English Teaching

The First Conditional β€” Real Possibilities in English

🎯 B1
⏱️ 5 min

πŸ’¬ 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 + Present Simple  ,  will + base verb
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. βœ…
  • 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.
βœ… If it rains, I will stay home. β€” Never use will in the if clause.

🎯 Quick Practice

Complete with the correct form:

  1. If she ___ (not study), she ___ (fail) the test.
  2. ___ you ___ (come) to the party if I ___ (invite) you?
  3. Unless he ___ (apologise), I ___ (not speak) to him.
  4. If you ___ (press) this button, the alarm ___ (go off).
Reveal Answers β–Ό
  1. doesn’t study / will fail
  2. Will you come / invite
  3. apologises / won’t speak
  4. press / will go off

βœ… Takeaway: First conditional = real possibility. If-clause: Present Simple. Result clause: will + base verb. Never “will” in the if-clause.


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