/Conditionals
A2Conditionals

First Conditional

1

What is it?

The first conditional is used to talk about real, possible situations in the future — things that might actually happen. If the condition is possible or likely, we use the first conditional. The if-clause describes the condition; the result clause describes what will happen if that condition is met.

2

How to form it

SubjectPositiveNegativeQuestion
If-clause (condition)If + present simpleIf + don't / doesn't + verb—
Result clausewill + base verbwon't + base verbWill + subject + base verb?
Example (+)If it rains,If it doesn't rain,—
Example (result)I will take an umbrella.I won't take an umbrella.Will you take an umbrella?
  • • Never use 'will' in the if-clause. Use the present simple: 'If it rains' NOT 'If it will rain'.
  • • Use a comma when the if-clause comes first. No comma is needed when the result clause comes first.
  • • You can use might or may instead of will for less certain results: 'If he calls, I might answer.'
  • • Unless means 'if not': 'Unless you hurry' = 'If you don't hurry'.
  • • When, as soon as, until, and before can replace 'if' when the future event is more certain.
3

When to use it

  1. 1

    Real, possible future situations — things that could happen.

    "If you study hard, you will pass the exam." / "If it snows, we will cancel the trip."

  2. 2

    Warnings and threats.

    "If you don't stop, I will call the manager." / "If you touch that, it will break."

  3. 3

    Promises and offers.

    "If you help me move, I'll buy you dinner." / "If you need anything, I'll be here."

  4. 4

    Giving advice or suggestions.

    "If you're tired, you should go to bed." / "If the traffic is bad, take the metro."

  5. 5

    With unless — expressing a negative condition.

    "Unless you book in advance, you won't get a table." / "I won't go unless you come too."

4

Common mistakes

If it will be sunny tomorrow, we will go to the beach.

If it is sunny tomorrow, we will go to the beach.

Never use 'will' in the if-clause. The if-clause always takes the present simple in the first conditional.

If she will call, I answer the phone.

If she calls, I will answer the phone.

Two mistakes here: 'will' in the if-clause (wrong — use present simple), and no 'will' in the result clause (wrong — it needs will + base verb).

Unless you don't book early, you won't get a ticket.

Unless you book early, you won't get a ticket.

'Unless' already means 'if not', so adding 'don't' creates a double negative. Say 'unless you book' not 'unless you don't book'.

5

Quick reference

  • If-clause: if + present simple. Result clause: will + base verb.
  • Never use 'will' in the if-clause.
  • Use a comma after the if-clause when it comes first.
  • Unless = if not (do not add another negative after 'unless').
  • Use might or may instead of will for uncertain results.
  • Used for real and possible future situations, warnings, promises, and advice.
6

Natural conversation example

Two flatmates discussing their plans for the weekend.

J

Jake

If the weather is nice on Saturday, do you want to go for a hike?
M

Marta

Sure! But if it rains, I'll probably just stay home and watch films.
J

Jake

Fair enough. I'll check the forecast tonight. If it looks good, I'll book the trail.
M

Marta

Good idea. And if you book it, can you get a spot for Lena too? She said she might come.
J

Jake

No problem. Unless she tells me otherwise, I'll add her to the booking.
M

Marta

Perfect. What will we do if the trail is fully booked?
J

Jake

If that happens, we can always go to the park. It's free.
M

Marta

True. Either way, it'll be nice to get outside if we get the chance.

Practice Exercises

Complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets to form a first conditional.

  1. 1.
    If you (study) harder, you will pass the exam.
  2. 2.
    If it (not / stop) raining, we'll have to cancel the match.
  3. 3.
    She (be) late if she misses the 8 o'clock train.
  4. 4.
    Unless you (book) now, you won't get a table.
  5. 5.
    If I (find) a better job, I'll hand in my notice immediately.
  6. 6.
    What you
  7. 7.
    The plants (die) if you don't water them.
  8. 8.
    If he (not / apologise), I'm not going to speak to him.
  9. 9.
    We might get lost if we (not / take) a map.
  10. 10.
    If the meeting (finish) early, let's grab a coffee.
Zero ConditionalAll TopicsSecond Conditional

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