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Expressing real and likely future conditions and their results.
The First Conditional describes a real or possible future condition and its likely or possible result.
It is used when the speaker considers the condition realistic enough to be a genuine possibility.
The First Conditional commonly uses the Present Simple in the if-clause and will followed by the base verb in the main clause.
For example, If it rains, we will stay at home.
Use the Present Simple in the if-clause when referring to a possible future condition.
For example, If she comes tomorrow, I will talk to her.
Will is commonly used in the main clause to express the likely future result of the condition.
For example, If you study, you will pass the exam.
The if-clause can come first and is normally followed by a comma.
For example, If you call me, I will answer.
The main clause can come first and is normally not followed by a comma before the if-clause.
For example, I will answer if you call me.
Use the First Conditional when the condition is a realistic future possibility.
For example, If the weather is good tomorrow, we will go to the beach.
The First Conditional can be used to describe a likely negative result as a warning.
For example, If you touch that wire, you will get an electric shock.
The First Conditional can express promises or offers that depend on a future condition.
For example, If you help me, I will help you and If you need anything, I will call you.
The First Conditional can describe a predicted future result if a condition occurs.
For example, If prices continue to rise, people will spend less.
An imperative can occur in the main clause when the speaker gives an instruction that depends on a future condition.
For example, If you see John, tell him to call me.
Modal verbs such as can, may, might, should, and must can replace will when the result expresses another meaning.
For example, If you finish early, you can leave. If it rains, we may cancel the match.
The Present Continuous can sometimes appear in the main clause when the result is a future arrangement or ongoing situation.
For example, If you come tomorrow, we are having lunch together.
Be going to can express an intended or evidence-based future result in a First Conditional sentence.
For example, If we do not leave now, we are going to miss the train.
May and might can express an uncertain future result.
For example, If it rains, we might stay at home.
Unless can replace if...not when the condition means that something will happen except when a particular condition prevents it.
For example, Unless you hurry, you will miss the train.
First Conditional meanings can be introduced by expressions such as when, as soon as, before, after, until, and once.
These expressions normally use a present form for future reference in the subordinate clause.
Use when when the speaker expects an event to happen, and use if when the event is only a possibility or condition.
Compare When he arrives, we will start with If he arrives, we will start.
Will is not normally used in the if-clause to express an ordinary future condition.
Use the Present Simple instead: If it rains, we will stay home, not If it will rain, we will stay home.
Will can occur in an if-clause when it expresses willingness, insistence, or refusal rather than ordinary future time.
For example, If you will listen to me, I can explain the problem.
Should can be used in the if-clause to make a future condition more tentative or formal.
For example, If you should need any help, please contact us.
Were to can express a hypothetical or unlikely future condition in more formal English.
For example, If the company were to close, many people would lose their jobs.
The First Conditional describes a particular possible future situation, while the Zero Conditional describes a general or repeated relationship.
Compare If you do not water this plant, it will die with If plants do not get water, they die.
The First Conditional presents a realistic future possibility, while the Second Conditional presents a more hypothetical or unlikely situation.
Compare If I have time, I will help you with If I had more time, I would help you.
Use the First Conditional when the condition is a realistic future possibility and use the appropriate tense or modal in each clause.
Common mistakes include using will in an ordinary if-clause, using would in the if-clause, confusing unless with if...not, and using the First Conditional for general truths that require the Zero Conditional.