
- If we leave now, we’ll catch the train.
2. Warnings, promises and offers
- If you don’t hurry, you’ll miss the bus. (warning)
- If you help me, I’ll buy you dinner. (promise)
⚠️ Typical error:
If it will rain, I’ll stay home.→ The if-clause takes the present simple: If it rains, I’ll stay home.
3. Other results
You can replace ‘will’ with a modal or an imperative.
- If you finish early, you can go home.
- If you see Ana, tell her to call me.
Common mistakes
1. Using ‘will’ in the if-clause. If it will rain, we’ll cancel → If it rains, we’ll cancel.
2. Using the present simple in the result. If I have time, I call you → If I have time, I’ll call you.
3. Using it for imaginary situations. For something unlikely or unreal, use the second conditional. If I was a bird, I’ll fly → If I were a bird, I’d fly.
✏️ Practice: First Conditional
1. If it ___ tomorrow, I'll stay at home.
2. If you study hard, you ___ the exam.
3. If I ___ time, I'll call you later.
4. If we leave now, we ___ the train.
5. If you don't hurry, you ___ the bus.
6. If she ___ me, I'll help her.
7. If you finish early, you ___ go home.
8. Choose the correct version of: 'If it will be sunny, we'll go to the beach.'
9. Choose the sentence with the same meaning as: 'Hurry up or you'll be late.'
10. I think it's possible. If I ___ enough money, I'll buy a car.
11. Fill in the gap
If you ___ the bus, you'll be late. (miss)
Use the present simple.
12. Correct the mistake
If it will rain, we'll cancel the trip.
Type the whole corrected sentence.
13. Correct the mistake
If I have time, I call you.
Type the whole corrected sentence.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I say 'if it will rain'?
The if-clause of the first conditional uses the present simple, not will: 'If it rains, I'll stay home.'
What is the difference between the first and second conditional?
The first conditional is for a real, likely future (If I have time, I'll help). The second is for imaginary or unlikely situations (If I had time, I'd help).
Can I use something other than 'will'?
Yes: be going to, can, might, must, or an imperative — If you see her, tell her / you should call.
Can I put the result first?
Yes: I'll stay home if it rains. Use no comma when the if-clause is second.
👩🏫 For teachers
CEFR objectives for “First Conditional”:
- Can form the first conditional with if + present simple and will + base verb (CEFR B1).
- Can use it for future possibilities, warnings, promises and offers.
- Can avoid 'will' in the if-clause.
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