First conditional
The first conditional describes possible future situations and their likely consequences.
Table of Contents
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).
| Main Clause | Subordinate Clause (needs more information to be a full sentence) |
|---|---|
| also called Independent Clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence |
also called Dependent Clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone; needs to be connected to an independent clause. |
| Examples: | Examples: |
| She will help me. I would go for a walk. We’ll go out. You’ll pass the test. |
If I ask her about it If it weren't that cold If the meeting ends If you study hard |
| 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 Wnen and If 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. |
2.First Conditional REAL / Structure
2.1Standart Forms
The first conditional expresses real or possible future situations and their likely consequences. It deals with situations that are probable or likely to happen.
| Rules and Tenses Standard Form |
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 |
Practice Examples
If it (rain) _____ tomorrow, we (cancel) _____ the picnic.
If she (study) _____ hard, she (pass) _____ the exam.
If the train (arrive) _____ late, I (miss) _____ my connection.
2.2Alternative Forms
| Rules and Tenses Alternative |
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 practice daily, you can improve quickly. | Ability or possibility as result | |
| If the weather is good, we could go hiking. | Suggestion or possibility | |
| If you finished your homework on time, you can watch TV. | Future permission based on 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 + base verb III |
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 |
Practice Examples
If she (study) _____ when I arrive, I (wait) _____ outside.
If they (work) _____ on the project now, we (join) _____ them later.
If it (rain) _____ this evening, we (cancel) _____ the outdoor event.
3.Use
3.1Real Future Situations
The first conditional describes possible future situations and their likely consequences.
The first conditional predicts possible future events based on specific conditions, outcomes based on possible future 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. | You might or might not see her — it depends, but it’s possible. |
| If we win the lottery, we will buy a house. | It’s real, but maybe not very likely. |
| If AI writes 90% of news articles, journalists will riot. | Predicts a possible development and its reaction |
Practice Examples
If interest rates (drop) _____ next month, more people (buy) _____ houses.
If the company (launch) _____ the new app, users (switch) _____ from competitors.
If scientists (develop) _____ a malaria vaccine, millions of lives (be) _____ saved.
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 conditionals 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. | The weather forecast says there’s a big chance of rain tomorrow, so it’s expected. |
| If the traffic is bad, you might be late to school. | Rush hour traffic usually happens every morning, so it is likely to happen. |
| If you eat all your dinner, you can have dessert. | You usually eat your dinner, so this condition is expected to happen. |
| If the power goes out, we will need candles. | According to the weather forecast, storm is coming. Storms often cause power cuts here, so losing power is expected. |
| If you don’t wear a coat, you will get cold. | You don't like wearing coats, so I expect that. Getting cold is a natural result here. |
Practice Examples
If you (not / charge) _____ your phone tonight, it (die) _____ during your presentation.
If she (keep) _____ skipping classes, she (fail) _____ the course.
If they (not / pay) _____ rent by Friday, they (receive) _____ an eviction notice.
3.3Cause and Effect
Shows direct, inevitable consequences of an action. One thing happens, and then another thing happens because of it.
Emphasizes a direct link — this causes that.
Do X → Y will happen (like a scientific law for human behavior).
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If you touch fire, you’ll get burned. | Fire will obviously cause burn. |
| If you press this button, the toy will start. | Pressing is the cause. Toy playing is the effect. |
| If the sun comes out, it will melt the snow. | Sun makes snow go away. |
| If I tickle you, you will laugh. | Tickling makes people giggle! |
| If we water the flowers, they will grow. | Giving water makes the plants happy! |
Practice Examples
If you (text) _____ while driving, you (cause) _____ an accident.
If you (skip) _____ breakfast every day, you (develop) _____ health problems.
If you (not / eat) _____ for three days, you (feel) _____ weak.
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