🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What is the First Conditional?

The first conditional expresses real or probable future situations. It uses if + simple present in the condition, and will/can/may + base verb in the result. It's used to talk about realistic possibilities and natural consequences.

Short answer

The first conditional follows the pattern: If + simple present, will/can/may + base verb. Example: 'If I study hard, I will pass the exam.'

First Conditional Structure

1
Condition (if clause)
If + simple present tense
↓
2
Result clause
will/can/may + base verb
↓
3
Complete sentence
If I study, I will pass the exam.

Step-by-step worked examples

Complete: 'If she studies, she _____ the test.'

Identify the if clause (condition): 'If she studies' (simple present)
Choose the result: will + pass
Final: If she studies, she will pass the test.

Complete: 'If it rains, we _____ the picnic.'

Identify the if clause: 'If it rains' (simple present)
Choose the result: will + cancel
Final: If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.

Complete: 'If you practice, you _____ improve.'

Identify the if clause: 'If you practice' (simple present)
Choose the result: can + (showing possibility)
Final: If you practice, you can improve.

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Complete: 'If you eat too much, you _____ weight.'

Correct answer: B. First conditional uses 'will' + base verb in the result clause.

Q2.What tense goes in the if clause?

Correct answer: B. First conditional uses simple present in the if clause.

Q3.Which is a first conditional?

Correct answer: B. First conditional talks about real, likely future situations with 'if' + present and 'will'.

Q4.Complete: 'If the weather is nice, _____ play outside.'

Correct answer: A. First conditional uses 'will' in the result: 'will play.'

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Common mistakes

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Using future tense in the if clause: 'If I will study, I will pass.' — Correct: If I study, I will pass. (Use simple present in the if clause.)

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Using past tense: 'If I studied, I will pass.' — Correct: If I study, I will pass. (Use simple present, not past.)

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Forgetting 'will': 'If it rains, we stay home.' — Correct: If it rains, we will stay home. (Include 'will' in the result.)

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Confusing with second conditional: 'If I would go, I would see it.' — Correct: If I go, I will see it. (First conditional is about likely futures.)

FAQ

What is the first conditional?

The first conditional expresses real or probable future situations. Pattern: If + simple present, will + base verb.

When is the first conditional used?

Use it for realistic, likely future situations: 'If you train hard, you will win.'

What tense is used in the condition?

Simple present: 'If I arrive', 'If she calls', 'If they finish.'

What modals can be used in the result?

Will, can, may, might, must: 'If you try, you can succeed.' 'If it rains, we may postpone.'