First Conditional
A2 · ElementaryConditionalsIf it rains, I'll bring an umbrella. A real possibility — present simple + will, never 'will' in both clauses.
What you'll learn
- The first conditional uses present simple in the if-clause and 'will' in the main clause
- It describes a real, likely possibility in the future — not a general truth or something imaginary
- 'Will' never appears in the if-clause itself, only in the main clause
- A modal like 'can,' 'could,' or 'might' can replace 'will' in the main clause
A real future possibility
The first conditional talks about something that could realistically happen in the future, and what will result if it does. The if-clause uses present simple; the main clause uses 'will' plus the base verb.
Never 'will' in the if-clause
This is the single most important rule of the first conditional: 'will' never appears in the if-clause, even though the whole sentence is about the future. Only present simple goes there — the 'will' belongs exclusively to the main clause.
'Unless' and other modals
'Unless' means 'if not' and follows the same rule — present simple after it, never 'will.' The main clause can also use a modal other than 'will,' like 'can,' 'could,' or 'might,' depending on how certain the result is.
Real English
Watch out
'Will' never goes in the if-clause of a first conditional — use present simple there instead.
Only the main clause uses 'will' — the if-clause always stays in present simple.
'Unless' follows the same rule as 'if' — present simple after it, never 'will.'
Real life — Making a plan
"Are we still on for the picnic tomorrow?"
"If it doesn't rain, definitely. If it does, we'll just reschedule."
"Sounds good. I'll text you in the morning if the forecast changes."
"Perfect — unless I hear otherwise, I'll see you at noon."
Practice
Exercise 1 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct first conditional sentence.
Exercise 2 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence.
Exercise 3 · Choose the correct tense
Which tense goes in the if-clause of a first conditional?
Exercise 4 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence.
Exercise 5 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence with 'unless.'
Exercise 6 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence with a modal instead of 'will' in the main clause.
Exercise 7 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence with the main clause first.
Exercise 8 · Choose the correct sentence
Choose the correct sentence.
Exercise 9 · Complete the sentence
Complete the first conditional: 'If you ___ (finish) early, we can watch a movie.'
Exercise 10 · Complete the sentence
Complete the first conditional: 'If the weather is nice, we ___ (go) to the beach.'
Exercise 11 · Sort into groups
0 / 4 sorted
Quick challenge
Five quick questions to check what stuck.
Question 1 / 5
Score: 0/0
Choose the correct sentence.
You learned
- The first conditional uses present simple in the if-clause and 'will' in the main clause.
- It describes a real, likely possibility in the future.
- 'Will' never appears in the if-clause.
- A modal like can/could/might can replace 'will' in the main clause.
Related grammar lessons
Zero Conditional
Learn the zero conditional — present simple in both clauses — for general truths, scientific facts, and habits.
Second Conditional
Learn the second conditional — past simple in the if-clause, would in the main clause — for unreal or unlikely situations in the present or future.
Third Conditional
Learn the third conditional — past perfect in the if-clause, would have + past participle in the main clause — for imagining a different past.
Other Conditional Expressions
Learn alternative ways to express a condition — provided that, providing, on condition that, and as long as — and which register each one fits.