First Conditional use
We use it to talk about a real situation in the future: if the condition happens, the result will follow.
First Conditional Form
| if-part (Conditional) |
main part Result |
| if + subject + Present Simple |
subject + Future Simple |
If + subject + Present Simple, subject + will + V.
Subject + will + V + if + subject + Present Simple.
If it rains, I will stay at home.
First Conditional Rule
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The order of the parts doesn’t matter.
If the weather doesn’t improve, we’ll stay at home.We’ll stay at home if the weather doesn’t improve.
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If the conditional part comes first, we put a comma after it.
If you study, you will pass.You will pass if you study.
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In the main clause, the verb “will” can be replaced by modal verbs:
can, might, may, should, must или be going to
If we hurry up, we can catch the last train.
If we call a taxi, we might get there sooner.
If you finish the report today, we may send it to the client tomorrow.
If you feel tired, you should take a short break.
If you want to enter the lab, you must wear protective glasses.
If you don’t hurry, we’re going to miss the train.
First Conditional Negation
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in the conditional clause (after if) - we use
Present Simple + don't / doesn't
If you don’t hurry, we’ll be late.
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in the main clause — we simply add a negation to will or a modal verb
If it rains, we won’t go outside.
If you study hard, you might not fail the test.
First Conditional Questions
The question is formed like a regular future tense question, only the clause with if remains.
Will + subject + V1 + if + Present Simple?
Wh-word + will + subject + V1 + if + Present Simple?
Will you stay at home if it rains?
What will you do if the app doesn’t load?
Where will you go if the weather is nice tomorrow?
Who will you invite if you organize a party this weekend?
When will you start working on it if they approve the plan?
Why will she be upset if you don’t call her back?
Which project will you choose if they give you multiple options?
How will you feel if the test goes better than expected?
First Conditional Common mistakes
❌ If it will rain, we will cancel.
✅ If it rains, we will cancel.
❌ I won’t come if he won’t call.
✅ I won’t come if he doesn’t call.
First Conditional Sentences
If you go to bed earlier, you will feel better tomorrow.
If he doesn’t do his homework, the teacher will be unhappy.
If it gets warmer tomorrow, we will go to the countryside.
If you help me with the project, I will buy you dinner.
If they miss the train, they will have to wait for the next one.
If it rains, we will postpone the walk.
If you prepare well, you will pass the exam.
If she works hard, she will get a promotion.
If we don’t leave now, we will get stuck in traffic.
If you don’t turn off the lights, the electricity bill will go up.
First Conditional Examples
If you drink too much coffee in the evening, you will not fall asleep quickly.
If we finish the task earlier, we will have time to relax.
If she doesn’t bring her laptop, she will not be able to join the meeting.
If the weather is nice at the weekend, we will have a picnic in the park.
If you don’t save the document, you will lose your changes.
If they call us in the morning, we will answer all their questions.
If you follow the instructions carefully, you won’t make a mistake.
If my flight is delayed, I will text you.
If the app doesn’t work, we will contact technical support.
If you don’t back up your files, you will regret it later.