First Conditional
B1 grammar lesson on the first conditional for real future possibilities.
The first conditional is a future real conditional. It describes a possible future situation and the result you expect if that situation happens.
The condition is real because it can happen, but it is future because you do not know yet whether it will happen.
If the weather is nice tomorrow, we will walk to school.
This means the weather may be nice tomorrow. If that happens, the result is: we will walk.
Real Conditionals: Present Vs Future
Real conditionals talk about real-life situations. The time changes the meaning.
| Meaning | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| present real habit | if/when + present, present | If I have free time, I read. |
| future real possibility | if/when + present, future | If I have free time tomorrow, I will read. |
Use the present real conditional for habits, routines, and general truths.
When I have a day off, I usually visit my parents.
Use the first conditional for a specific possible future situation.
If I have a day off next Friday, I will visit my parents.
Basic Form: Future Real Conditional
| If part | Result part |
|---|---|
| If + present simple | will + base verb |
| If it rains tomorrow, | we will stay home. |
| If you study tonight, | you will feel more confident. |
The if part uses the present simple, even when the meaning is future.
Correct: If she calls, I will tell you.
Incorrect: If she will call, I will tell you.
You can put the if part first or second.
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| If + condition, result. | If I finish early, I will call you. |
| Result + if + condition. | I will call you if I finish early. |
Use a comma when the if part comes first.
If And When
Both if and when can appear in real conditionals, but they do not feel the same.
Use if when you are not sure the condition will happen.
If you call me later, I will give you the address.
Use when when you expect the condition to happen and you are only waiting for it.
When you call me later, I will give you the address.
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| possible, uncertain | If I see Marco, I will give him your message. |
| expected, more certain | When I see Marco, I will give him your message. |
Unless Means If Not
Unless means if not. Do not add another negative after unless.
| With if not | With unless |
|---|---|
| If we do not leave now, we will be late. | Unless we leave now, we will be late. |
| I will not go if you do not come too. | I will not go unless you come too. |
Other Result Forms
Will is common, but other result forms are possible.
| Result form | Example |
|---|---|
| will | If I have time, I will help you. |
| can | If you need me, you can call. |
| may or might | If traffic is bad, we might arrive late. |
| imperative | If you feel sick, call a doctor. |
You can also use be going to when the result is already planned.
If the weather is nice, we are going to have lunch outside.
Common Mistakes
| Avoid | Use |
|---|---|
| If it will rain, we will cancel. | If it rains, we will cancel. |
| Unless you do not hurry, you will miss it. | Unless you hurry, you will miss it. |
| When I might go out, I will buy bread. | If I go out, I will buy bread. |
Practice
If the weather ___ nice tomorrow, we will go to the beach.
Summary
Use the first conditional for future real possibilities: If + present simple, will + base verb. Use if when the future condition is uncertain, when when you expect it to happen, and unless for if not. Do not use will in the if, when, until, or unless part.