The First Conditional — Real Possibilities in English
🎯 B1
⏱️ 5 min
💬 Real life: Learning French as an adult, I told myself: “If I practise every day, I will reach C1.” I did. Five years later, I passed the Diplôme. Conditionals are not just grammar — they are the language of goals.
The First Conditional — Real & Possible Situations
If + Present Simple , will + base verb
If it rains, I will stay home.
If it rains, I will stay home.
Use the first conditional for things that are genuinely possible — real future conditions.
More Examples
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam. ✅
- If she calls, I will tell her the news.
- Will you help me if I ask nicely?
- Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus. (unless = if not)
⚠️ Common Mistake
❌ If it will rain, I will stay home.
✅ If it rains, I will stay home. — Never use will in the if clause.
🎯 Quick Practice
Complete with the correct form:
- If she ___ (not study), she ___ (fail) the test.
- ___ you ___ (come) to the party if I ___ (invite) you?
- Unless he ___ (apologise), I ___ (not speak) to him.
- If you ___ (press) this button, the alarm ___ (go off).
Reveal Answers ▼
- doesn’t study / will fail
- Will you come / invite
- apologises / won’t speak
- press / will go off
✅ Takeaway: First conditional = real possibility. If-clause: Present Simple. Result clause: will + base verb. Never “will” in the if-clause.
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