First conditional in English: structure, examples and exercises
The first conditional is used for real future possibilities: plans, consequences, warnings, decisions and likely results.
When the first conditional feels natural, the future stops being a translation and becomes a clear decision: if this happens, I will do that.
Quick answer
The most common first conditional structure is If + present simple, will + infinitive. It connects a real condition with a likely result.
What is the first conditional?
The first conditional describes a possible condition in the present or future and a result that is likely to happen. It is the conditional of real decisions: study, book, call, practise, warn or change a plan.
Unlike the zero conditional, it does not describe general truths; unlike the second conditional, it does not imagine an unlikely situation. The first conditional works with a real possibility.
A possible condition
A result you can choose
A likely consequence
First conditional structure
The main formula is simple and powerful: an if clause in present simple and a result clause with will. You can change the order without changing the meaning.
| Type | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | If + subject + present simple, subject + will + infinitive | If I study today, I will pass the test. |
| Negative | If + subject + present simple, subject + will not / won't + infinitive | If she does not practise, she won't improve. |
| Question | Will + subject + infinitive + if + subject + present simple? | Will you call me if you arrive early? |
| Unless | Unless + subject + present simple, subject + will + infinitive | Unless we leave now, we will be late. |
| Modal result | If + subject + present simple, subject + can/may/might + infinitive | If you finish the exercise, you can check the answers. |
Key rule: do not use will after if in the condition. Say If I have time, I will practise, not If I will have time...
When do we use the first conditional?
Plans
Use it when a future action depends on a real condition.
Consequences
Use it to show what will probably happen after a condition.
Offers and promises
Use it to react to a condition with a clear decision.
Warnings
Use it to make the result of an action easy to see.
Unless
Use unless when the meaning is if not.
Alternatives to will
Use can, may or might to change the degree of certainty.
First conditional examples and sentences
Use these examples to connect first conditional structure, first conditional examples, first conditional sentences and real-life meaning.
First conditional examples
- If I wake up early, I will go for a walk.
- If we save enough money, we will travel in summer.
- If you send the email now, they will answer today.
First conditional sentences
- If it is sunny, we will eat outside.
- If he studies grammar, he will write better.
- If they invite us, we will go to the meeting.
First conditional questions
- What will you do if it rains?
- Will she join the class if she has time?
- Where will they stay if the hotel is full?
First conditional sentences to practise
Difference between zero, first, second and third conditional
The key is not to memorise labels, but to decide whether you are describing a general truth, a real possibility, an imaginary hypothesis or an impossible past result.
General truth
Real future possibility
Imaginary situation
Past impossible result
Common first conditional mistakes
Most mistakes come from translating word for word. In English, use the present simple after if, even when the meaning refers to the future.
First conditional exercises with answers
Practise the structure, negatives, questions and alternatives such as unless, when, can or may. The goal is to use the first conditional without translating word for word.
Exercise 1
- If I _____ (finish) early, I _____ (call) you.
- She _____ (not improve) if she _____ (not practise).
- If it _____ (rain), we _____ (stay) at home.
- What _____ you _____ (do) if you _____ (miss) the bus?
Respuestas: finish / will call; will not improve / does not practise; rains / will stay; will / do / miss.
Exercise 2
- Unless you _____ (study), you _____ (forget) it.
- If they _____ (arrive) early, they _____ (can join) us.
- Will you help me if I _____ (need) it?
- If he _____ (be) tired, he _____ (not go) out.
Respuestas: study / will forget; arrive / can join; need; is / will not go.
First conditional FAQ
What is the first conditional structure?
The usual structure is If + present simple, will + infinitive. Even when the meaning is future, the if clause uses present simple.
When do we use the first conditional?
We use it for a real or likely condition and its future result: plans, warnings, promises, consequences and decisions.
Can I use can, may or might in the first conditional?
Yes. Will expresses a likely result; can expresses ability or permission; may and might express possibility.
What is the difference between zero and first conditional?
The zero conditional expresses general truths. The first conditional expresses a specific future possibility.
Can I use unless?
Yes. Unless means if not: Unless you practise, you will forget the structure.
Master the first conditional with real practice
Learn the formula, see examples, correct mistakes and use it for real decisions in English.