π― B1
β±οΈ 5 min
π¬ 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 DiplΓ΄me. Conditionals are not just grammar β they are the language of goals.
The First Conditional β Real & Possible Situations
If it rains, I will stay home.
Use the first conditional for things that are genuinely possible β real future conditions.
More Examples
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam. β
- 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)
β οΈ Common Mistake
β If it will rain, I will stay home.
β
If it rains, I will stay home. β Never use will in the if clause.
π― 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 βΌ
- doesn’t study / will fail
- Will you come / invite
- apologises / won’t speak
- press / will go off
β Takeaway: First conditional = real possibility. If-clause: Present Simple. Result clause: will + base verb. Never “will” in the if-clause.
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