First Conditional: Rules, Examples, and Practice You Need

The first conditional is one of the most useful structures in English. It helps you talk about real possibilities in the future—things that might happen if something else happens first.

In this guide, you’ll get a complete breakdown of how to use it correctly, see it in action with real-world examples, and test your understanding with practical exercises.

What Is the First Conditional?

The first conditional is used to talk about real and possible future situations. It describes something that could happen if a specific condition is met.

Basic Structure

If + present simple, will + base verb

Examples:

• If it rains, we will stay home.

• If you study, you will pass the test.

• If she calls, I will answer.

This structure shows a cause and effect relationship between a possible future condition and a likely result.

First Conditional vs Other Conditionals

There are four main types of conditionals in English. The 1st conditional deals with real future possibilities. Here’s how it compares:

Remember: the first conditional is for things that are likely to happen if a condition is met. It’s not about dreams or hypotheticals—it’s about reality.

How to Use the First Conditional: Rules and Tips

Let’s break down the first conditional into its key components and rules.

1. Use Present Simple in the If-Clause

This surprises many learners. Even though you’re talking about the future, you use the present simple in the condition part.

Correct:

• If you eat too much, you will feel sick.

Incorrect:

• If you will eat too much, you will feel sick. ❌

2. Use "Will" for the Result Clause

The result is a future action or consequence, so we use will + base verb.

Examples:

• If he finishes early, he will join us.

• If they don’t leave now, they will miss the train.

3. Negative Form

You can make either part negative.

Examples:

• If you don’t try, you won’t succeed.

• If she calls, I won’t answer.

4. Question Form

You can also ask questions with the 1st conditional

Examples:

• What will you do if it rains?

• Will she come if you invite her?

Common First Conditional Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors:

❌ Using "will" in both clauses

Wrong: If she will come, we will leave.
Right: If she comes, we will leave.

❌ Using present continuous or past tense

Wrong: If he was busy, he will call later.
Right: If he is busy, he will call later.

❌ Confusing with second conditional

Wrong: If I won the lottery, I will travel the world.
(That’s hypothetical → should be “would travel”)
Right: If I win the lottery, I will travel the world.

When to Use the First Conditional

Use the 1st conditional when:

• You're talking about real future possibilities

• The situation is likely or possible

• You want to predict results of actions or decisions

Examples in Real Life:

• If I get the job, I will move to Berlin.

• If we leave now, we will catch the last bus.

• If you don’t water the plants, they will die.

Practice: First Conditional Exercises

Try these examples to test your understanding. Fill in the blanks with the correct form.

Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences

1. If you __________ (not hurry), you __________ (miss) the train.

2. If they __________ (study) hard, they __________ (pass) the exam.

3. If it __________ (rain), we __________ (stay) inside.

4. If she __________ (call) me, I __________ (answer).

5. If we __________ (not book) a table, we __________ (not get) a seat.

Answers:

1. don’t hurry / will miss

2. study / will pass

3. rains / will stay

4. calls / will answer

5. don’t book / won’t get

The use of 1st Conditional in Everyday English

Using the 1st conditional makes your English more natural and fluent. Native speakers use it all the time to talk about decisions, plans, and consequences.

Examples in Conversation:

• “If you’re free later, I’ll send you the link.”

• “If they raise the price, I won’t buy it.”

• “If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late.”

Start using these patterns in your own speaking and writing—they’re simple but powerful.

Summary: Master the First Conditional Now

The first conditional is a must-know structure for anyone learning English. It helps you express real future possibilities, make predictions, and understand consequences.

Remember the formula:

If + present simple, will + base verb

With enough practice, this pattern will become second nature.

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