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. Pro tip: present simple in the if-clause, will in the result.
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. Correct this: 'If it will be sunny, we'll go to the beach.'
9. Rewrite with the same meaning: 'Hurry up or you'll be late.'
10. I think it's possible. If I ___ enough money, I'll buy a car.
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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