First Conditional
Talk about real possibilities in the future.
Forming it
If + present simple, ... will + base verb.
- If it rains, I will stay home.
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Order can switch
The 'if' clause can come first or second — the meaning stays the same.
- I will stay home if it rains.
Common mistake
Don't use 'will' in the if-clause.
- If I have time, I will call you. (not: If I will have time...)
Other main-clause options
Besides 'will', the main clause can use 'can', 'might', or an imperative, depending on how certain or urgent the result is.
- If it stops raining, we can go outside.
- If you're free tonight, we might catch a movie.
- If you see John, tell him to call me.
More examples in context
The first conditional is used constantly for real, likely future plans.
- If I finish work early, I'll join you for dinner.
- If she doesn't apologize, I won't forgive her.
- If you heat ice, it will melt.
- If the traffic is bad, we'll be late.
- If you need help, just ask.
- If they win this match, they will reach the finals.
Common mistakes to avoid
These are frequent first conditional errors, and how to correct them.
- ✗ If it will rain, I will stay home. → ✓ If it rains, I will stay home.
- ✗ If you will study, you will pass. → ✓ If you study, you will pass.
- ✗ I will be happy if you will come. → ✓ I will be happy if you come.
- ✗ If she call me, I will tell her. → ✓ If she calls me, I will tell her.
Quick practice
Complete each first conditional sentence, then check your answer.
- If you ___ (not/leave) now, you'll miss the train. (answer: don't leave)
- If we ___ (save) enough money, we'll travel to Japan. (answer: save)
- She'll be upset if you ___ (forget) her birthday. (answer: forget)
- If it ___ (be) sunny tomorrow, we'll have a picnic. (answer: is)
- If you ___ (touch) that wire, you'll get a shock. (answer: touch)