First conditional
The first conditional describes possible future situations and their likely consequences.
Before this, learn: Present SimpleFuture SimpleClauses
1.Clauses Recap
1.1The Basics
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can function as a whole sentence (a main clause) or as part of a sentence (a subordinate clause).
A Main Clause, also called an Independent Clause, expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
A Subordinate Clause, also called a Dependent Clause, does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone: it needs more information to be a full sentence and must be connected to an independent clause.
| Main Clause | Subordinate Clause | Together |
|---|---|---|
| She will help me. | If I ask her about it | If I ask her about it, she will help me. |
| I would go for a walk. | If it weren't that cold | If it weren't that cold, I would go for a walk. |
| We'll go out. | If the meeting ends | If the meeting ends, we'll go out. |
| You'll pass the test. | If you study hard | If you study hard, you'll pass the test. |
There are different types of Subordinate clauses (see Topic Clauses).
We normally express a condition using an if-clause with a main clause.
Conditional sentences / Conditionals are often categorised as: Zero, First, Second, Third, Mixed and False.
1.2When and If
The words If and When are similar in many languages but different in English:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| If you come to my place tonight, we'll have dinner together. | = you may come |
| When you come to my place tonight, we'll have dinner together. | = you are coming |
Test yourself
2.First Conditional Structure
2.1Standard Forms
The first conditional expresses real or possible future situations and their likely consequences.
| Rules and Tenses | Examples | Context |
|---|---|---|
| If: Present Simple Main: Future Simple (will + base verb) |
If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic. | Probable future event and its likely consequence |
| If you study hard, you will pass the exam. | Likely outcome based on probable action |
Test yourself
2.2Alternative Forms
The same real future meaning can also be expressed with other tenses and with modal verbs.
| Rules and Tenses | Examples | Context |
|---|---|---|
| If: Present Progressive (Continuous) Main: Future Simple (will + base verb) |
If you are coming to the party, I will prepare extra food. | Future consequence based on ongoing plan |
| If: Present Perfect Main: Future Simple (will + base verb) |
If you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate. | Future result dependent on completed action |
| If you have finished your homework, we'll go for a walk together. | Likely future activity based on completed task | |
| If: Present Simple Main: may/might/can/could/should + base verb |
If you leave now, you might catch the train. | Possible but not certain outcome |
| If you practise daily, you can improve quickly. | Ability or possibility as result | |
| If the weather is good, we could go hiking. | Suggestion or possibility | |
| If you finish your homework on time, you can watch TV. | Future permission based on a completed task | |
| If: Present Simple Main: Future Progressive (Continuous) will be + -ing |
If you call at 8 PM, I will be watching TV. | Ongoing action at specific future time |
| If: Present Simple Main: Future Perfect will have + past participle |
If you arrive at 6 PM, I will have finished cooking. | Completed action by future time |
| If: Present Simple Main: be going to + base verb |
If the price drops, I'm going to buy that car. | Planned future action based on condition |
Test yourself
3.Use
3.1Real Future Situations
The first conditional describes possible future situations and their likely consequences.
It predicts possible future events based on specific conditions.
We're talking about any real-world action or event that could possibly happen in the future - whether it's likely or not.
The focus is on timing - the fact that it's in the future and could really happen.
If X happens (now/future), Y will happen as a result.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If Tesla releases a $15,000 car, it will dominate the auto market. | A possible innovation with a realistic outcome |
| If you miss the last train, you will need to take an expensive taxi. | Everyday scenario that could happen tonight, consequence of timing |
| If I see her tomorrow, I will ask her. | Possible but uncertain - it depends |
| If we win the lottery, we will buy a house. | Real but not very likely |
| If AI writes 90% of news articles, journalists will riot. | A possible development and the reaction to it |
Test yourself
3.2Likely to Happen
The condition is realistic and probable (not imaginary). Unlike the second conditional, this isn't hypothetical - it's actionable.
We use this type of conditional for decision-making, risk assessment, and practical advice. The condition is not just real - it's also probable, expected, or very possible. The focus is on probability, not just time.
The speaker believes it will probably happen.
If X happens (very possible/expected), Y will probably happen.
If X (likely condition) happens, Y (natural result) will/may/might happen.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If it rains tomorrow, we will probably stay inside. | Expected event - the forecast gives a high chance of rain |
| If the traffic is bad, you might be late to school. | Likely condition - rush hour traffic every morning |
| If you eat all your dinner, you can have dessert. | Expected condition - you usually finish your dinner |
| If the power goes out, we will need candles. | Expected consequence - a storm is forecast and storms often cut the power here |
| If you don't wear a coat, you will get cold. | Likely behaviour with a natural result |
Test yourself
3.3Cause and Effect
Shows direct, inevitable consequences of an action. One thing happens, and then another thing happens because of it.
Emphasises a direct link - this causes that.
Do X → Y will happen (like a scientific law for human behaviour).
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If you touch fire, you'll get burned. | Direct physical cause and effect |
| If you press this button, the toy will start. | Pressing is the cause, the toy starting is the effect |
| If the sun comes out, it will melt the snow. | Heat from the sun is the cause of the melting |
| If I tickle you, you will laugh. | An automatic physical reaction |
| If we water the flowers, they will grow. | Water is the cause of the growth |
Test yourself
4.Frequently asked questions
When do you use the first conditional?
Use the first conditional for a real future situation that could happen and its likely result: if + present simple, then will + base verb. For example: "If it rains on Saturday, we'll stay at home" or "If the bus is late, I will take a taxi". The situation can be very likely or just possible, but the speaker sees it as real, not imaginary. The first conditional also shows direct cause and effect: "If you drop the glass, it will break".
Is it correct to say "If it will rain, we will stay at home" in the first conditional?
No: in the first conditional, the if-clause uses a present tense, usually the present simple, even though it talks about the future. Say "If it rains, we will stay at home", not "If it will rain, we will stay at home". Will goes in the main clause, the one that gives the result: "If you don't hurry, you'll miss the bus", not "If you don't hurry, you miss the bus". Will after if is only correct when it means "be willing to": "If you'll wait a moment, I'll call the manager."
First conditional vs second conditional: what's the difference?
The first conditional is for real future situations that could happen; the second conditional is for imaginary ones, or ones the speaker sees as unlikely. Compare "If I get the job, I'll move to London" (it's a real possibility) with "If I got the job, I'd move to London" (the speaker doesn't really expect it). The forms differ too: if + present simple with will, or if + past simple with would. Don't mix them: say "If it snows, the school will close", not "If it snows, the school would close".
Can you use the present perfect or present continuous in a first conditional?
Yes: the if-clause can use any present tense, not only the present simple. "If you have finished your homework, you can go out" and "If it's raining, I'll take an umbrella" are both first conditionals. The main clause can use be going to or the future continuous as well as will: "If he doesn't hurry, he's going to miss the train" and "If you come at eight, we'll be having dinner." What stays the same is that the if-clause normally has no will.
Can you use may, might or can instead of will in the first conditional?
Yes: the main clause of a first conditional can use may, might, can or could instead of will, to change the meaning of the result. "If you leave now, you might catch the train" means it's only possible; "If you finish your homework, you can watch TV" gives permission. Use will when you expect the result: "If you don't wear a coat, you'll get cold". The if-clause keeps its present tense either way.
