First Conditional helps you communicate about possible future situations, warnings and promises. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can describe a realistic future condition and its likely result.
- Recognise and build the form: if + present simple, will + base verb.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use First Conditional for possible future situations, warnings and promises. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.
Use 'will + base verb' for the likely future result.
I will call you if I get any news.
Use the present simple, not 'will', in the if-clause.
If you don't hurry, you will miss the bus.
The result clause uses 'will' for a likely future consequence.
if + present simple, will + base verbKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use 'will + base verb' for the likely future result.
- Use the present simple, not 'will', in the if-clause.
- The result clause uses 'will' for a likely future consequence.
- 'If' introduces the possible condition for starting early.
- The if-clause of a first conditional takes the present simple.
Common mistakes
Not:If it rains tomorrow, we stay at home.
Use:If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.
Use 'will + base verb' for the likely future result.
Not:I will call you if I will get any news.
Use:I will call you if I get any news.
Use the present simple, not 'will', in the if-clause.
Not:If you don't hurry, you miss the bus.
Use:If you don't hurry, you will miss the bus.
The result clause uses 'will' for a likely future consequence.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
____ she comes early, we will start at nine.
If
'If' introduces the possible condition for starting early.
What will you do if the plan ____?
fails
The if-clause of a first conditional takes the present simple.
If I finish on time, I ____ you with the report.
will help
Use 'will help' for a future promise dependent on a condition.